Never underestimate what God will do through your prayers

 

Hannah prayed, and the Lord gave her a son, Samuel.

"And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. ... For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:" - 1 Samuel 1:10, 27 KJV

Solomon prayed, and the fire came down from heaven, and the glory of the LORD filled the house.

"Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house." - 2 Chronicles 7:1 KJV

Daniel prayed, and God gave him understanding of the end times.

"Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel…informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding." - Daniel 9:21-22 KJV

The church prayed and Peter was miraculously delivered from prison.

"Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. ... And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews." - Acts 12:5, 11 KJV

Through prayer, things can be accomplished that we could never do. Souls can be reached that we could never reach. Miracles can happen. Never underestimate what God will do through your prayers.

"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

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me

 

Jesus did not die for us to continue in sin; He died so that we could have victory over sin by His Spirit!

When we repent of our sins and are water baptized in the name of Jesus for the washing away of our sins, Jesus promises to fill us with His Spirit (if we will receive His Spirit). (Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4).

When we repent of our sins, it is not just telling Jesus “sorry.” It is regretting we committed these sins, and committing our heart to not repeat them again.

Jesus does not expect us to handle this by ourselves. When we repent and are baptized, His plan is to give us His Spirit to give us power to have a change in our life.

"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 KJV

"For if ye live after the flesh [your old sinful nature], ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit [the power of 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 [children of God]." - Romans 8:13-14 KJV 

When we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Jesus in us, it is as if God breathed into us His breath of life.

Just as when a baby is born, he takes his first breathe and begins breathing. While that first breath gives him life outside the womb, he must CONTINUE to breath to live.

It is the same with us when we are born again of the Spirit. We need to stay full of the Spirit to keep the victory over sin. This is how we WALK in the Spirit.

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh [Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves]." - Galatians 5:16 KJV

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

Sunday - The First Day of the Week

 

Sunday is the first day of the week

The Romans call the first day of the week Sunday, but the Bible calls it “the first day of the week,” or in Hebrew, “Yom Rishon.”  (רִאשׁוֹן יוֹם). “Yom” means “day,” while “Rishon” literally means “first.” The Hebrew week begins on Sunday.

Except for Shabbat, the Hebrew weekdays are named after their order. Rishon literally means “first”, Sheni means “second”, Shlishi means “third” and so on. However, the Hebrew word שבת (Shabbat) means “stopped working” or “rested”. (Jerusalem Post Ivrit).

What happened in the Bible on the first day (Sunday) of the week?

The first mention of first day (Sunday) is the following,

"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

We see in the New Testament that Jesus was resurrected on the first day of the week. (Sunday).

"Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils." - Mark 16:9 KJV

We see also that the disciples assembled on the first day of the week. (Sunday). (Assembled referring to meeting for church. See: Hebrews 10:25).

"Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you." - John 20:19 KJV (John 20:26).

We see Paul preaching to the local believers in Troas on the first day of the week (Sunday).

"And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples [local believers] came together to break bread [Lord’s Supper], Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight." - Acts 20:7 KJV [NLT]

We see on the first day of the week (Sunday) Paul tells the church to take up an offering for the saints in Jerusalem,

"Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." - 1 Corinthians 16:2 KJV

Church!

 

How soon did people in the Bible get baptized after they heard the Gospel?

On the day of Pentecost when the church first began, Peter preached the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When he got to the end of his message, the Bible says they were pricked in their heart and asked, “What shall we do?”

"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

Those that received his word were baptized the same day!

"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

When God opened the prison doors for Paul and Silas, the keeper of the prison was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried, Do not harm yourself - we are all here! Trembling, the prison keeper said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house." - Acts 16:31-32 KJV

When they heard the word of the Lord, they wanted to be baptized. When did Paul baptize the prison keeper and his household? The same hour of the night!

"And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway." - Acts 16:33 KJV

When Peter saw that the Gentiles received the Holy Ghost, he commanded them, then and there, to be baptized!

"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

See also: Phillip baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch: Acts 8:35-38, Ananias baptizing Paul: Acts 22:14-16/ Acts 9:15-18, Paul baptizing John’s disciples: Acts 19:3-5.

The Bible reveals that there was never any delay when it came to water baptizing people in the name of Jesus after they heard and believed the gospel.

It is the power that makes the difference

 

Jesus gives us the power we need to overcome sin in our life.

When we turn to Jesus, away from a lifestyle of sin, and are baptized in His name Jesus, He forgives us and washes away all of our sins. When Jesus fills us with His Holy Ghost, He gives us the power we need to overcome sin.

"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

It is through His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, that we mortify the deeds of our body, putting to death our old sinful habits that we had when we were “living after the flesh.”

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

"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

Jesus promises us His Holy Ghost when we repent and are baptized in 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. 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 (Acts 2:4).

It is the power that makes the difference. Jesus said you shall receive power…

Faith

 

Faith

"And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you." - Luke 17:5-6

Jesus told His disciples, a grain of mustard seed is the smallest of seeds, yet when it is sown, it grows and becomes greater than all herbs. (Mark 4:31-32).

When faith is sown in our heart, even if it is a tiny seed of faith, it will grow and become great faith.

We hear about Jesus. We believe. A tiny seed of faith is planted. We begin praying, thanking Jesus for another day of life. We ask Him for His help with the things of life we are going through. We see Jesus answering prayer after prayer. We see Him working miracles. We see His healing touch in our life. With each prayer answered, our faith grows.

Faith is essential to our relationship with God.

"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

We have faith in God. We believe the Creator of the universe stepped down into humanity, taking on the form of man, so that He could pay the price of our sins.

Through faith by believing, we are baptized in the name of Jesus, applying His blood to our life for the remission of our sins. (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38).

Because of our faith, we believe God's promise, and receive the gift of His Spirit in us, 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. 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

Faith is the beginning. Faith grows. Faith takes us through trials, works miracles, and takes us places as God’s hands, feet, and mouthpiece. We live by faith. We walk by faith. We stand fast in faith. And faith keeps us to the day when we see our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ face to face.

The Kingdom - Part 3

We find that to be in the kingdom of God, we must not only initially get oil in our lamps (born of the Spirit - John 3:5), but we must keep full of oil (full of the Holy Ghost - Acts 6:3).

"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom…" - Matthew 25:1-13

The kingdom of God is not a physical kingdom; it is a spiritual kingdom. We enter the kingdom of God by repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus, and receiving the Holy Ghost. The kingdom of God is within us. (John 3:5, Acts 2:38).

"And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." - Luke 17:20-21

"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." - Romans 14:17

The kingdom of God is in power.

"For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." - 1 Corinthians 4:20

When we are born of water and of the Spirit, we receive the power of the Spirit that is life changing.

"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

The power of the Holy Ghost gives us a life changing experience that we become witnesses of. By the Holy Ghost and baptism in the name of Jesus we are washed, sanctified, and justified.

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind [practice homosexuality], nor thieves, nor covetous [greedy of gain], nor drunkards, nor revilers [are abusive], nor extortioners [cheat people], shall inherit the kingdom of God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

"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 6:11 

The Kingdom - Part 2

                                           

The Kingdom Part 2

Jesus went everywhere, preaching the kingdom of God.

"And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him," - Luke 8:1 KJV

Jesus told Nicodemus how we 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

Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom.

"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven..." - Matthew 16:19 KJV (Matthew speaks of the kingdom as “the kingdom of heaven,” while Mark, Luke, and John speak of the kingdom as “the kingdom of God.”)

With the keys from Jesus, Peter, full of the Holy Ghost, made clear what being born of water and of the Spirit is and exactly how we enter the kingdom.

"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 are born of the water when we are water baptized in the name of Jesus. We are born of the Spirit when we are Spirit baptized, filled with the Holy Ghost.

When we enter the kingdom of God by being born of water and of the Spirit to live our lives for God, we must not look back to the world of sin.

"And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62 KJV

If we went to be secure in the kingdom, we must forgive others, just as Jesus forgave us when we repented of our sins and were baptized in His name for the remission of our sins. (Acts 2:38, Mark 11:26, Matthew 6:12, 14-15, Colossians 3:13, Matthew 18:23-35).

To be continued…

Thy Kingdom

 

The Kingdom

When the angel Gabriel came to Mary, he spoke to her about her son and His kingdom.

"And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." - Luke 1:33 KJV

At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus preached about the kingdom. During His ministry, Jesus taught many, many things about the kingdom.

"Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." - Mark 1:14-15 KJV

Jesus taught His disciples to pray about the kingdom.

"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. ... And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." - Matthew 6:9-10, 13 KJV

Jesus taught we must seek first the kingdom.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." - Matthew 6:33 KJV

Jesus told Peter,

"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." - Matthew 16:19 KJV

Jesus spoke of the gospel of the kingdom when His disciples asked Him about the end of the world.

"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

Jesus told His disciples the kingdom was a mystery, but the mystery was revealed to them.

"And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:" - Mark 4:11 KJV

To be continued…

“The rest of the story” of Paul and Silas and the Philippian jailor - What must I do to be saved?

“The rest of the story” of Paul and Silas and the Philippian jailor - What must I do to be saved?

There is a verse some use for their doctrine of salvation, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” They say all a person needs to do is “believe” and they are saved. This verse, however, is pulled out of context.

What does the Bible say is the rest of the story?

Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison, after the multitudes were stirred up against them.

"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

“And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

“And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

“But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

“Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." - Acts 16:25-31 KJV

BUT WHAT DO THE NEXT VERSES SAY?

And now for the rest of the story…

Paul and Silas “SPAKE UNTO HIM THE WORD OF THE LORD.”

"And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

THEN, HE “WAS BAPTIZED, HE AND ALL HIS, STRAIGHTWAY.”

“And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway." - Acts 16:32-33 KJV

AFTER the jailer and all his house heard the word of the Lord and were baptized, THEN they were counted as “believers.”

"And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house." - Acts 16:34

NOW you know THE REST OF THE STORY!

Church! Draw Near to God and He will Draw Near to You

                                                             

                                              

Church!

"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." - James 4:8 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

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

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting [preparing fully, equipping] of the saints [God’s people], for the work of the ministry, for the edifying [building up, promoting growth] of the body of Christ [the church]:" - Ephesians 4:11-12 KJV

At church we have the opportunity to hear the gospel.

 "How that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV

At church we have the opportunity 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.

“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

This is the time to draw close to God, get in church, and stay in church.

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

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

"Not forsaking [not giving up] the assembling [meeting] of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting [encouraging] one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day [of His return] approaching." - Hebrews 10:23-25 KJV

Keep the faith. For God is faithful. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you!

Biblical Examples of Water Baptism - Compare the Difference!

 

Peter preached of Christ’s suffering, death, burial, and resurrection to Jews from all nations on the Day of Pentecost at Jerusalem. He then preached of repentance and remission of sins by baptism in the name of Jesus:

Acts 2:38, 41 "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. ... Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." 

Here are the rest of the verses from the photo of Biblical examples of baptism:

Acts 8:16 "(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)"

Acts 10:47-48 "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. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days."

Acts 19:4-5 "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 22:16 "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."

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

1 Corinthians 1:13-15 "Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name."

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

Colossians 2:11-12 "In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 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."

The Great Creator is Our Savior - His Name is Jesus!

 

The Mighty God, who is the Everlasting Father, manifested Himself in the flesh and blood of a human body and walked among us as the Son of God. The Great Creator is our Savior! His Name is JESUS!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

“Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." - Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV

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

Baptized Into Christ

 

                                                

"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 repent of our sins, are baptized in the name of Jesus and are filled with His Holy Ghost we have put on Christ.

We identify with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection by repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus, and Spirit baptism by receiving the gift of His Holy Ghost (speaking in tongues as His Spirit speaks through us). (Acts 2:4).

We become a new creature in Jesus. We have crucified and buried our old nature/old man of sin and have put on the new man, Christ Jesus. His Holy Spirit is in us. We walk in His Spirit. (Colossians 2:11-12).

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

"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 6:3-4 KJV

"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

"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." - Romans 13:14 KJV

"And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." - Ephesians 4:24 KJV

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." - Galatians 5:24 KJV

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17 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

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:" - Colossians 2:6 KJV

Baptism in the name of Jesus is necessary for salvation

Baptism obviously is necessary for salvation. When Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, came by night to talk to Jesus, the first thing Jesus said to him was, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3).

Nicodemus did not understand that Jesus was speaking about BAPTISM.

"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 clarified that He was NOT talking about a PHYSICAL birth from our mother – He was talking about a SPIRITUAL birth being born again by WATER BAPTISM and SPIRIT BAPTISM.

"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. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." - John 3:5-6 KJV

Jesus CONTINUED preaching the gospel to Nicodemus. He next spoke to Nicodemus of His crucifixion - that He must be “lifted up.” 

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:" - John 3:14 KJV

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16 KJV

Remember, JESUS IS STILL SPEAKING TO NICODEMUS HERE, that He told we must be BORN AGAIN.

Next, Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about the importance of His NAME – “JESUS” – to be saved!

"He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." - John 3:18 KJV

What does the Bible say that Jesus did next?

Jesus BAPTIZED.

"After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized." - John 3:22 KJV

Yes, WATER BAPTISM in the NAME OF JESUS is NECESSARY for our SALVATION. (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 KJV

The World

 

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." - 1 John 2:15 KJV

What does this verse mean?

"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh [physical pleasure], and the lust of the eyes [craving for everything we see], and the pride of life [pride in our achievements and possessions], is not of the Father, but is of the world." - 1 John 2:16 KJV

What hope do we have if we turn from the temptations of the world?

"And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." - 1 John 2:17 KJV

How can we resist our sinful habits and desires and please God?

We can receive the gift from God of His Spirit to overcome temptation and become a witness of His transforming power.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans 12:2 KJV [Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.]

"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 KJV

Being renewed in His Spirit daily gives us victory.

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

“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

This is how we are born of God, doing His will with the power of His Spirit, overcoming the world in victory.

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." - 1 John 5:4 KJV

The Power of the Holy Ghost

 

The Power 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. 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

"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 KJV

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." - John 16:13 KJV

"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

"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." - Romans 14:17 KJV

"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." - Romans 5:5 KJV

"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

"Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." - 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 KJV

"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you." - Romans 8:9 KJV

From: Exploring God's Word Bible Study

Prayer, Spiritual Battles, and True Victory

                                             

Prayer, Spiritual Battles, and True Victory

Our battle is WON when our “enemy” (those driven by a carnal, sinful nature to do evil against us, and those being driven by the god of this world, the devil, to do evil against us) falls under conviction, is converted, and is saved to live for Jesus (Acts 2:38). And THEY JOIN the army of the Lord against the forces of evil.

"To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." - Acts 26:18 KJV [2 Corinthians 4:3-4, 2Timothy 2:25-26].

"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

We pray against the forces of evil, we pray for overpowering conviction to fall on those doing unnamable atrocities, that they repent and turn to Jesus. [Acts 2:38].

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…" - Ephesians 6:18 KJV [See: Ephesians 6:10-18].

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, 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

"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. ... But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." - Romans 6:17, 22 KJV

The gates of hell cannot prevail against the Church. By the gospel – the blood, the Spirit, and the name of Jesus -– souls are released and set free - hell cannot hold souls captive. [Acts 2:38, Matthew 16:18, 1Corinthians 10:4].

From the Old Man to the New Man

 

"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

"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

We crucify our “old man” of sin (“the flesh”) when we repent of our sins, and put on the “new man” when we are baptized in the name of Jesus and are filled with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost.

"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

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." - Galatians 5:24 KJV

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

"Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds [old life of sin]; and have put on the new man [filled with the Spirit of Jesus], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him [as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him]:" - Colossians 3:9-10 KJV

"For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

“But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:20-23 KJV

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

"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

[Chart from: Exploring God’s Word Bible Study]

Choose Wisely

We have choices. 

We choose what we are going to listen to, what we are going to spend our time looking at, and what we are going to spend our time doing. We choose where we are going to go, and what we are going to talk about. At any point we can stop to go in another direction.

We choose what we think about. We choose if we dwell on certain thoughts. We have the power to stop thinking thoughts that we don't want to think about, to change our mind and to think about other things.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God [Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think]." - Romans 12:2 KJV

It is up to us to:

"Cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear [reverence] of God." - 2 Corinthians 7:1 KJV

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded [your loyalty is divided between God and the world] ... Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." - James 4:7-8, 10 KJV

"Save yourselves from this untoward [crooked] generation." - Acts 2:40 KJV

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve…" - Joshua 24:15 KJV

 

The New Covenant

 

John the Baptist’s baptism was “the baptism of repentance” in preparation for the coming of Christ. (Acts 19:4).

Repentance is being sorrowful for our sinful life. It is a change of heart and mind.  It is turning our lives to Jesus and away from sin.

Repentance prepares the way for baptism in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins. (Acts 2:38).

Jesus brought His new covenant by His death on the cross. It is by Jesus’ death that He shed His blood for our sins. The new covenant is a blood covenant.

Jesus told His disciples,

"For this is my blood of the new testament [covenant], which is shed for many for the remission of sins." - Matthew 26:28 KJV (Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:22).

By water baptism in the name of Jesus, we enter into His new covenant. By Jesus name baptism, the blood of Jesus is applied to our life. ("Testament" is another word for covenant.)

"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:" - Romans 6:3-4 KJV

The name of Jesus carries His blood. When we are baptized in the name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus is applied to our life and our sins are remitted.

"And that repentance and REMISSION OF SINS should be preached IN HIS NAME among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." - Luke 24:47 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

"To him give all the prophets witness, that THROUGH HIS NAME whosoever believeth in him shall receive REMISSION OF SINS." - Acts 10:43 KJV

Here I Am Send Me

 

Think about Paul and Silas that were thrown into prison…

Paul knew from a vision that appeared to him in the night that the Lord had called them to preach the gospel in Macedonia. In the vision, there stood a man of Macedonia that prayed him saying, Come over into Macedonia and help us. (Acts 16:9-10).

Little did Paul and Silas know that God would allow them to go through a beating with many stripes, and being thrown into prison with their feet bound in stocks in order to accomplish their mission. (Acts 16:23-24).

This was how Paul and Silas’ path crossed the path of the man in the vision.

God answered Paul and Silas’ prayers from the inner prison, hearing them at midnight singing praises unto Him. God sent a great earthquake, shaking the foundations and setting all the prisoners free. AND setting up their meeting with the man in the vision. (Acts 16:25-26).

It turned out that the man in the vision was the keeper of the prison. 

When the keeper of the prison saw that the great earthquake opened all the prison doors and that all the prisoners’ bands were loosed, he threw himself at the feet of Paul and Silas and cried, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (Acts 16:27-30).

The keeper of the prison would have taken his life, but Paul called out and said, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. (Acts 16:27-28).

That night Paul and Silas were able to fulfill their mission. They preached the gospel to the keeper of the prison and all his household. (Acts 16:31-32).

When the keeper of the prison and his household heard the Word of the Lord preached to them by Paul and Silas, they were all baptized in the name of Jesus, rejoicing and believing in God!! (Acts 16:31-34).

When we say, “Here I am Lord - send me!” are we ready to go through ANYTHING for Jesus?

Are we ready to go through what Paul and Silas went through to see their calling to preach the gospel to the man in Macedonia fulfilled?

Are we ready to praise the Lord no matter what we are going through like Paul and Silas did?

Are we ready to see signs and wonders like Paul and Silas saw, God sending a great earthquake to deliver them from their bonds?

Are we ready to see God’s mission accomplished through us?

Are you ready?

Complete Forgiveness

 

Complete Forgiveness

We as Jesus Name Holy Ghost Filled Believers desire to be Christ-like. When it comes to forgiveness, do we say, "I forgave that person, but they are going to have to answer to God for what they did."?

If we REALLY forgive someone, we will say, "Lord, forgive them for what they have done to me – totally erase it from their account."

God did not demand justice for us for what we have done. Instead, He died in our place, paying the price of our sins. When we repented of our sins and were baptized in His name Jesus for the remission of our sins, He completely forgave us, totally erasing our sin from our record. (Acts 2:38).

Stephen was baptized in the name of Jesus and filled with the Holy Ghost. Stephen was Christ-like. This is what the Bible says about Stephen:

"And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people." - Acts 6:8

There were some that rose up against Stephen, disputing with him, stirring up the people, bringing him to the council, and setting up false witnesses against him. (Acts 6:9-15). When Stephen gave his testimony of Jesus, the leaders were furious and went into a rage. They threw him out of the city. (Acts 7:1-58).

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 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 7:59-60 (While his body died, he will ‘wake up’ when he is resurrected at the rapture).

Stephen was innocent, yet they killed him. Stephen did not ask God for justice. He did not want God to take vengeance on these people for their sin against him. Instead, Stephen wanted God to TOTALLY ERASE FROM THEIR RECORD WHAT THEY DID TO HIM, AND TO NOT CHARGE THEM FOR THEIR SIN OF MURDERING HIM.

THIS is true and complete forgiveness.

Baptism in the name of Jesus

 

When I am water baptized in the name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus is applied to my life. Jesus is called Christ our Passover.

“For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:" - 1 Corinthians 5:7 KJV

When the children of Israel were in bondage to Pharaoh in Egypt, God delivered them. He sent plagues to cause Pharaoh to let His people go. Pharaoh kept changing his mind.

"Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover." - Exodus 12:21 KJV

"And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it." - Exodus 12:7 KJV

"For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you." - Exodus 12:23 KJV

Jesus is our Passover lamb that was sacrificed for us.

It was not enough that the Passover lamb DIED to save them from the destroyer. The blood of the Passover lamb had to be APPLIED. (Exodus 12:23).

Jesus DIED for our sins. Just as the blood of the Passover lamb had to be applied, the blood of Jesus must be APPLIED for the remission of sins for us to be saved. (Acts 2:38).

We APPLY His blood through His name when we are baptized in the name of Jesus.

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

This is what Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost – be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ FOR the remission [forgiveness] 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

Church!

 

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

As a believer, we need the preaching of the Word to 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 KJV

What kind of preacher can save us?

"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!" - Romans 10:13-15 KJV

We need to hear the gospel from a preacher sent by God – a preacher that preaches the true gospel that brings peace and reconciliation between us and God.

Peter preached the true gospel on the Day of Pentecost. He then preached how to obey the gospel to be saved. (Acts 2:38).

He preached the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. (Acts 2:22-24).

"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?

“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 2:37-42 KJV

Have you received the Holy Ghost?

 

The Holy Ghost - the Spirit of Jesus in us - is not just a good thing to have; the Holy Ghost is necessary to be saved.

"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

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the 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 8:1, 9 KJV

We are born of the Spirit just like they were on the day of Pentecost. Jesus commanded His disciples to wait for the promise of His Spirit which He would soon pour out. (Luke 24:46-49, Acts 1:4-5).

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place." - Acts 2:1 KJV

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

Peter preached the gospel to all those that saw and heard the disciples speaking in tongues as they received the promised Holy Ghost.

Peter preached the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. (Acts 2:22-24).

"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?

"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. ...

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." - Acts 2:38-39, 41 KJV

There are some that say...

 

There are some that say you only have to believe, and that you do not have to be baptized in the name of Jesus to be saved.

It is by baptism in the name of Jesus that we have remission of sins.

How can a person be saved when their sins have not been remitted?

“Remission” means, “forgiveness, pardon, of sins (the letting them go, as if they had not been committed), remission of their penalty” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon).

Jesus spoke to His disciples,

"Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." - Luke 24:46-47

There in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached repentance and remission of sins 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

Later, God sent Peter to preach to the Gentiles. Peter had just finished preaching the gospel and the power of the name of Jesus to remit sins. (Acts 10:43).

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

"Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." - Acts 10:44-48

When Peter saw that the Gentiles received the gift of the Holy Ghost, he COMMANDED them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.

It is by the name of Jesus, applied when we are water baptized, that we are saved.

"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

Buried with Him in Baptism

 Jesus opened the understanding of His disciples, that they might understand the scriptures...

"And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." - Luke 24:46-47

At Jerusalem, Peter spoke to the people...

"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

Paul spoke to the church at Corinth...

"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 6:11

"Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" - 1 Corinthians 1:13

The angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph in a dream saying...

"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

Peter spoke to the rulers of the people, and elders of Israel of 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

Ananias said to Saul, who became known as Paul...

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

                                        *chart from "Exploring God’s Word"

Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you

 

It seems like everyone now is going through things.

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." - 1 Peter 4:12-13 KJV

"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;" - Romans 5:3 KJV

We are comforted because

"We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 KJV

It is because all things work together for our good, that we can give thanks in every thing.

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

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 KJV

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." - Galatians 6:9-10 KJV

There is only one God - Jesus is His name

There is only one God – JESUS - our heavenly Father.

When man sinned in the Garden of Eden, death passed onto all mankind. (Romans 5:12). Sin brought division between us and God. (Isaiah 59:2).

The only way we could be reconciled back to God our Father, was by the death of a man who knew no sin. God looked for such a man, and there was no one. (Isaiah 59:16 “arm”).

God in His mercy and great love for us, came Himself in human form to pay the price of death of a man who knew no sin. (Isaiah 53 “arm,” 2Corinthians 5:21, 1Timothy 3:16).

God shed His very own blood for us. (Acts 20:28). 

God came in His name “JESUS” which means ‘LORD salvation.’ (Matthew 1:21, Acts 4:12, John 14:9-10). It is God’s name that is above every name. (Philippians 2:8-11). The name of our heavenly Father is JESUS. (John 5:43, John 10:25, John 17:6).

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing [putting on their account] their trespasses unto them; 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.

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." - 2 Corinthians 5:19-21 KJV

How are we to be reconciled to God?

"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