Prayer

Remember to pray for those involved with the evil activities of this season. The spiritual wickedness in these days is dark, evil, and hidden. Though it may be difficult to fathom, there are human sacrifices that have gone on in the past at this time. Pray that those involved repent and that the innocent and deceived be set free or escape (adults and children).

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." - Romans 8:26 KJV

"(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)" - 2 Corinthians 10:4 KJV

Jesus can save those in the deepest of sin. They need our prayers. Jesus saves.

"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world [satan] hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 KJV

"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

God sent Paul to the Gentiles with this mission:

"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

God can open their eyes so they can see God’s light of mercy by obedience to the gospel – repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance. (Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4).

Church!

Church!

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

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

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

“For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

Psalm 100:1-5

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us

                                                     

The Bible says that Satan has evil schemes to outsmart us, but we are familiar with them.

One of these schemes is unforgiveness.

When we repent and are baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, Jesus has forgiven us of all our sins. Instead of requiring justice, Jesus has erased them from our account. In order for us to keep our sins erased from our account, we must forgive likewise. Complete forgiveness is when we ask God to erase from their account what someone has done to us.

This is the kind of forgiveness that Jesus gave when he was dying on the cross.

"And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

“And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." - Luke 23:33-34 KJV

Stephen also gave complete forgiveness.

"And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

“Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen." - Acts 6:8-9 KJV

These men falsely accused Stephen, stirred up the people, brought him before the council, then set up false witnesses against him. (Acts 6:11-14).

"Then said the high priest, Are these things so?" - Acts 7:1 KJV

Stephen then testified. (Acts 7:2-53).

The council was furious, stoning Stephen to death.

“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 [died]." - Acts 7:60 KJV

Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth,

"To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." - 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 KJV

Standing firm with the preparation of the gospel of peace

                                                             

                                           

The Bible lets us know we have an enemy – the devil – but that we have the power of God to defeat him.

"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 [stand firm] against the wiles [all strategies] of the devil." - Ephesians 6:10-11 KJV

"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

Our battle is not physical; it is spiritual.

"And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;" - Ephesians 6:15 KJV

In order to stand firm in our battles, we must first of all believe and obey the gospel. (Mark 16:15-16). We believe that God (our Heavenly Father) manifested Himself in flesh and dwelt among humanity, that He died for our sins, He was buried, and on the third day He rose victoriously. This is the gospel of peace. (1Corinthians 15:1-4).

By His gospel, God made peace between us through the blood of His cross.

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself… 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…" - Colossians 1:20-23 KJV

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

 The Bible says we need to have the PREPARATION of the gospel of peace.

We are reconciled with God when we repent of our sins, we apply the blood He shed for us for remission of our sins through baptism in His name Jesus, and we receive the gift of His Spirit (speaking in tongues as His Spirit gives the utterance) so that we may walk a holy life. This is how we have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. This is how we STAND in our spiritual battles.

Who is God

 

Jesus Our Comforter (Part 2)

                                                                 

"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:" - John 15:26

"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." - John 14:18

Satan wants us to be judged by the Old Testament Law, which brings death. (Romans 8:2, Galatians 5:1). He wants us to face justice for the sins of our past. He does not want us to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins because he does not want the blood of Jesus that brings forgiveness to be applied to our lives. The Jews call him the Prosecutor. We know him as the Accuser of the Brethren. He brings charges against the brethren, accusing them of their past sins. (Revelation 1:5, 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, Ephesians 6:10-12).

"And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." - Revelation 12:10

According to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, one of the meanings of “Comforter” is “Defense Attorney,” or “Counsel for Defense.” The meaning of “comfortless” is “orphan.” It appears Jesus is saying, I will not leave you defenseless: I will come to you. I am your Defense Attorney when Satan the Prosecutor accuses you.

Our brethren - those that have obeyed the gospel by repenting of their sins, had their sins forgiven by the blood of Jesus by baptism in the name of Jesus, and have received the gift of the Holy Ghost - Satan still accuses. He brings up the sins of our past and does not want to recognize that the blood of Jesus has washed our sins away. (Isaiah 59:19, Revelation 1:5, Acts 10:43, Hebrews 9:22, Acts 22:16, Acts 2:38).

Jesus defends us from the Prosecutor’s accusations. Jesus in us as the Comforter, our Defense Attorney, "pleads the blood," reminding Satan that he has nothing to accuse us of: our sins are forgiven by the blood of Jesus applied to our life!

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you

                                                 

Jesus comforted His disciples with the promise that He would not leave them. Though He would die, be buried, on the third day rise again, then forty days later ascend to heaven, Jesus assured His disciples He would come to them.

"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." - John 14:18 KJV

"Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe." - John 14:28-29 KJV

On the Day of Pentecost, Jesus came to His disciples. It was His Spirit that came, filling His disciples as He said he would. The Father that was in Christ doing the works, would now dwell in His disciples. They would become sons of God, the flesh and blood body of God. (John 1:11-13, John 3:5, Acts 2:38, John 14:9-11).

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it." - John 14:12-14 KJV

"If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." - John 14:15-18 KJV

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. ... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:1, 4 KJV

Church! Jesus is coming

Jesus is coming! Make sure all sin is repented of, you’ve been baptized in the name of Jesus that washes sin away, and are full of the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues as the sign you are completely filled. (Acts 22:16, Acts 2:4).

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

When 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.

“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

The church began on the Day of Pentecost.

                                                     

The church began on the Day of Pentecost. In obedience to Jesus, one hundred and twenty of His followers were gathered in the upper room awaiting the promise of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 1:4-5, Acts 1:15). When the Day of Pentecost was fully come, Jesus poured out His Spirit and they all began to speak in other tongues as His Spirit gave them the utterance. (Acts 2:4).

Filled with the Holy Ghost and with the keys of the kingdom of heaven given to him by Jesus, Peter preached the first gospel message. (Matthew 16:19, Acts 2:14-36). At the conclusion, he declared what we must do to be saved: 

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

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

From that point on, the church continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers, and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:42,47).

*This chart is from the Bible Study "Exploring God's Word."

 

Satan has evil schemes to hinder the gospel, but we can learn to not be tricked by him.

 

"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." - 2 Corinthians 2:11 

We learn from Matthew 16:21-23 that Satan opposes the gospel.

"From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day." - Matthew 16:21

Satan did not want Jesus to give His life and save all of humanity.

"Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee." - Matthew 16:22

Jesus recognized that Satan was speaking to Him through Peter.

"But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men." - Matthew 16:23

We learn two things from this:

1. Satan opposes the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. We can conclude from this that Satan does not want anyone to obey the gospel. Thus, we can expect opposition from Satan anytime a person is going to repent of their sins, is going to be baptized IN THE NAME OF JESUS, and is seeking to be filled with the Holy Ghost.

"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world [Satan] hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 

2. Satan will use those closest to us to attack us to try to keep us from doing God’s will. Knowing this is a tactic of Satan makes us realize who our enemy is. It is not people - it is Satan.

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

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

"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" - Romans 11:33

"For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?" - Romans 11:34

And yet, God put on flesh and lived among us, and man beheld His glory. As many as received Him, He gave them power to become His sons, even to them that believe on His name, JESUS. (John 1:12-14, Acts 2:38).

Because of His great love for His creation, the Great Creator became our Savior, taking our place and dying on a cross for our sins. On the third day, He raised His flesh up by the power of His Spirit, revealing to the world that through Him there is victory.

His depths and His riches are revealed to us by His Spirit. Through the baptism of the Holy Ghost, we now have a glimpse of God's awesomeness. Through His love for us and our love for Him in return, Jesus has given us life beyond this mundane existence. Through Him, we have a life more abundant. And more than that, we have life eternal, a place prepared for us in heaven. (John 10:10).

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." - 1 Corinthians 2:9

"But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." - 1 Corinthians 2:10

When we turn away from sin by repentance, have our sins washed away by baptism in His name Jesus, He promises us the gift of His Spirit. (Acts 2:38).

With the gift of His Spirit, we receive the mind of Christ, getting a glimpse of the endless treasures available to us in Him.

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

"Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;" - Ephesians 3:8

 

Loving with the love that comes from God

Love is not a substitute for Acts 2:38 salvation; it is a result of our Acts 2:38 salvation. It is only by our turning away from sin (repentance), being cleansed from sin (by water baptism in the name of Jesus), and by the infilling of God’s Holy Spirit (the gift of the Holy Ghost) that we can actually love with God’s kind of love. Before we knew God, the kind of love we had for others could only amount to our own works – it was not of God, because God was not IN us until after we received the Holy Ghost. (He was WITH us, but not yet IN us.) We love with God’s love BY His Spirit.

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God." - 1 John 4:7 KJV

I am baptized in the name of Jesus because everyone in the New Testament Church was. Part 3

 Apostle Paul baptized in the name of Jesus.

"And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus:

“And finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?

“And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized?

“And they said, Unto John's baptism.

“Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

“When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

“And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

“And all the men were about twelve [there were about twelve men in all]." - Acts 19:1-7 KJV

While Paul’s calling was to preach the gospel, he baptized quite a few people during his ministry. (1Corinthians 1:17, Acts 16:14-15, Acts 18:5-8, Acts 19:1-7).  After all, Jesus told us we cannot enter the kingdom without being born of water and of the Spirit, which means we need to be baptized.

"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." - 1 Corinthians 1:17 KJV

Paul was called to preach the gospel, but he also baptized. 

Is Halloween a device of Satan? What is Halloween?

It is a day when schools, preschools, and daycares take a day (a month?) to devote their activities to tales of witches and warlocks, of drawing pictures of black cats, full moons, ghosts and goblins. It is a day of carving out jack-o-lanterns, of candy and more candy. After school, when darkness arrives, it is a time of costumes and going door to door to neighbors and friends, children shouting, "Trick or treat" for candy and apples, trips through haunted houses, and parties.

The stores fill up with sections devoted to Halloween costumes and masks, scary makeup, fake blood and eyeballs, plastic jack-o-lanterns, ghost figures, witches on brooms, and more.

Is this a “holiday” where Satan appears as an angel of light?

Halloween has a history filled with evil and violence.

Years ago, Druids, coming to the door of castles threatened families with satanic curses (“trick") unless the father and mother would surrender their virgin daughter as a sacrifice to Satan for the upcoming rituals on the night of Halloween. If they surrendered their daughter, a hollowed-out squash would be lit by their door. Candlelight sending out beacons through the openings in the squash signaled that this home was not to be cursed: they had surrendered their child at the Druid’s threat.

Several years ago, the underground evil seeped up into the candy gathering ritual to the point where hospitals were offering x-rays of apples and candy to reveal hidden razor blades. This and the possibility of poison in Halloween treats lead to supervised neighborhood trunk and treat events.

Is there other evil going on the night of this satanic holiday today? Underneath the sugar-coated celebrations, there are deadly satanic activities going on.

There are numerous accounts from those that have previously been involved with satanism of the animal and child sacrifices on this night. The horror of this goes beyond one’s imagination. It is truly a night of darkness and evil spiritual activity going on in remote areas, hidden beyond the “innocent” revellings of the night.

Halloween is a time to be discerning, to not step over the line into the realm of being caught by Satan’s devices. It is a time to intercede in prayer for those involved in satanic activities, for those that are victims or potential victims of the sexual abuse and violence that is a part of satanic rituals.

Church! We need a pastor

"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 [See: 1Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-4, Acts 2:38].

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting [complete furnishing, equipping] of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;" - Ephesians 4:11-14 KJV

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

I am baptized in the name of Jesus because everyone in the New Testament Church was. Part 2

Before Paul (Saul) was converted, he was persecuting the Christians.

"And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem." - Acts 9:1-2 KJV

When Jesus appeared to Paul on his way to Damascus with a light from heaven and a voice, Jesus told Paul to go to the city and it would be told him what he must do.

"And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink." - Acts 9:9 KJV

The Lord told Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, to go and pray for Paul that he would receive his sight. 

Ananias knew Paul was persecuting the Christians.

"But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake." - Acts 9:15-16 KJV

"And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized." - Acts 9:17-18 KJV

How was Paul baptized?

"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 

I am baptized in the name of Jesus because everyone in the New Testament Church was. (Part 1)

                                                             

Jesus began baptizing in the beginning of his ministry.

"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

"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 3:26 KJV

We know that Jesus baptized in His own name because on the day of Pentecost when Peter preached baptism in the name of Jesus the Bible says that 3,000 were ADDED on to them.

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

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

Samaritans were baptized in the name of Jesus.

"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (for as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)" - Acts 8:14-16 KJV

The Gentiles were baptized in the name of Jesus.

"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. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." - Acts 10:45-48 KJV

To be continued…

I am baptized in the name of Jesus because there is salvation in no other name

"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

Apostle Peter preached baptism in the name of Jesus on the Day of Pentecost when the church first began.

"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

 

Apostle Peter and Binding and Loosing

                                       

Besides giving Peter the keys to the kingdom, Jesus also gave Peter authority to bind and loose.

"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

The meaning of "bind" and "loose" in this scripture, using Thayer's lexicon, appears to do with apostolic authority. Thayer's lexicon defines these Greek words in the context of the verse:

The definition of "bind" is “to forbid” (“by a Chaldean and rabbinical idiom (equivalent to אֲסַר), to forbid, prohibit, declare to be illicit: Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18.)”

The definition of "loose" is: "to declare lawful" (“by a Chaldean and Talmudic usage (equivalent to אַתֵּר, שְׁרֵא (cf. Winer's Grammar, 32)), opposed to δέω (which see 2 c.), to declare lawful: Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18”).

Thus, to “bind” and “loose” in this verse has to do with law and doctrine.

Jesus gave Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus then said whatever Peter would “declare unlawful” on earth would be unlawful in heaven, and whatever Peter would “declare lawful” on earth, would be lawful in heaven.

Thus, Peter was given authority to establish law (doctrine).

Peter acted in this authority after he was filled with the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost.

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

The multitude that gathered said, what meaneth this?

"But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:" - Acts 2:14 KJV

When Peter preached the gospel to the people, they responded.

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

With the authority given to him by Jesus, Peter then declared what would become doctrine.

"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 will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven

When Peter realized that Jesus is God in a human body – “the Christ, the Son of the living God” – Jesus told him He would give him the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

"And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 16:17

"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven…" - Matthew 16:19a

Jesus had spoken to Nicodemus of the kingdom of God. (“The kingdom of heaven” is interchanged with “the kingdom of God” e.g., Mark 10:14 and Matthew 19:14).

"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

While Jesus made it clear we must be born of water and of the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God, He did not give specifics. Jesus gave Peter the keys as to how exactly we are born again. Peter revealed this on the Day of Pentecost after he received the Holy Ghost.

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. ... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:1, 4

When the people asked, “What meaneth this?” Peter preached the gospel, letting them know they had crucified their Messiah, the One they had been waiting for.

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

"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

Peter made it perfectly clear what Jesus meant when He said a man must be born of water and of the Spirit. The keys to the kingdom of heaven are to repent, to be baptized by immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

We now understand exactly what we must do.

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

 

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

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to 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.” - Hebrews 10:23-25

One Name One God

 

Baptism in the Name of Jesus

 

The What, Who, How, and Why of Acts 2:38 and Baptism in the Name of Jesus

                                                         

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

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

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

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

 

Baptism in the Name of Jesus

                     *Photo From Exploring God's Word Bible study

I am baptized in the name of Jesus because I have decided to follow Jesus

                                                     

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." - Matthew 16:24

Jesus died on a cross, was buried, and rose again on the third day.

We follow His death by denying ourself and taking up our cross. We do this by repentance. When we repent, we turn from the world and its pleasures of sin and lust and turn our life to living for Jesus. (1John 2:15-16).

We follow Jesus by “crucifying” our sinful nature.

Jesus died one time. Not every day.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” – Romans 6:1-2

"Knowing this, that our old man is [old sinful selves were] crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin." - Romans 6:6-7

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." - Galatians 5:24 [Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.]

Jesus said we are to take up our cross and follow Him. After Jesus died on the cross, He was buried.

“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

Because I, too, want to follow Jesus, I am buried with Him by being baptized in water in the name of Jesus.

Hallelujah, Jesus didn’t stay on the cross, and He didn’t stay in the grave.

On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead.

We follow His resurrection by being filled with His Spirit to walk in newness of life.

"…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 6:4

"And that ye put on the new man [the new self], which after God is created [created to be like God – truly righteous and holy] in righteousness and true holiness." - Ephesians 4:24 KJV

Church!

 

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

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

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

“For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

Psalm 100:1-5

Part 6 - I am baptized in the name of Jesus because Jesus is the one that was crucified for me.

 

Paul the Apostle wrote to the church in Corinth:

"For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ." - 1 Corinthians 1:11-12 KJV

Paul asked them,

"Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" - 1 Corinthians 1:13 KJV ("Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not!")

Paul was glad he had not baptized a lot of people in the church there, so it could not be said he baptized in his own name.

"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. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other." - 1 Corinthians 1:14-16 KJV

Paul makes it clear, the one we are to be baptized in the name of is Jesus: we are to be baptized in the name of the one that was crucified for us.

Just as Apostle Peter preached when the church began on the Day of Pentecost and is still being preached today, we are to be baptized in the name of the one crucified for us.

"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