What is Repent?

                                                         

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

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

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

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

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

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

When we have repented, we can get baptized in the name of Jesus so that His blood can wash away our sins. By the name of Jesus in water baptism, we have remission [forgiveness] of sins. We can be water baptized before or after we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. [Acts 10:44-48].

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

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

There is only one God - Jesus is His name

                                                         

Our Heavenly Father manifested (robed) Himself in flesh to pay the price of death for our sins. It took a man without sin to pay this price, which only God, who is without sin, could pay. (Luke 1:35, Hebrews 2:14-15, Hebrews 9:22, Acts 20:28).

God did this so that we could be reconciled to Him, having our sins washed away by water baptism in His name Jesus. (Colossians 1:19-23).

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

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

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

Jesus told His disciples,

"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." - John 14:16-18

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

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

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

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

We must guard our hearts

                                                        

We must guard our hearts to be sure nothing creeps in to distract us from our relationship with God. Pleasures of sin can consume our heart, mind, time, and money. We must continually make right choices.

Moses made the right choice.

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

Give me children, or else I die

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." - John 1:12-13 (Philippians 2:15, 1 John 3:1-2, Galatians 4:4-7, Hebrews 2:10).

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

"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

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

Church!

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." - Psalm 122:1 KJV

"To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name." - Psalm 63:2-4 KJV

Jesus' Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem

                                                             

The week before Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, as Jesus and His disciples were nearing Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples to a nearby village to bring Him a donkey and her colt. The disciples put their garments on them and Jesus sat on them.

As Jesus approached Jerusalem, a very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road for Jesus as He entered the city. Others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The people before Him and following Him were shouting,

“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the LORD! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:1-9).

When people called Jesus, “Son of David,” they were recognizing that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the offspring of King David, that would sit on his throne forever.

"And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David." - 2 Samuel 7:16-17.

The word Hosanna is of Hebrew origin meaning, 'save, I pray.'

This day is called “Palm Sunday” because it is recorded in John 12:13 that they "Took branches of palm trees…”

This triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem was a fulfillment of prophecy:

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." - Zechariah 9:9 KJV

Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem was also fulfillment of a type and shadow.

Solomon, the son of David, was chosen by God to be the next king after David. (1Chronicles 28:5).

When Adonijah, another son of David, attempted to crown himself king instead of Solomon, David revealed Solomon to be the chosen king of Israel by having him ride into Jerusalem on his personal mule. By this all Israel knew Solomon was the chosen king.

This account sheds light on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on the donkey. His entry is a revealing that Jesus is the Son of David, the chosen King Messiah. [See 1Kings 1:1-48 for the complete account].

Jesus the King of the Universe and Son of David, God manifest in flesh and Savior of the world. His throne and His kingdom are forever.

It's not about, Is that a heaven or hell issue?

 

It’s not about, “Is that a heaven or hell issue?”

If we love Jesus, our actions will not be based on, “I don’t think doing this will take me to hell.” If we love Jesus, our actions will be based on our desire to please Him in all that we do, say, and think.

It’s about wanting to please Jesus because I love Him.

"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." - Ephesians 2:1-3

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:" - Ephesians 2:4-6

"But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him." - 1 John 2:5 KJV

(“But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him.” - 1 John 2:5 NLT)

Repentance is U-Turning from Sinful Ways to God's Way

                                                         

"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 {crooked/perverse/wicked) generation." - Acts 2:38-40 KJV

If there was ever an “untoward” generation, many would agree we are living in it.

Peter preached “save yourselves” from this untoward generation. It is up to every individual to decide if they want to be saved. It is up to every individual if they want to “give up” the world with all its corruption, and live a holy life for Jesus.

Moses is found in the Hebrews “hall of faith” because he made the choice when he was in Egypt (the “world”) and chose to side with the people of God.

"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;" - Hebrews 11:24-25 KJV

Another translation calls the pleasures of sin, “the “fleeting” pleasures of sin.”

Truly, sin and this world of sin is not worth the choice. Eternity is a long time to pay that price.

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

‘GLADLY RECEIVING’ the gospel is the right attitude and the right choice. Knowing what Jesus offers us, how could anyone choose otherwise?

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

Repentance - Death to Sin. Life to Obedience.

                                       

We hear the good news of the gospel.

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

We put sin to death in our life.

We bury our sins and sinful nature by water baptism by immersion in the name of JESUS for the forgiveness of our sins.

We are filled with the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives us the ability, so that we can live a holy and overcoming life.

"But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine [Acts 2:38] which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness [righteous living]." - Romans 6:17-18 KJV

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

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

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

Revelation of God's Word in our Life

                                                                     

Revelation of God’s Word in Our Life

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." - John 14:15 KJV

Sometimes when we hear the preached Word of God, we do not agree with it. God’s Word sometimes does not fit our current lifestyle or beliefs we have become accustomed to. Some say, “I will change and do that when God shows me.” This is man’s way. God wants obedience. He wants faith and trust in Him.

Those that are called “the faithful” in the Word of God loved and respected God so much that they obeyed Him.

When God gave promises for their obedience, they obeyed, even when they didn’t have evidence of God’s promises. God let Abraham know, if he would believe Him and obey Him, He would bless him. Abraham’s faith was the substance and evidence of God’s promises. Abraham believed and obeyed God.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report." - Hebrews 11:1-2 KJV

It is by faith in God that we please Him.

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

Through faith we believe that God is all powerful, all wise, knowing all things, and that He loves us more than anyone else does, including ourselves.

Abraham did not know exactly where God was leading him when he left his home in Haran, but he obeyed God and went out.

"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went." - Hebrews 11:8 KJV

Obedience often precedes revelation.

It is often after obedience to God’s Word, that we find our questions and arguments answered. God will show us AFTER we obey why He wanted us to make the change. Our understanding is opened and we receive revelation we did not have before we obeyed. And, it is through obedience to God’s Word that we can receive the blessings God has for us.

Forgetting Those Things Which are Behind

The definition for sin is: “a failing to hit the mark,” “to be without a share in, namely, the mark” – Thayer’s Greek Lexicon (G2266, G264).

The definition for sin is: “missing the mark (speaking of an archer),” “the opposite idea, to hit the mark.” - Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon (H2398).

Apostle Paul wrote,

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

Paul speaks of forgetting the past and looking forward to the future. He tells us, “this one thing I do,”

We can spend a lot of time allowing our minds to dwell on the past. Thinking about hurtful things people have done to us or our loved ones can consume us. A solution is to forgive and forget. Instead of focusing on the past, we must look forward to what lies ahead. We must do what Paul did and “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

We have a race to run. We mustn’t allow these thoughts of unforgiveness to cause us to miss the mark (sin). These thoughts can become weights that drag us down in our race. We have examples of faith in the word that, according to the word, surround us as witnesses to the life of faith. (Hebrews 11). They survived the trials and temptations; since we have the Holy Ghost, we can surely survive. We must forgive and forget.

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses [to the life of faith], let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us," - Hebrews 12:1 KJV (G266).

 

Baptism is Faith in Action

                                                            

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

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

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

The Church was Purchased with God's Own Blood

                                                         

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." - Acts 20:28

How could the Spirit of God have blood?

God manifested Himself in flesh in His name of salvation – Jesus. (1Timothy 3:16, 2Corinthians 5:19, Acts 4:12).

Because Jesus would be a sacrifice for our sins, John the Baptist called Jesus the Lamb of God.

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

Blood was necessary to free the offender from charge. (Atonement)

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

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

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

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

Jesus brought a new covenant by the gospel - His death, burial, and resurrection. This new covenant supplied the blood that would remit sins once and for all.

"Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." - Hebrews 9:12

God’s blood obtained eternal redemption for all of us – “all nations.”

"And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." - Luke 24:47

On the day of Pentecost, the church began. The Gospel message proclaims remission of sins when we turn from sin to live for God by repentance, and are baptized in the name of Jesus. With this new covenant comes the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost.

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

Have you received the Holy Ghost?

                                                             

 

Jesus said,

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

Peter said,

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

Paul said,

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

 

*The above photo with verses is from Exploring God's Word Bible Study.

(See also: John 3:8, Acts 2:2-4, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 11:15, Acts 19:1, 5-6).

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

                                                            

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

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

For a time, God accepted animal sacrifices.

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

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

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

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

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

He supplied it. We must apply it.

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

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

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

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

The Original New Testament Plan of Salvation

                                                                    

 

 "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

Jesus Commands His Disciples

                                                  

Acts 2:38

                                                 

A Willing Vessel for the Lord

                                                             

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Perfect Peace

                                      

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

"Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

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

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

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." - Romans 8:26-27 KJV

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

 

 

  

Praying in the Holy Ghost

                                                     

The Bible says,

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

The Bible then says,

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

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

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

How do we get this “shield of faith”?

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

The Bible says,

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you are feeling attacked by the fiery darts of the wicked, take a moment out and pray in the Holy Ghost. You will find joy and peace that passeth understanding.

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus [Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus]." - Philippians 4:7 

 

Choices

                                                    

 

Do we choose to serve Jesus? Or do we choose to serve the devil? Jesus has plans for us, to prosper us and to give us a hope and a future.

Jesus said,

"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." - John 10:9-11

When we choose Jesus, we choose Life. By the gospel, we turn from sin and give our life to Him. Peter preached the gospel on the Day of Pentecost, that Jesus died for our sins, He was buried, and that He rose again the third day.

"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

That day, about three thousand souls chose to serve Jesus.

"And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." - 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 

Church!

                                                             

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

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

"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

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

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

"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

The Arm of the Lord Revealed

                                                         

The arm of the Lord is a metaphor (symbol) of God’s redeeming power and salvation.

"Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:" - Exodus 6:6

"Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah." - Psalm 77:15

While God used the metaphor of His arm to speak of His salvation and deliverance of Israel out of bondage in Egypt, God begins to speak of His arm as salvation for the world, delivering them from the bondage of sin and death.

God looked for a man that could redeem and save mankind from their sins.

"And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him." - Isaiah 59:16

God saw that there was no man that could bring salvation to the world. God Himself would have to pay the price for our sins to save us.

"The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." - Isaiah 52:10

In Isaiah 53, the chapter begins by saying, "Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?" - Isaiah 53:1

The remaining chapter describes Christ – the arm of the Lord revealed. It describes His life, death, burial, and resurrection.

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." - Isaiah 53:5

When God manifested Himself, the arm of the Lord to bring salvation to the world, Isaiah’s prophecy came to pass.

"But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: that the saying of Esaias [Isaiah] the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?" - John 12:37-38 

Our Savior

                                                             

Our Savior

Our Heavenly Father is our Savior. His name is Jesus. He saved His people from bondage out of Egypt.

"Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me." - Hosea 13:4 (Psalm 106:21).

He then saved humanity from the bondage of sin and death.

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

“But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;” – Titus 3:4-6 (Acts 2:38).

"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." - Isaiah 9:6

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:11

“And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.” – John 4:42

There is only one God - there is only one Savior. God our Savior was manifest in flesh in His name Jesus to save the world from sin and death by His death, burial, and resurrection. (2Timothy 1:10).

Jesus is God’s name of salvation.

"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

There is only one way.

"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

"For our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:" - Philippians 3:20 

Remission [Forgiveness] of sins by baptism in the name of Jesus

                                                 
     

Remission [forgiveness] of sins does not take place at repentance; it takes place through the name of Jesus at water baptism. (Acts 2:38).

Jesus spoke to His disciples before He ascended to heaven.

"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

On the Day of Pentecost, the disciples were all gathered in Jerusalem. On that day, they were all filled with the Holy Ghost for the very first time.

After they received the Holy Ghost, Peter preached the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus - to all the people that had gathered.

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

Just as Jesus said, repentance and remission of sins in the name of Jesus was preached in Jerusalem to people from all nations.

"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

Later, Jesus sent Peter to preach the gospel of Jesus to the Gentiles. (Acts 10:39-40).

"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." - Acts 10:43

It was when Peter preached remission of sins through the name of Jesus that the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. (Acts 10:44).

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

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

The Battleground

                                                     

The battleground is not with flesh and blood; it is spiritual. Our victory begins with how we respond with our minds. We are strong soldiers of God by our belief, faith, and trust in Jesus. As long as we maintain these, we will not be defeated.

We must clear our minds with forgiveness.

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

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

Keep our minds clear of worldly lusts, and stay focused on living for God.

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

"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

"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

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

We must trust in Jesus and not worry.

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

"Be careful [anxious/worried] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." - 2 Timothy 1:7

"And 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

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