Samaritans Baptized in the Name of Jesus

All of the New Testament church was baptized in the name of Jesus.

"And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles... Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word." - Acts 8:1, 4 KJV

As Jesus told His disciples before He ascended into heaven,

"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 

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter was a witness unto Jesus in Jerusalem to the Jews, preaching repentance, baptism in Jesus name, and the promise of the Holy Ghost. There were about  3000 that were baptized in the name of Jesus and received the Holy Ghost after Peter’s preaching that day. (Acts 2).

Philip was a witness unto Jesus in Samaria to the Samaritans.

"Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them." - Acts 8:5 KJV

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." - Acts 8:12 KJV

"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

We see that Philip baptized the Samaritans in the name of Jesus. (Acts 8:12, Acts 8:16).

"Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." - Acts 8:17 KJV

Church!

 

John the ,Baptist Baptizes Jesusj

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

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

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

Jesus told John, “To fulfil all righteousness.” (Romans 10:5).  

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

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

 John the Baptist was of the priestly lineage of Aaron by virtue of both his father and mother. (Luke 1:5-6, 57-60). 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Baptism of John the Baptist

John the Baptist's baptism is the first baptism mentioned in the New Testament. God sent John the Baptist to prepare the way of His coming. 

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

"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God...And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it." - Isaiah 40:3,5 

John the Baptist prepared the way of the LORD by preaching and baptizing the baptism of repentance. John the Baptist’s message is that we need to prepare the way for Jesus in our life by turning from our sins. 

John the Baptist's baptism was strictly for preparation for Jesus. When Jesus was revealed as the Christ at His baptism, John the Baptist’s ministry was accomplished; Jesus and His disciples began baptizing. (John 3:22,26).

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

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

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

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

Obeying the Gospel by Baptism in Water and Spirit

 

When I have repented of my sins, have been baptized in the name of Jesus, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost, I have obeyed the gospel.

What is the gospel?

Paul wrote to the church in Corinth saying he PREACHED to them the gospel, they RECEIVED the gospel, they STAND in the gospel, and they are SAVED by the gospel!

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 

Paul explains exactly what the gospel is, that Jesus DIED for our sins, He was BURIED, and that He ROSE AGAIN the third day. 

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 

Paul also explains how we OBEY the gospel. We obey Christ’s DEATH by becoming dead to sin by  REPENTANCE. (Romans 6:6, Galatians 5:24). 

"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 

We OBEY Christ’s BURIAL when we are BURIED with HIM by BAPTISM IN JESUS NAME. (Romans 6:22).

  

"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 

We OBEY Christ’s RESURRECTION when we are FILLED with His RESURRECTING SPIRIT, the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:4, Romans 8:11).

"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 

What does the Bible say if I do NOT obey the gospel?

 

"For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" - 1 Peter 4:17 (see 2Thessalonians 1:1-10, Romans 10:16).

Peter preached the gospel on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:14-36).

"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 

Peter then preached how to OBEY the gospel.

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

Born again of water by water baptism in the name of Jesus

When I am baptized in the name of Jesus, I am born again of water. 

"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 

When Jesus said we must be born again of water, Jesus was not talking about the water that comes out in a natural birth. He was talking about being born of water in a spiritual birth. Jesus said, we must be born AGAIN.

"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 

Jesus answered Nicodemus,

"That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." - John 3:6-7 

I must be born of water and of the Spirit in order to enter into the kingdom of God.

I am born of water when I am water baptized in the name of Jesus.

Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom.

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

Peter preached the keys to the kingdom on the Day of Pentecost. Peter preached how to be born of the water and of the Spirit and the door was opened to 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 

That day, those that received his word were born again of water and of the Spirit.

"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...And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." - Acts 2:41-42, 47

Water Baptism in the name of Jesus

When I am baptized in the name of Jesus my sins are remitted (forgiven).

The meanings of the word used for “remission” according to Thayer's Greek Lexicon: “1. release, as from bondage, imprisonment, etc.: Luke 4:18 (Luke 4:19) (Isaiah 61:1). 2. forgiveness, pardon, of sins (properly, the letting them go, as if they had not been committed, remission of their penalty…" [This meaning is found in these verses: Matthew 26:28; Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; Acts 10:43; Acts 13:38; Acts 26:18; Colossians 1:14; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:22; Hebrews 10:18]

Remission of sins is through the name of Jesus.

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

"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 

Peter then preached repentance and remission of sins in the name of Jesus beginning in Jerusalem.

"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 

This is why our Heavenly Father manifested Himself in flesh to dwell among His creation. He came in His saving name “JESUS” to die in our place for remission of our sins, so that we may be reconciled to Him and might have eternal life through His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 1:21, Acts 4:12, 2Corinthians 5:19, John 1:10-11, Hebrews 2:14-15).

We claim the death of Christ for ourselves when we repent and are baptized in the name of Jesus.

"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 (John 10:10).

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 \

 Jews on 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 

 Gentiles:

 "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." - Acts 10:45-46 

 Disciples of John the Baptist:

 "And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." - Acts 19:6

*This chart is from the Bible Study, "Exploring God's Word." Color charts are available at: http://www.riveroflifeupc.org/our-beliefs.php The Bible study and charts are also available at: Pentecostal Publishing House.

Time for Church!

Time for Church!

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

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

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

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

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

When is the Blood of Jesus Applied?

When is the blood of Jesus applied?

We apply the blood of Jesus to our life when we are water baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins. (Revelation 1:5, Acts 22:16, Acts 10:43, Luke 24:47, Acts 2:38, Acts 20:28).

What is the victory?

The victory is that one more soul is saved from hell.

Jesus told His disciples the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church. (Matthew 16:18). 

When we apply the blood of Jesus by baptism in Jesus name, the gates of hell can no longer keep our soul captive. We have been set free! There is victory. (Hebrews 2:14-15).

Jesus came to set the captives free by the gospel. (Luke 4:18-19, Acts 2:38).

When we obey the gospel that Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost, the blood of Jesus is applied and there is 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." - Acts 2:38

Whole Armour of God

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Making it to Heaven

One sure way to not make it to heaven, is to allow your flesh and your mind convince you that the sin you are doing isn't a sin.

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;" - Acts 3:19 KJV

God Answers Prayer

In these last days of perilous times, we must remember our privilege given to us from the Lord to pray for situations and authorities around the globe. (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." - 2 Timothy 3:1 

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." - 1 Timothy 2:1-2

We ought to be faithful and fervent in prayer, talking to Jesus of our concerns, needs, and desires.

"And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;" - Luke 18:1 

We must keep in mind to always pray for all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 

"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." - 1 Timothy 2:3-4 

We must remember to ask for His will in all our requests. (1John 5:14-15).

Because Jesus has filled us with His Holy Ghost, we can also pray in the Spirit. (Romans 8:26-27).

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

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

We need not be anxious or worry, because Jesus hears and answers our prayers. (James 5:17-18).

"Be careful 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 

("Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.")

One God

There is only one God and His name is Jesus. The name of Jesus is above all other names because by the name of Jesus, God revealed Himself in flesh and paid the price of death for the sins of all mankind. 

God is a Spirit. He is holy. He is the Holy Spirit. He is the Spirit of Christ because His Spirit is in the body of Christ. God fills believers with His Spirit, which is also called the Holy Ghost (a ghost is a spirit). 

God is not a person, He is a Spirit. And He certainly is not two or three persons. He is One Spirit and His name is Jesus.

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

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring There is only one God and His name is Jesus. The name of Jesus is above all other names because by the name of Jesus, God revealed Himself in flesh and paid the price of death for the sins of all mankind. 

God is a Spirit. He is holy. He is the Holy Spirit. He is the Spirit of Christ because His Spirit is in the body of Christ. God fills believers with His Spirit, which is also called the Holy Ghost (a ghost is a spirit). 

God is not a person, He is a Spirit. And He certainly is not two or three persons. He is One Spirit and His name is Jesus.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Church!

Church! 

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

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

Forgiveness

When we obey the gospel, we step into God’s mercy. Apostle Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost not only the gospel, which is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, but also how to obey the gospel.

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

When we repent and are baptized in JESUS name, the blood of Jesus has been applied to our life. The blood that he shed when he suffered and died for us has washed all our sins away.

We are forgiven.

It is of utmost importance that we also forgive.

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." - Matthew 6:14-15

Unforgiveness is a device of satan.

Apostle Paul wrote to the church in 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 

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." - Ephesians 4:31-32 

"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;" - Hebrews 12:14-15 

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" - 1 Peter 5:8 

Time to examine ourselves to make sure we are clean of any unforgiveness or grudges.

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

It is now our turn to show mercy and forgive.

Prophecy and Fulfilment - His name 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 

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is His name? His name is JESUS.

What about John 3:16?

 To whom was Jesus speaking to in John 3:16?

Jesus was speaking to Nicodemus, the ruler of the Jews, the same person He was speaking to in John 3:5 just a few verses earlier.

"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

How are we born of water and of the Spirit? We are born of water when we are baptized in water in the name of Jesus. We are born of the Spirit when we receive the Spirit (the Holy Ghost), speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance. (Acts 2:38, John 3:8, Acts 2:2, Acts 2:4).

"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 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

What did Jesus do after talking with Nicodemus in John 3:16?

"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

He that believeth and is baptized

Jesus said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." - Mark 16:16 KJV

What did Jesus mean, “He that believeth…”?

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

What is the gospel?

The gospel is that Jesus died for our sins, He was buried, and that He rose again the third day.  (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).  

What does baptism have to do with the gospel? 

The Bible says we must obey the gospel to be saved. (2 Thessalonians 1:8, 1 Peter 4:17). We obey the gospel by baptism.

Repentance is death to our sin, water baptism in Jesus name is burial of our old sinful nature, Holy Ghost baptism is resurrection to our new life in Christ. This is how we obey Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. (Romans 6:1-11). 

"…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." - Acts 2:37-38 KJV

It takes BELIEVING the gospel as well as OBEYING the gospel by BAPTISM to be saved. Baptized by WATER and by the SPIRIT. (John 3:5).

This explains why Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." - Mark 16:15-16 KJV

JESUS is the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Our Heavenly Father manifested Himself in flesh when His Spirit came upon Mary and she conceived. He was born without sin so that He could save His people and all the world from the sin we were born in.

"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 KJV

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

"I am come in my Father's name..." - John 5:43 KJV

The first three letters of the Hebrew word for Jesus is the first three letters of the Hebrew word for LORD. The last part of the Hebrew word for Jesus is the Hebrew word for save. Our Heavenly Father came in His name of salvation - 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

God's Spirit and His flesh carry His name, just as our spirit and our flesh carry our name. (John 14:26). God's name 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

"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

One God - Jesus is His Name

 

Walking in the Spirit

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

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

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

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

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

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." - John 15:5

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

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

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

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

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

Why tarriest thou?

 

There is no repentance in the grave. Plan your life as if you have many years ahead, but live your life for God as if today is your last day.

"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 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 2:39 

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

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

"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." - James 4:14

God manifested Himself in flesh to die for our sins to reconcile us back to Himself because He loves us.

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

Jesus was buried. On the third day He rose from the grave. Through His name Jesus our sins are washed away when we are water baptized in His name Jesus. 

If you haven't repented of your sins and had them washed away by baptism in the name of Jesus, now is the time.

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

When you make this covenant, God promises the best gift you will ever receive, the gift of His Holy Spirit.

"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 2:39

(church locator for US and Canada upci.org)

Why go to church?

Why should I go to church? 

I should go to church to HEAR the GOSPEL. 

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the GOSPEL which I PREACHED UNTO YOU, which also YE HAVE RECEIVED, and WHEREIN YE STAND; By which also YE ARE SAVED, IF ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, UNLESS YE HAVE BELIEVED IN VAIN. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS according to the scriptures; And that HE WAS BURIED, and that HE ROSE AGAIN the third day according to the scriptures:" - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV

We hear the gospel at church through PREACHING of the DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS. We are SAVED BY THE GOSPEL, UNLESS we believed in VAIN. In other words, if we RECEIVE the GOSPEL, but we don’t OBEY THE GOSPEL,  we will have BELIEVED IN VAIN.

"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! BUT they have not all OBEYED THE GOSPEL. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" - Romans 10:13-16 KJV

I should go to church to OBEY the GOSPEL.

How do we OBEY the GOSPEL? How do we OBEY Jesus’ DEATH, BURIAL, and RESURRECTION?

REPENTANCE is DEATH to sin; WATER BAPTISM IN JESUS NAME is BURIAL of old nature; HOLY GHOST INFILLING is RESURRECTION to new life!

Peter PREACHED THE GOSPEL OF JESUS on the Day of Pentecost - His DEATH, BURIAL, and RESURRECTION.

When asked, “What shall we DO?” Peter replied how to OBEY THE GOSPEL.

"Then Peter said unto them, REPENT, and BE BAPTIZED every one of you in the NAME of JESUS Christ for the REMISSION OF SINS, and ye shall RECEIVE the gift of the HOLY GHOST.

“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." - Acts 2:38-41 KJV [caps my emphasis]

Those three thousand souls HEARD the PREACHING of the GOSPEL, they RECEIVED THE GOSPEL and they were SAVED BY THE GOSPEL, because they did not believe in vain! They OBEYED THE GOSPEL by REPENTING, being BAPTIZED IN JESUS NAME, and RECEIVING THE HOLY GHOST!

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