There is Only One God - Jesus is His Name

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

"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;" - Hebrews 2:14 KJV

"Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen." - 1 Timothy 1:17 KJV

"And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:" - Deuteronomy 26:8 KJV

"The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." - Proverbs 15:3 KJV

"In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears." - 2 Samuel 22:7 KJV

"Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?" - Malachi 2:10 KJV

"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:" - Colossians 1:13 KJV

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:" - Colossians 1:14 KJV

"Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:" - Colossians 1:15 KJV

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

"Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy." - Psalm 99:9 KJV

"He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit." - 1 Thessalonians 4:8 KJV

"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." - Matthew 4:4 KJV

"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

"Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:" - Ephesians 1:21 KJV

"And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church," - Ephesians 1:22 KJV

"Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all." - Ephesians 1:23 KJV

"One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." - Ephesians 4:6 KJV

Verses:

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

"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;" - Hebrews 2:14 KJV

"Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen." - 1 Timothy 1:17 KJV

"And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:" - Deuteronomy 26:8 KJV

"The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." - Proverbs 15:3 KJV

"In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears." - 2 Samuel 22:7 KJV

"Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?" - Malachi 2:10 KJV

"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:" - Colossians 1:13 KJV

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:" - Colossians 1:14 KJV

"Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:" - Colossians 1:15 KJV

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

"Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy." - Psalm 99:9 KJV

"He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit." - 1 Thessalonians 4:8 KJV

"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." - Matthew 4:4 KJV

"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

"Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:" - Ephesians 1:21 KJV

"And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church," - Ephesians 1:22 KJV

"Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all." - Ephesians 1:23 KJV

"One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." - Ephesians 4:6 KJV

Spiritual Circumcision by baptism

I am baptized in the name of Jesus so that I can fulfill the covenant of circumcision. 

"In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh [the cutting away of your sinful nature] by the circumcision of Christ [by a spiritual circumcision]: buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation [the mighty power] of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 

“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh [You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away], hath he quickened together with him [made you alive with Christ], having forgiven you all trespasses [for He forgave all our sins];" - Colossians 2:11-13 

How is spiritual circumcision - baptism in the name of Jesus - a fulfillment of physical circumcision?

Physical circumcision was a blood covenant. It is not considered legal (Kosher) unless a drop of blood is drawn.

Spiritual circumcision of baptism is also a blood covenant. It is legal by the shedding of Christ’s blood which is applied in baptism through the name of Jesus. (Hebrews 9:22, Leviticus 17:11).

"For this is my blood of the new testament [new covenant], 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 

At physical circumcision, a child is given his name. (Genesis 17:5, Luke 1:59). 

We are given a new spiritual name when we are baptized. Our new name is Jesus. (Acts 15:17, James 2:7).

Those that were not circumcised, were cut off from God’s people for breaking the covenant. (Genesis 17:14).

Those that are not spiritually circumcised by baptism are cut off from God’s people for breaking the covenant. (Mark 16:16)

Physical circumcision is a cutting off of flesh. (Genesis 17:11).

Spiritual circumcision by baptism is a cutting off of the lust of the flesh, our sinful nature. Our sinful flesh is crucified and buried. (Galatians 5:19-21, 24 )

Physical circumcision was for “EVERY MAN CHILD AMONG YOU.” (Genesis 17:10).

Spiritual circumcision of baptism in the name of Jesus is for “EVERY ONE OF YOU.” (Acts 2:38).

Called, Chosen, and Faithful

I am baptized in the name of Jesus because I love Him. (John 14:15).

I have turned my back on the world by repentance, forsaking all for Jesus. (1John 2:15-17).

When I was baptized in His name, I made a marriage covenant with Jesus to love Him with all of my heart, soul, strength, and mind. (Luke 10:27, James 4:4, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Romans 7:4, James 1:27, Titus 2:12).

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." - Ephesians 5:25-27 [”others take “word/rhema” here as equivalent to 'the gospel'” - Thayer’s]

When I was baptized, the name of Jesus was called upon me. (James 2:7, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, Acts 2:21, Acts 9:14, Acts 9:21, Acts 15:17, 1Corinthians 1:2, Galatians 3:27, Romans 10:13-17, 1Corinthians 1:2, Acts 4:12).

Because I love Jesus, have turned my back on the world by repentance, and covenanted with Him by water baptism in His name, Jesus promised me the gift of His Spirit.

"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 

Jesus called me by the preaching of the gospel by a preacher sent by God. He called me to be His and to turn my back on sin. He washed away my sins, placing His name upon me when I was baptized in His name. Jesus chose me, filling me with His Spirit. I am faithful to Him. (Romans 10:13-17, 1John 4:4, Philippians 4:13).

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

"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." - Revelation 17:14 

Because I have been called, chosen, and faithful, I will be in heaven with my beloved.

"I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine:" - Song of Songs 6:3

Remission of Sins by Baptism in the Name of Jesus

I am baptized in the name of Jesus so that I may have remission of my sins.

According to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, the meaning of “remission” as found in Acts 2:38 is: forgiveness, pardon, of sins (properly, the letting them go, as if they had not been committed… remission of their penalty

How absolutely wonderful that I can have a brand-new start on my life, TOTALLY cleansed of all my sins!

This did not come easy. Yes, it is easy for me, but God – our Heavenly Father, stepped down into humanity, manifesting Himself in flesh and blood like the rest of us humans. Not that this humbling was all He did. No. He went through betrayal by a friend, condemnation of crucifixion by the people He came to redeem, then unimaginable torture of a Roman whipping (not a Jewish whipping of 40 lashes minus one) by a metal embedded Roman scourge - the “half-way death” because of blood loss. Pilate must have assumed the people would cry to release Jesus, but instead they cried “Crucify Him!” After all, Jesus was fulfilling prophecy and paying dearly the price of our wretched sins. Jesus came to save us. Not just His people the Jews; Jesus came to save us all. He took the stripes for our healing, then hung on a cross made from a tree so that He would become cursed for us, to bring us salvation. 

And now, when the name of Jesus is called upon me in water baptism by immersion in the name of Jesus, my sins are washed away. Forgiven. My sins, through His name Jesus, are let go. As if they had not been committed. 

The best part of this true story is that the grave did not hold Him, because Jesus is God in a human body. On the third day, His Spirit raised His body from the grave, alive forevermore. Jesus witnessed of His death, burial, and resurrection to multitudes for 40 days, speaking to them of His kingdom. After giving His disciples His great commission (recorded in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), He commanded His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promised outpouring of His Spirit. (Acts 1:1-9).

"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." - Acts 10:43 (Luke 24:46-47, Acts 2:38-39, John 1:10-13, Hebrews 2:14-15, Romans 6:3-4, 1Peter 2:24).

The Effectual Fervent Prayer

The Bible says, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”. (James 5:16)

How can we be righteous, for the Bible says, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" - Romans 3:10

It is by the gospel - the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus - that we can become righteous.

"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him [For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin,[to become sin itself] so that we could be made right with God through Christ]." - 2 Corinthians 5:21

When we repent by turning from sin to Jesus, have our sins washed away by baptism in the name of Jesus, and receive His Holy Spirit in us, through Jesus we are made righteous. We have crucified and buried our sinful nature and put on Christ. (Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-6, Romans 14:17)

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

Through Christ, our fervent prayers are powerful.

For example,

"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." - Acts 4:31 KJV (Acts 4:29-31).

"Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him." - Acts 12:5 KJV

Peter was miraculously delivered from prison (to the surprise of the praying church). (Acts 12:6-17).

"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them." - Acts 16:25 KJV

Paul and Silas were miraculously delivered from prison. (Acts 16:16-40).

A disciple named Tabitha (Dorcas) was sick and died. Peter prayed for her, and she rose from the dead. (Acts 9:36-42).

"But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up." - Acts 9:40 KJV 

"And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him." - Acts 28:8 KJV (Acts 28:7-9).

Burying the Old Man of Sin

The “old man” of sin was buried when I was baptized in the name of Jesus 

The “old man” is our old sinful nature. 

We “put off the old man with his deeds” by crucifying our old sinful nature. We do this by repenting of our sins.  (See: Ephesians 4:20-32). 

"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 

"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." - Romans 6:6 

It is not enough to crucify our old man of sin: it

.must also be buried. We bury our old nature when we get baptized in the name of Jesus.

"That ye put off concerning the former conversation  the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." - Ephesians 4:22-24 

"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:; for which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience. 

"In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:" - Colossians 3:5-10 

When we put on the new man, we’ve put on Christ.

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

We “put on Christ” by taking His name in water baptism, and by being filled with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. 

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

*Photo: Exploring God's Word Bible study

Sons of God

When I am baptized in the name of Jesus and filled with His Spirit I  become a son of God. 

Jesus is the only BEGOTTEN Son of God, BORN the Son of God from His mother Mary’s womb.

"And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." - Luke 1:35 

The Son of God is the human body of God - God manifest in flesh.  (1Timothy 3:16, John 1:1,14,18).

WE must be born AGAIN to BECOME a son of God. 

"He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 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 1:11-13 

We are born of God when we repent of our sins, we are baptized in His name Jesus for the remission of sins, and we receive the gift of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38, Galatians 4:6, 1 John 5:4). We get God’s name by water baptism in His name JESUS. (Acts 15:17, James 2:7).

"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 6:17-8 KJV

"That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;" - Philippians 2:15 

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." - 1 John 3:1-2

Angels

 When God said, “Let us make man in our image” who was God speaking to?

God was speaking to the angels.

"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness... " - Genesis 1:26 

Where does it say in the Bible that God and the angels make appearances in the form of man?

The Bible tells us that three men appeared to Abraham. We find them to be the LORD and two angels. 

"And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground," - Genesis 18:1-2 

You can read in the rest of chapter 18 how he entertained them, and the conversation they had. After a certain point, the two angels left to go to Sodom.

"And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way." - Genesis 18:16 

The third man remained to finish talking with Abraham. Who was this third man?

"And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD." - Genesis 18:22 

Where in the Bible does it say that the other two men that left Abraham and went to Sodom were angels? 

It tells us this in the first verse of the next chapter:

"And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them... " - Genesis 19:1 

Because angels appear to us in the image of man, we can understand this verse:

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." - Hebrews 13:2 

Abraham and Lot entertained angels unawares because the angels appeared to them as men.

"And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways... and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat." - Genesis 19:2-3 

We too may have entertained angels unawares.

I am baptized in the name of Jesus so that I am born again of water

I am baptized in the name of Jesus so that I am born again of water. 

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." - John 3:3 KJV

Jesus said to be born again, I must be born of water. Jesus was not talking about the water that comes out in a natural birth; He was talking about the 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 KJV

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 KJV

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

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

How am I born of water?

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

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

Peter preached how to be born of 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 KJV 

That day, those that heard the 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." - Acts 2:41 KJV

"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 2:42, 47 KJV

Halloween

 

General Conference Global Missions

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Jesus is God the First and the Last

I believe in one God - His name is Jesus - the First and the Last

In the Old Testament, God declared He is the first and the last. He made it clear that beside Him there is no God; there is only one God. (Deuteronomy 6:4).

"Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God." - Isaiah 44:6 KJV ["This is what the LORD says--Israel's King and Redeemer, the LORD of Heaven's Armies: "I am the First and the Last; there is no other God." - Isaiah 44:6]

"Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last." - Isaiah 48:12 KJV

In the New Testament, God robed Himself in flesh to bring His new covenant of mercy through the gospel. Jesus died for our sins, was buried, but on the third day, He rose again, alive for evermore. Again, He declared He is the first and the last. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Acts 2:38-39).

"And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." - Revelation 1:17-18 KJV

"And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;" - Revelation 2:8 KJV

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last...I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star." - Revelation 22:13, 16 KJV

There is only one God. His name is Jesus. He is the first and the last. The image of the invisible God. (Colossians 1:15).

UPCI 2023 Tuesday first night service

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What is water baptism in the name of Jesus?

What is water baptism in the name of Jesus?

It is the decision to turn our life to Jesus and our back on sin by repenting and being immersed in water in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins.

Water baptism in the name of Jesus, along with receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, is a covenant with Jesus. It is the new covenant. (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

The old covenant was made on Mount Sinai. It was made when God brought Israel out of Egypt.

The new covenant was made on Mount Calvary. It was made when God brought us out of sin.

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

On the Day of Pentecost, when the Jewish people were gathered to celebrate the giving of God’s Law written on tables of stone on Mount Sinai, the disciples of Jesus were gathered in an upper room awaiting the giving of God’s Spirit, the Law of God written in their hearts. (Jeremiah 31:33).

"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

On that day, Peter preached the first Gospel message, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

"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." - Acts 2:37-39 KJV

That day about three thousand Jews were baptized in the name of Jesus and filled with His Spirit, entering into the new covenant. (Romans 7:1-6).

"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 2:42, 47 KJV

Tongues - Part 10

Part 10 - Divers Kinds of Tongues

“Divers kinds of tongues” is one of the nine spiritual gifts given to believers to minister to the church body.

What does the Bible say about “spiritual gifts”?

"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. ... Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. ... For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:" - 1 Corinthians 12:1, 4, 8-10 KJV

There are nine “spiritual gifts” in this list. These gifts are given to MINISTER to the church and to help the church body grow spiritually. In order for a person to be used to minister in any of these spiritual gifts, a person must have received the Holy Ghost first, speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave them the utterance.

The spiritual gift of “divers kinds of tongues” mentioned in this list is what some people call the gift of tongues. This gift, like the rest of the spiritual gifts, is used to MINISTER to the church by giving the WHOLE CHURCH BODY a message – like a trumpet. It must be ministered along with the “gift of interpretation of tongues” so the church body can understand the message in their own language, receiving comfort, exhortation, and encouragement.

A person does not need to be used in any of these spiritual gifts to be saved. A person DOES need to receive the Holy Ghost to be saved, and they WILL speak in tongues when they receive 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." - 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

Tongues - Part 9

Part 9 Peter’s Testimony of How the Gentiles Received the Holy Ghost

The apostles and Jewish believers in Jerusalem were criticizing Peter for breaking the Jewish law by going into the home of a Gentile. Peter gave them his testimony of how God poured out the gift of His Holy Ghost on the Gentiles, just as God poured out His Spirit on them.

He told them of his heavenly vision with a voice speaking to him, three men from Cornelius a Gentile arriving from Caesarea, the Spirit directing Peter to go with them, and his taking six Jewish brethren with him to the house of Cornelius.

"And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved." - Acts 11:13-14

It was Peter’s testimony of the sign of speaking in tongues that made it clear to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem that God had accepted the Gentiles for salvation.

Peter told them,

"And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning." - Acts 11:15

How did the Holy Ghost fall on Peter and the rest of the apostles and brethren on the Day of Pentecost?

They spoke with tongues.

("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)

Peter told the Jewish believers in Jerusalem,

"Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?" - Acts 11:17

Based on Peter’s testimony, the Jewish believers in Jerusalem accepted the Gentile believers.

"When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." - Acts 11:18

It was that Cornelius and his household spoke in tongues that finalized Peter’s testimony to the Jewish believers at Jerusalem. The Gentiles received the Holy Ghost just like they did, speaking with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

[To read the full account of when the Gentiles first received the Holy Ghost and were baptized in Jesus name, see Acts chapter 10.]

Tongues - Part 8

Tongues Part 8 How do I receive the gift of the Holy Ghost?

A person can receive the Holy Ghost before or after water baptism in the name of Jesus. Repentance, however, must come first.

“Repent” here means,  “to change one's mind for better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sins” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

We come to Jesus by faith. 

"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 

By repentance, we turn our heart, mind, and life to Jesus and away from sin.

Now we can receive God’s Spirit in us.

.A good place for a person to receive the Holy Ghost is at church, when there is an “altar call”. This is a call to those that love Jesus, that want to give their life to Him, and want to receive the gift of His Spirit. 

In this atmosphere of prayer, worship, and the message of the word of God, it is easier to feel the presence of Jesus. 

When we go to the altar, we often find others who will pray with us, worshiping with us, and encouraging us as we draw closer into God’s presence.

We receive God’s Spirit when we focus our whole attention on Jesus and His love for us. By our worship and thanksgiving, we draw closer to Him and He draws closer to us. (James 4:8) 

It seems when we raise our hands in praise and worship, we are reaching out to Him. 

When we worship and talk to Him, we communicate our heart and love. 

With our mind, our heart, our hands, and our voice focused on Jesus and how much we love Him, the presence of the Lord comes upon us. We feel His love and peace. 

Sometimes there is a feeling of humility in the awesome presence of His holiness. Sometimes we have tears of thanksgiving. When we humble our self before the Lord, He lifts us up. 

To allow Jesus to fill us with His Spirit, we must allow Him to change our words, our tongue. 

This requires trust in the Lord, and letting go of pride. 

When we surrender to God, giving Him control, He fills us with His Spirit. 

Tongues Part 7

Part 7 There is a difference between the gift of the Holy Ghost and the gift of tongues. 

The gift of the Holy Ghost is a promise when we repent of our sins and are baptized in  the name of Jesus for the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38-39).

The gift of the Holy Ghost (the Spirit) is necessary for salvation.

"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 

When people receive the gift of the Holy Ghost they speak with other tongues. (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:45-46a, Acts 19:6).

The gift of tongues is different from the gift of the Holy Ghost. It is one of the nine gifts of the Spirit given to believers for the edifying of the church.

“Edifying” means, “(the act of) building, building up, a metaphorically, edifying, edification, i.e. the act of one who promotes another's growth in Christian wisdom, piety, holiness, happiness” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon) 

It is not necessary for salvation to have the gift of tongues or any of the other nine gifts of the Spirit. 

In the following verse, Paul is speaking to the Corinthian church about two of the gifts of the Spirit. He is talking to them about the gift of tongues, and the gift of prophecy. 

"I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying." - 1 Corinthians 14:5 

“Prophesieth” means, “to break forth under sudden impulse in lofty discourse or praise of the divine counsels, or (for the above verse), under like prompting, to teach, refute, reprove, admonish, comfort others (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

It is necessary for the gift of tongues to be used with the gift of the interpretation of tongues, in order for the church to be edified. If there is no interpretation of the message in tongues, then no one understands what has been said, and the church is not edified, which is the purpose of the gifts of the Spirit.

"If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret." - 1 Corinthians 14:27

Tongues - Part 6

 

Part 6 The Holy Ghost in Samaria

"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 

"... 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." - Acts 8:1 

What Jesus said of Samaria was about to be fulfilled!

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

"And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city." - Acts 8:6-8 

"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 

They were baptized in Jesus name – yet they had not received the gift of the Holy Ghost.

"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 

Receiving the Holy Ghost is so important, that the apostles sent Peter and John on a special trip from Jerusalem to Samaria to pray for the people to receive the Holy Ghost!

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

"And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans." - Acts 8:25

Tongues - Part 5

Part 5 Where else in the Bible did people speak in other tongues when they received the Holy Ghost?

In tActs 19, Apostle Paul came upon disciples of John the Baptist. These disciples had been baptized unto repentance, for this is what John the Baptist preached. They had not been baptized in the name of Jesus. Neither had they received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Paul discovered this in his conversation with them.

"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." - Acts 19:1-2

"And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism." - Acts 19:3 

Paul found out two things. First, these disciples knew about the Holy Ghost. They just weren’t aware that the Holy Ghost had begun to be poured out. 

 John the Baptist preached about it:

"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 

Secondly, heir baptism was simply one of repentance, for John the Baptist baptized with water “unto repentance.”

"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." - Acts 19:4

"When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." - Acts 19:5

Here is an example of people being re-baptized. Even though they had already been baptized once, because they had not been baptized in the name of Jesus, they got re-baptized. 

These men had now been born of water.  They now needed to be born of the Spirit to fully obey the Gospel.

"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

Here is yet another example of people speaking in other tongues when they received the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

They were now in obedience to the gospel. These men had now entered into the New Covenant.

Tongues - Part 4

 

Part 4 Tongues and Cornelius the Gentile

There was a devout man, pious and godly, that was a gentile. He was a God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generous donations to the needs of the Jewish people. He faithfully prayed to God. (Acts 10:2)

Anyone that knew Cornelius must have thought he had a special place in heaven.

One day, while Cornelius was fasting and praying to God, he had a heavenly vision. Although by appearance Cornelius was saved, he had not been baptized in Jesus name for the remission of his sins, nor had he received the Holy Ghost.

Because Jesus loves us all so much, He went to great lengths to bring a man of God, a preacher of the gospel, with the message of salvation to Cornelius. (Acts 10:3-23)

When Peter arrived at the house of Cornelius, all his family and close friends had come together. Cornelius told Peter, “Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.” 

While Peter preached the gospel, the Holy Ghost fell on all those which heard the word. (Acts 10:44)

How did Peter know that they received the Holy Ghost?

Because he heard them speak with tongues and praise the Lord.

Here is another example of where people that received the Holy Ghost spoke in tongues as the sign that God had filled them with His Spirit. Peter testified to those in Jerusalem, telling them Cornelius and his household received the Holy Ghost just as they received the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost.

"And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning." - Acts 11:15

When Cornelius and his household received the Holy Ghost, Peter COMMANDED that they be baptized in Jesus name. They received the gift, but had not entered into the covenant of Jesus’ baptism! 

"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" - Acts 10:47 

"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." - Acts 10:48

Tongues Part 3

 Part 3 Where in the Bible did people speak in other tongues when they received the Holy Ghost?

The first place that people spoke in other tongues as a sign that they had been filled with the Holy Ghost was in the upper room in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. 

"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

Henceforth, tongues would be the sign of the infilling of the Holy Ghost.

"And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning." - Acts 11:15 (Acts 10:44-46) (Also Acts 19:1-7).

There are some people that teach that the reason why the disciples in the upper room spoke in tongues, they say was so the hundred and twenty disciples could preach to all the different languages that were present. This is not true.

On the Day of Pentecost, Jews were gathered from nations from all over the world to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple for this special holy day. (Deuteronomy 16:16) These Jews most likely spoke Hebrew, their religious language, as well as probably speaking either Latin or Greek, the languages of the Roman Empire. In addition, these Jews also spoke the language of the country they were from. (Acts 2:5-6).

"And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. ... And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?" - Acts 2:5-6, 12

Apostle Peter, standing up with the other eleven apostles, was the preacher on the Day of Pentecost. He began his Gospel message to the multitudes that had gathered by explaining that what they had just witnessed had been prophesied by the prophet Joel. (Joel 2:28).

"For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;" - Acts 2:14-16

Henceforth, tongues would be the sign of the infilling of the Holy Ghost.

Church!

 

Why Did God Choose Tongues - Part 2

Why did God choose “tongues” as the sign that a person has been filled with His Spirit? 

The Bible says that although the tongue is a very small member, like a bit in a horse’s mouth or the tiny rudder on a great ship, the tongue can control our whole body.

"For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth." - James 3:2-4 

"Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell." - James 3:5-6 

The Bible says that no man can tame the tongue – that it is “an unruly evil” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon: “that can not be restrained”) defiling the whole body.

"For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." - James 3:7-8 

It makes sense that God would choose the seeming impossible, taking control and taming our tongue, to show that with Him all things are possible. To allow God to take control of our tongue, changing our words into words we don’t know the meaning of, takes on our part, a big step of faith and trust.

When we speak in tongues, it is the sign that we have allowed God to fill us with His Spirit.

When we speak in tongues as the Spirit gives us the utterance, we are allowing God to tame our tongue that is an “unruly evil” and that no man can tame. Tongues are a sign that we are surrendering our whole self to Him, the tongue being the last to surrender.

Tongues - Part 1

Why did God choose tongues as the sign that a person has been filled with His Spirit?

Perhaps the first reason is that it is a fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

"For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear." - Isaiah 28:11-12

Paul refers to this scripture in 1 Corinthians:

"In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 

"Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe." - 1 Corinthians 14:21-22 

{Note: “Sign” (“as tokens of Divine authority and power”) “Prophesying” (“signifies "the speaking forth of the mind and counsel of God"”) From: Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words}

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - Acts 1:8 

The disciples that were gathered in the upper room on the day of Pentecost were filled with the power of the Holy Ghost and spoke with tongues. The tongues were a sign they had been filled with divine authority and power.

"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

Jesus spoke of the rest in Isaiah, saying it comes from Him. When we take upon us His yoke through baptism in the name of Jesus, He promises us His Spirit, which is our rest and refreshing.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." - Matthew 11:28-29

"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 

What Did Jesus Say About Receiving the Holy Ghost?

What did Jesus say about receiving the Holy Ghost?

The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Jesus. (John 14:16-18, 26). The Holy Ghost is also called the Spirit, Spirit of Truth, Comforter, Spirit of your Father, Holy Spirit, Spirit of Christ, Spirit of God.

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

Jesus let us know we need the Spirit, which is the Holy Ghost, to enter the kingdom of God.

He also let us know the Holy Ghost is like the wind, and there is a sound when we receive the Holy Ghost.

"The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit." - John 3:8 KJV

We found this to be true on the Day of Pentecost.

"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting." - Acts 2:2 KJV

The sound from heaven that was like the wind was the disciples speaking in tongues as they were born of the Spirit.

"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

Jesus also said His Spirit is like rivers of living water. He said those that believe on Him should receive His Spirit, the Holy Ghost.

"In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified [entered into His glory].)" - John 7:37-39 KJV

"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." - John 4:14 KJV

"I AM"

Jesus declared numerous times that He is I AM. 

"Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am." - John 8:58 KJV

The Jews knew Jesus was saying He is God.

"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." - Exodus 3:14 KJV

This is why the Jews took up stones to cast at Jesus for blasphemy. 

People ask, How can Jesus be God when He is clearly a man?

God manifested Himself as a man so that He could pay the price of blood for our sins, reconciling us back to Himself. (1 Timothy 3:16, Colossians 1:15, John 14:7-11, Collosians 2:9).

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself... " 2 Corinthians 5:19a KJV

This is why it is necessary not only to believe and obey the gospel, but also to believe that Jesus is God - our Heavenly Father revealed in flesh. 

For only God is without sin. If Jesus was not God, He would not be without sin and could not pay the price of our sins for us. 

"And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world." - John 8:23 KJV

"I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins." - John 8:24 KJV

"Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning." - John 8:25 KJV

In the King James Version, the word "he" in "I am he" is italisized. This means the translators added this italisized word because they thought it would make the sentence clearer. Other translations make a notation connecting when Jesus said "I am" to the "I AM"  in Exodus 3:14.

Walking the Walk.

.. There are expressions about “talking the talk and walking the walk.

If you say that someone “talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk,” it means that their actions don't agree with what they say. “Actions speak louder than words.” 

While we understand the word “conversation” to be our talk, the meaning of “conversation’” in the King James Version is our walk.

The definition of conversation by Thayer’s Greek Lexicon in the following verses is: “properly, 'walk,' i. e. manner of life, behavior, conduct (German Lebenswandel): Galatians 1:13; Ephesians 4:22; 1 Timothy 4:12; James 3:13; 1 Peter 1:15, 18; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 3:1f, 16; 2 Peter 2:7; plural ἅγιαι ἀναστροφαί the ways in which holy living shows itself, 2 Peter 3:11. Hence, life in so far as it is comprised in conduct, Hebrews 13:7."

Here are a few verses with the word “conversation”: (“conversation” means “conduct.”).

"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 2:3 KJV

"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;" - Ephesians 4:22 KJV

"Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom." - James 3:13 KJV

"Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." - 1 Peter 2:12 KJV

"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;" - 1 Peter 1:15 KJV

"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear." - 1 Peter 3:1-2 KJV

"Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ." - 1 Peter 3:16 KJV

"And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:" - 2 Peter 2:7 KJV

The Holy Ghost in Samaria

The Holy Ghost in Samaria

"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 

"... 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." - Acts 8:1 

What Jesus said of Samaria was about to be fulfilled!

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

"And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city." - Acts 8:6-8 

"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 

They were baptized in Jesus name – yet they had not received the gift of the Holy Ghost.

"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 

Receiving the Holy Ghost is so important, that the apostles sent Peter and John on a special trip from Jerusalem to Samaria to pray for the people to receive the Holy Ghost!

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

"And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans." - Acts 8:25

"I will give you pastors"

Church!

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

As a believer, we need the preaching of the Word to be saved.

"For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." - 1 Corinthians 1:21 KJV

What kind of preacher can save us?

"For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 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 10:11-16 KJV

As a believer, we needed to hear the gospel from a preacher sent by God – a preacher that preaches the true gospel that brings peace and reconciliation between us and God - so that we can obey the gospel and be saved!

When Esaias (Isaiah) said, Who hath believed our report? He proceeded to prophecy of the gospel - the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. (Isaiah 53). Peter preached this gospel on the Day of Pentecost. When the people asked, What shall we do? Peter answered 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. ... And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation." - Acts 2:38, 40 KJV

"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 2:41-42 KJV

That I may dwell among them

God is a Spirit. He inhabited the tabernacle in the wilderness, then the Temple in Jerusalem, then as Christ, inhabited a human body, each time dwelling among His people.

The Sanctuary in the wilderness –

"And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, ... And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them." - Exodus 25:1, 8 

The Temple in Jerusalem –

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

The Temple of Christ -

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." - John 1:14 

"Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body." - John 2:19-21 

By Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, WE are able to become the temple of God when we repent, are baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and receive the gift of His Holy Ghost. (The gospel).

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." - 1Corinthians 6:19-20 

"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," - 2Corinthians 6:16-18

Baptism

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

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

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

Those that received his word were baptized the same day!

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord..." - Acts 10:47-48 KJV

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

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