Our Heavenly Father Manifest in Flesh

"Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me." - John 12:44-45 

"If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father." - John 15:24 

"Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

"Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

"Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works." - John 14:8-10 

Jesus spoke to the Jews as He taught in the temple, 

"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 

Only our Heavenly Father, who is without sin, could be the holy sacrifice necessary to pay.the price of our sins. 

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

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." - Colossians 1:20 

"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." - 2 Corinthians 5:20 

"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 

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

Mysteries

 

There are mysteries that were hidden but are now revealed. One mystery revealed is that the gospel is for the Gentiles, not just the Jews. 

God called Paul to reveal this mystery. 

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

"How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery… which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel…Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ [endless treasures available to them in Christ];" - Ephesians 3:3-6, 8 

"Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: [For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.]" - Colossians 1:26-27 

"And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel," [And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.] - Ephesians 6:19 

Peter preached the Good News of the Gospel on the Day of Pentecost. He didn’t realize it at the time, but he prophesied that the promise of the Holy Ghost is also to the Gentiles - “those afar off.” (Ephesians 2:11-22).

"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 

There is One God. His Name is JESUS.

There is one God. His name is JESUS.  

"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 

"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 

"For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;" - Colossians 1:19 

"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." - Colossians 2:9 

"And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:" - Colossians 2:10 

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." - 1 Timothy 3:16

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

"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." - 2 Corinthians 5:20 

"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 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 

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

"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

"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." - 1 Corinthians 6:20

Above All Else We Must Be Saved!

Above all else, we must 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

We need a true man of God to preach the gospel to us.

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" - Romans 10:13-16

What is the gospel?

On the day of Pentecost when the church first began, Peter preached the gospel - that Jesus died for our sins, He was buried, then on the third day He rose again - the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. (Acts 2:14-36, 1Corinthians 15:1-4).

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." - Acts 2:36.

"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 

"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 have repented, been water baptized by immersion in the name of Jesus and have received the gift of the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives us the utterance (ability), we have obeyed the gospel and are born again. (John 3:5, 8, Acts 2:1-4).

We need a preacher of truth, not only so we can hear the gospel preached, but also so that we can be water baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission (forgiveness) of our sins. 

After obeying the gospel, we need a preacher so we can grow from a born-again spiritual baby to a mature spiritual adult in Christ.

Church!

Church! 

"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." - Psalm 16:11

The Gentiles Receive the Holy Ghost

Cornelius was "A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway." - Acts 10:2 

You would think by this description of Cornelius that he was saved. But he was not. Cornelius needed to hear and obey the gospel so that he could be saved. 

God gave Cornelius a heavenly vision. An angel of God came to him.

"And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter…he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do." (See Acts 10:3-38).

When Peter arrived at Cornelius’ house, Cornelius had gathered his kinsmen and friends “to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.”

Peter then preached the gospel of Jesus to them - His death, burial, and resurrection. (Acts 10:39-40).

Peter then preached that those that believe in Jesus shall receive remission of sins through His name. (Acts 10:43, Acts 2:38).

"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word." - Acts 10:44 

"And they of the circumcision (Jews) 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." - Acts 10:45 

How did Peter and the believing brethren that came with him know that God had filled the Gentiles with His Holy Ghost?

"For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." - Acts 10:46 

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

Peter realized the Gentiles had received the GIFT for entering into covenant with God, but they hadn’t entered into the COVENANT – they had not been WATER BAPTIZED IN JESUS NAME!

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

The Gentiles heard the preaching of the Gospel by Peter, sent by God. The Gentiles OBEYED the gospel, by repentance, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and being baptized in Jesus name for the remission of their sins.

When the apostles heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God, they "glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." - Acts 11:18 

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.

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

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

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

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:" - Matthew 6:14

"But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." - Matthew 6:15

One Soul

 

Philip was preaching the gospel in Samaria when the Lord called him to go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.

"And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias [Isaiah] the prophet.  

"Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot." - Acts 8:27-29 

The Bible tells us a person needs a preacher so that they can hear and obey the gospel of Jesus.

"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?" - Romans 10:14-15 

God sent Phillip out into the middle of the desert so that one man might hear and obey the gospel. 

This tells us how much one single person means to Jesus. 

Philip ran to the chariot and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked him if he understood what he was reading.

"And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him." - Acts 8:31 

The man was reading a prophecy of Jesus in the book of Isaiah. He asked Philip who Isaiah was speaking of – of himself or of some other man? Philip then preached Jesus to him. 

"And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing." - Acts 8:36-39 

The Blood of Jesus

 

The Temple

"Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. ... But he spake of the temple of his body." - John 2:19, 21 

When we worship Jesus, we are not worshipping a man – flesh – but rather we are worshipping the Spirit of God that dwells within the man.

We are not worshiping the temple, but rather the Spirit of God that dwells within the temple.

After His death, resurrected by His Spirit, Jesus showed Himself alive to many witnesses over the next forty days, then ascended up to heaven.

Ten days later, on the day of Pentecost, the Spirit of Jesus returned to fill the hundred and twenty disciples that were praying in the upper room in Jerusalem.

On that day, their bodies became the temple of God.

When we repent of our sins, are baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38), we become a temple of God. 

Just as the tabernacle in the wilderness, the temple in Jerusalem, and the body (temple) of Jesus were all called by the name of the Lord, we too, as the temple of God are called by the name of the Lord. 

We became called by His name, JESUS, when we were baptized in the name of Jesus. (Acts 15:17, James 2:7).

Just as the tabernacle in the wilderness, the temple in Jerusalem, and the body of Christ were all filled with the glory of God, we too when we receive the Holy Ghost are filled with the glory of God. (Romans 6:4).

"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?" - 1 Corinthians 6:19 

"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 

"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." - 2 Corinthians 6:16

Son of God

 

Son of God

The Bible speaks of Jesus as being the only begotten Son of God.

"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 KJV

When Jesus was born as a baby, He was holy and without sin. 

"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 KJV

He was full of the Father’s Spirit.

"For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;" - Colossians 1:19 KJV

He was given His Father's name - Jesus.

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

Jesus was the only one that was BORN the Son of God. 

We BECOME sons of God when we are BORN AGAIN.

"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 KJV

We are born of God and become a son of God when we are water baptized in the name of Jesus and are Spirit baptized with His Holy Ghost. (James 1:18).

When we are born again of the water, baptized in the NAME of JESUS for the remission of sins, we become without sin, as Jesus is. (Acts 2:38).

"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 

We are given the Father’s name – JESUS – when we are water baptized in the name of Jesus. (James 2:7, Acts 15:17).

When we are born again of the Spirit, filled with His Holy Ghost, we become holy, as Jesus is.

"And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." - Galatians 4:6 KJV

Continuing Steadfast Unmoveable

Continuing Steadfast Unmoveable

Continuing in prayer:

"These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren." - Acts 1:14 

Continuing in the apostle’s doctrine:

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

Continuing to knock:

"But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished." - Acts 12:16 

"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." - Luke 11:9 

Continuing to teach and preach the word of the Lord:

"Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also." – Acts 15:35 

"And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them." - Acts 18:11 

"And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks." - Acts 19:10 

What doctrine should we continue in?

"And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:" - Mark 12:29 

"I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he [I AM], ye shall die in your sins." - John 8:24 (Exodus 3:14).

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

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

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel…how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

"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 

The Temple of God

The Temple of God

The Temple of God was a place of sacrifice. God placed His name on the Temple and filled it with His Spirit. It was a place of worship. (2Chronicles 6:20, 7:1-3).

When the people worshiped at the Temple, it was not the Temple they were worshiping but rather they were worshiping the Spirit of God that dwelt in the Temple

Jesus said,

"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  

The body of Jesus was a place of sacrifice. When people worshiped Jesus, they were worshiping the Spirit of God that was within Him, and at the same time fills the universe. God placed His name on the man Jesus. All the fullness of God is within Him. (Hebrews 9:26, Colossians 1:19, 2:9).

When Jesus died, and was buried, on the third day it was the Spirit of God that was within Him that raised His body back up to life. (John 2:19).

The Bible says that we are the Temple of God. We become His Temple when we repent of our sins, are baptized in His name Jesus, and are filled with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. (1Corinthians 3:17, 6:19-20, 2Corinthians 6:16-18). 

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" - 1 Corinthians 3:16 

We become a place of sacrifice - a living sacrifice. (Romans 12:1). God's name is upon us when we are baptized in His name Jesus. God's Spirit is within us when we receive the gift of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:4, 38). Our Temple is a place of worship when we worship the Spirit of God that is within us and at the same time fills the universe. Just as the Spirit of God raised up the body of Jesus, that same Spirit in us will also raise us up.

"But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." - Romans 8:11 

What must I do to be saved? The rest of the story...

God worked a mighty miracle delivering Paul and Silas from the prison they were in by sending an earthquake that shook the foundations, opening the doors and loosing the bands of all the prisoners.

The keeper of the prison seeing the prison doors open and supposing that the prisoners had been fled, fell down trembling before Paul and Silas and said, 

"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" - Acts 16:30 

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

Is this the end of the story? NO!

"And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house." - Acts 16:32

What was the response of the keeper of the prison and all those that were in his house to the preaching of God’s word?

"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

Just like on the Day of Pentecost, the prison keeper and his house heard the word of the Lord, received it, and were baptized. (Acts 2:38-41).

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

The Gospel of Peace

Why is the gospel called, “the gospel of peace”?

The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel... how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" - 1 Corinthians 15:1, 3-4 

The Bible says it is through Jesus shedding His blood on the cross for our sins, that we have peace with Him. 

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

From the time of Adam and the first sin, our sins separated us from Jesus. (Romans 5:12).

"But your iniquities have separated between you and your God... " - Isaiah 59:2

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

The arm of the Lord is Jesus. (See Isaiah 53, John 12:37-38).

The blood of Jesus reconciled us back to Him.

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

We apply the blood of His cross to our life by obeying the gospel. The blood of Jesus is applied to our life by water baptism in the name of Jesus  

This is why the gospel is called “the gospel of peace.” By the gospel, Jesus shed His blood for us. By obeying the gospel, we find peace with Him

Peter preached the gospel on the Day of Pentecost. The people that heard him then 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 

Peter and  the rest of the disciples were sent by Jesus to preach the gospel. (Luke 24:46-49, Mark 16:15-16). On the Day of Pentecost Peter preached “the gospel of peace.”

"And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" - Romans 10:15

The Image of the Invisible God

There is only one God. He alone created the universe.

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." - Genesis 1:1

"For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else." - Isaiah 45:18

In the book of Colossians, it speaks of the Son creating all things. How can this be if there is only one Creator, and that is the Lord God?

Colossians explains that the Son is the image of the invisible God. The invisible Spirit of God put on the flesh of humanity and became visible. This human is called the Son of God. All the fullness of the godhead is within this man.

"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." - Colossians 2:9 KJV

It is the One True God that dwells in the body of the Son that created all things. Thus, in the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. The same God that dwells in the Son is the One True God that created all things.

"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;" - Colossians 1:16-19 KJV

The Father – who is Spirit – dwelt in the Son – which is flesh. God revealed His name of salvation is Jesus.

The reason the Father, Creator of the universe, put on flesh was so that He could pay the price of sin for mankind. This took the shedding of sinless blood, which only God could provide.

"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:" - Colossians 1:13-15 KJV

The New Covenant

It is by the act of baptism in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins that a person enters into a blood covenant with God. 

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

Prophesied by Jeremiah:

"But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." - Jeremiah 31:33-34 

We know the Lord when we are filled with His Spirit. Our sins are remembered no more when we are baptized in the name of Jesus.

In the Old Testament [Old Covenant] the blood covenant was circumcision.

In the New Testament [New Covenant] our blood Covenant is water baptism in the name of Jesus. 

"In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh [our old sinful nature] by the circumcision of Christ: buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." - Colossians 2:11-12 

In the Old Testament, if a man was not circumcised, he was cut off from the people of God. 

"And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant." - Genesis 17:14 

When we are baptized in the name of Jesus we enter into a blood covenant with Him and become part of the family of God. 

Just as the flesh is cut off in circumcision, our sinful nature is cut off by repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus. Our sins are cut off/washed away/remitted/forgiven. 

At circumcision, the eight day old baby receives his name. At baptism we receive our spiritual name, Jesus.

Church!

 

Church!

The Lord promised he would be back for His church. We can see the signs of the times.

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance... 

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation…" - 2 Peter 3:9, 14-15 KJV

"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: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:" - Ephesians 4:11-13 KJV

Another translation:

"The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. ... And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. And remember, our Lord's patience gives people time to be saved…" - 2 Peter 3:9, 14-15 NLT

"Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ." - Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT

The Gospel

What is the Gospel?

The Bible tells us the gospel is that Jesus died for our sins, He was buried, and on the third day He rose again.

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; ... 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, 3-4 

The Bible says we are saved by the gospel. 

"By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:2 

The Bible says that we not only need to hear and believe the gospel, but we must obey the gospel to be saved.

"In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:" - 2 Thessalonians 1:8 

How do we obey the gospel? 

We obey the gospel by repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus, and Holy Ghost infilling.

Repentance is death to sin. Water baptism in the name of Jesus is burial of old nature. Holy Ghost infilling is resurrection to new life.

"God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?  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 6:2-4 

This is what Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost was first poured out.

"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 

On that day, about 3000 were baptized with water and with the Spirit. (John 3:5).

"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 

Jesus - The Only True God

 

Peace WITH God and Peace OF God

“There is the peace WITH God, and there is the peace OF God.”

The peace WITH God was accomplished when He shed His blood for our sins, making peace between us after sin separated us. God made peace with us by the gospel.

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;" - Colossians 1:20-23

We have peace with God by the blood of His cross, IF we obey the gospel by repenting of our sins, being baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, and by receiving 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

The peace OF God is found when we receive the gift of God’s Spirit, 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 2:39

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

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

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance..." - Galatians 5:22-23

“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

Jesus

Our heavenly Father put on a human body and dwelt among His creation. This human body that the Father dwelt in is called the Son of God. The Father came and dwelt among us in His name Jesus, which is above every name.

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;" - Philippians 2:10

Philip did not realize that Jesus is the Father revealed in flesh.

"Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?" - John 14:9

"The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works." - John 14:10 

"Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." - John 14:17-18 KJV

Jesus – our Heavenly Father robed in flesh – came in Spirit to His disciples on the Day of Pentecost. 

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

When we are filled with the Holy Ghost, our Heavenly Father is in us.

"For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." - Matthew 10:20

When we are filled with His Spirit, and baptized in His name Jesus, we become the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:27). The Bible then calls us the sons of God. (John 1:12-13, Romans 8:14, Philippians 2:15, 1 John 3:1-2).

"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." - Ephesians 4:4-6

Life Instruction Manual

Here are the verses:

"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 

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

"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;" - Colossians 2:12-13

"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:" - 1 Peter 3:21 

"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. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 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 6:3-6 

"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." - Galatians 3:26-27 

"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." - 1 Corinthians 12:13 

"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. 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? 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 3:3-5

There is only one God - Jesus is His name

There is one God. His name is Jesus. 

"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 

"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 

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God…" - Colossians 1:14-15 KJV

"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." - Colossians 2:9

"For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;" - Colossians 1:19 

"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." - 2 Corinthians 5:19

The word of reconciliation is that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and on the third day rose again.

"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 KJV

Hearing the voice of God

Jesus wants us to hear Him.

The great commandment in the Law begins with “Hear.”

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:" - Deuteronomy 6:4 (Mark 12:29)

Jesus repeatedly would say, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." 

Jesus wants those that He is calling to hear, and those that have answered His call and are living for Him to hear.

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:" - John 10:27 

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

Philip was led by the Spirit to witness to the Ethiopian Eunuch that was traveling in the desert from Jerusalem. 

"Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot." - Acts 8:29 

Philip listened to Jesus and was used to bring salvation to the Eunuch.

"And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him." - Acts 8:38 

Peter was also led by the Spirit. 

"While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee… And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:" - Acts 10:19, Acts 11:12 

Peter listened to Jesus and was used to bring salvation to the Gentiles. 

"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. ... And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." - Acts 10:44, 48 

Jesus tells us,

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." - Revelation 3:20

Preparation for this new year

Preparation for this new year: 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 [schemes/strategies] 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;" (Romans 14:17).

"And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;" (Acts 2:38).

"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." (Jude 1:20).

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (word/gospel).

"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

My strength is made perfect in weakness

Jesus spoke to Paul.

"And he said unto me, 

My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. 

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV

It is in situations where we are at our weakest, that Jesus works the miraculous. Look at Gideon and the great victory God wrought against the enemy with such a small army. (Judges 7).

Paul happily decided he would boast about his weaknesses, so that the power of Christ could be upon his life.

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities [weaknesses], in reproaches [insults], in necessities [hardships], in persecutions, in distresses [troubles that I suffer] for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV 

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer [allow] you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV

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

"But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." - Matthew 10:19-20 KJV

"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." - Isaiah 40:29-31 KJV

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

New Year's Resolutions?

Struggling with New Year's resolutions?

Don’t stress. Pray about everything. We are not ‘bothering’ God, when we ask Him for help with even small things. God is all powerful, loving and caring about our every situation. Jesus wants our success, and He wants to be part of that success. We can thank Him for that. 

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

"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 KJV

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

A New Beginning

The New Year is a new beginning. It is a new page of our life waiting to be written on. It is by the Lord’s mercies that we find ourselves once again on this threshold. His compassion does not fail. 

In 2024 may Jesus open doors and close doors for us according to His will…May we hear His voice and be led by His Spirit…May we accomplish those things the Lord has for us to do… May we be pleasing in His sight.

With this new year, we have decided to make changes in our life. With God’s help, we can do it.

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

"It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:22-23

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

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD." - Isaiah 54:17

"For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." - Psalm 100:5 

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

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

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: and thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." - Deuteronomy 6:4-5 

"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 

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." - Psalm 23:1

Happy New Year!! 

What Is Consecrate?

Today is a good time of the year to consecrate our life to God. 

What is consecrate?

Consecrate means to make holy or to dedicate to a higher purpose. Something consecrated is dedicated to God and thus sacred. It is one who is set apart, dedicated.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God [because of all he has done for you], that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, [let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think] that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God [Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect]." - Romans 12:1-2 

What more in our life can we do to please him? 

What did we not accomplish for Jesus last year that we are more determined to accomplish this year?

What more can we allow God to do through us for His Kingdom? 

What old bad habits are still in our life that we need to get rid of, and what new good habits should we consider beginning?

Is there jealousy, envy, or covetousness that we need to let go of?

It is a good time to examine ourselves, making sure we have peace with God, and peace with one another.

How about forgiving those that have offended us? If we let go of our hurt feelings, ask Jesus to heal our spirit, and we pray for those that have offended us, our hearts are lifted of the weight of bitterness, and love floods our soul. Our spirit is set free of negativity.

We are here for a purpose.

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

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

Happy New Year!