Part 8

Why I am baptized in the name of Jesus - Part 8 – All for one soul: A man named Cornelius

Once again, God cared about one soul, going to great lengths to bring a preacher to him that was baptized in the name of Jesus, that would preach the gospel, and that would baptize Cornelius in the name of Jesus. 

If Cornelius could have baptized himself, or if a family member, or servant that was not baptized in the name of Jesus could have baptized him, then God wouldn't have had him to call for Peter.

"There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius…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 10:1-2 

These great spiritual qualities were not what Cornelius needed to be saved. Cornelius needed to hear the gospel preached, to believe the gospel, and to obey the gospel. (Mark 16:15-16, Romans 10:13-16, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-4, Acts 2:36-42).

"He saw in a vision…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." - Acts 10:3-6 (Acts 11:11-15)

When Peter arrived, there were many gathered - kinsmen and near friends.

"Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God." - Acts 10:33

Peter then preached the gospel - the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

"He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name." Acts 10:43 NLT 

"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. ... For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." - Acts 10:44, 46 

"Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" - Acts 10:46-47 (Acts 11:15, Acts 2:4).

It was not enough they received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. It was ESSENTIAL that they ALSO be water baptized in the name of Jesus. (John 3:5, Acts 2:38). 

Peter then COMMANDED them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. (Acts 10:48).

Part 7

Why I am baptized in the name ofJesus – Part 7 – The Man of Ethiopia

Philip had been baptizing multitudes in the city of Samaria in the name of Jesus. (Acts 8:12, Acts 8:16). In the midst of the revival, God called Philip out to the desert of Gaza. (Acts 8:26). There was a soul, hungry for truth, that needed to hear the gospel and needed someone to baptize him in the name of Jesus.  God cares about the multitudes. He also cares when there is only one soul. 

"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 the prophet." - Acts 8:27-28 KJV

"Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?" - Acts 8:29-30 KJV

"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...Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus." - Acts 8:31, 35 KJV

"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 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 8:36, 38 KJV

How did Philip baptize? We know from how he baptized in the city of Samaria, he baptized in the name of Jesus.

"(…They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)" - Acts 8:16 KJV

I am baptized in the name of Jesus because all of the New Testament church was baptized in the name of Jesus.

Part 5

Why I am baptized in the name of Jesus – Part 5 - Samaria

I am baptized in the name of Jesus because all of the New Testament church was baptized in the name ofJesus.

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

As Jesus told His disciples before He ascended into heaven,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

¹¹

Part 4

Why I am baptized in the name of Jesus – Part 4

I am baptized in the name of Jesus because all of the New Testament church was baptized in the name of Jesus.

The church began on the day of Pentecost, when Jesus poured out His Spirit for the very first time.

Jesus spoke to His disciples right before He ascended into heaven,

"And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." - Luke 24:46-47 

Just as Jesus commanded, Peter preached repentance and remission of sins in the name of Jesus among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Acts 2:38, 2:5).

"And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven." - Acts 2:5 

Peter preached Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. (Acts 2:22-24).

"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 

"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 

On the Day of Pentecost, the first converts to the New Testament church were baptized in the name of Jesus.

Part 3

Why I am baptized in the name of Jesus - Part 3

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

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

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

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

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 

“And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 

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

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

Why I am Baptized in the Name of Jesus - Part 2

Hu bin

Why I am baptized in the name ofJesus - Part 2

I am baptized in the name ofJesus because I love Him. (1 John 4:19, Ephesians 3:17-19, 1 Peter 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2:9).

I have turned my back on sin and the world by repentance, forsaking all for Jesus. (1 John 2:15-17, Ephesians 5:25-32).

I made a covenant with Jesus when I was baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins. (Jeremiah 31:33-34)     

When I was baptized, He gave me His name. I am called by His name. (Acts 2:38).

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

Because I love Jesus, have turned my back on sin and the world and covenanted with Him, He 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. 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

Jesus called me to be His and turn my back on sin when I first heard the gospel. I answered His call by repenting of my sins. When I was baptized in His name Jesus, He washed away my sins, placing His name upon me. Jesus chose me, filling me with His Spirit. I am faithful to Him. (Ephesians 1:4, Acts 22:16, Romans 10:13-16).

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 KJV

"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 KJV

Part 1Why I am Bapti ed in the name of Jesus

 

Why I am baptized in the name of  Jesus - Part 1 

I am baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of my sins.

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

Remission of sins is through the name of Jesus.

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

Jesus spoke to His disciples,

"And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." - Luke 24:46-47 

Peter then preached repentance and remission of sins in Jesus name beginning in Jerusalem to many nations..

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

This is why our Heavenly Father robed Himself in flesh and came to dwell among His creation. He came in His saving name “JESUS” to die in our place so that we may be reconciled to Him and might have eternal life through His Spirit. (Matthew 1:21, Acts 4:12, 2 Corinthians 5:19).

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

"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 

Because of His death and burial applied to our life by repentance and water baptism in Jesus name, we receive the promise of the gift of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, to live a new life in Christ.

From the Old Man to the New Man

When we obey the gospel we repent of our sins, are baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, and receive the gift of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. Our old life is gone; our new life has begun! (Acts 2:38).

"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 from Exploring God's Word Bible study]

Victory

When is the blood of Jesus applied?

We apply the blood of Jesus to our life when we are water baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins. (Acts 20:28).

Jesus told His disciples:

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

Peter preached repentance and remission of sins in His name, Jesus, among all nations  beginning at Jerusalem. 

"And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven." - Acts 2:5 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." - Acts 2:38 KJV

When Peter preached to the Gentiles for the first time, he preached remission [forgiveness] of sins through the name of Jesus. When they heard this, the Holy Ghost fell and they all began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Peter preached, 

"He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name."" - Acts 10:43 NLT

What is the victory?

The victory is that when the blood of Jesus is applied by water baptism in the name of Jesus, one more soul is saved from hell. (Matthew 16:18). The gates of hell can no longer keep our soul captive. We have been set free. There is victory.

"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter [petros- Peter-a detached but large fragment-(Thayer's Greek Lexicon)] and upon this rock [petra- Jesus-the massive living rock-(Thayer's Greek Lexicon)] I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." - Matthew 16:18 KJV

The church is built upon Jesus.

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

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

Church!

Church!

Jesus is coming soon! Make sure all your sins are repented of, you’ve been baptized in the name of Jesus that washes your sins away, and that you are full of the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues as the sign you are completely filled.

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

When asked, "What shall we do?"

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

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

“And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 

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

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

The Armour of God

Ephesians 6:10-18 

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 

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

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

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, 

“And having on the breastplate of righteousness; 

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

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

“And take the helmet of salvation, 

“And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 

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

Perilous Times

In these last days of perilous times, we must remember our privilege given to us from the Lord to pray for situations and authorities around the globe. 

We ought to be faithful and fervent in prayer, talking to Jesus of our concerns, needs, and desires so that we can live peaceful, quiet, godly, and respected lives. 

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

We must remember to ask for His will in all our requests. 

Because Jesus has filled us with His Holy Ghost, we can also pray in the Spirit. 

We need not be anxious or worry, because Jesus hears and answers our prayers.

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

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

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." - 1 Timothy 2:1-4 

(1 John 5:14-15, James 5:17-18)

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

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

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

"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 

Plan of Salvation

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

"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

Part 2

Part 2

Jesus told His disciples to preach the gospel. He told His disciples that those that believe the gospel AND are baptized will be saved. Jesus said we must be born again of water and of the Spirit – baptized in water and baptized with His Spirit. (John 3:5, Luke 24:46-49, Acts 2:38).

You could call the gospel the good news package. It is BELIEVING the gospel – the good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. It is also obeying the gospel by being BAPTIZED. It is the good news that when we repent of our sins, are baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, we can receive the gift of His Spirit to walk in new life.

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

Believing who Jesus is is also wrapped up in the good news package. It is good news that God paid for our sins, when only He could pay the price. He is our Saviour, there is no other Saviour beside Him. (Isaiah 43:11). While every man that was born after Adam is born in sin, only God is without sin. It took God, robing Himself in flesh and blood, to die for our sins. Jesus is God manifest in flesh.

Only the Father in a sinless body could pay the price of our sins. And only the eternal Father could resurrect His human body from the dead. (Acts 2:24).

Jesus said from the beginning He is the Father. He told His disciples, “he that hath seen me hath seen the Father” and “the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” (John 14:7-10).  If Jesus was only a man and not the Father, He could not pay the price of our sins. Believing that Jesus is the Father is part of the good news gospel package.

"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 [I AM Exodus 3:14].

What is the Gospel

You could call the gospel the good news package.

The gospel is the good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day. (1Corinthians 15:1-8).

The gospel is also the good news that when we repent of our sins, are buried with Him by baptism for remission of our sins, we can be filled with the baptism of His Spirit to walk in new life. (Romans 6:1-4).

Jesus told a ruler of the Jews that to enter His kingdom a person must be born of water and of the Spirit. Jesus was speaking of water and Spirit baptism – the gospel. 

"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

"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 explained that He was speaking of a spiritual birth, not our natural physical birth.

"That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." - John 3:6 KJV

Jesus also explained that when we receive His Spirit there would be a sound as we are filled. This sound is speaking in tongues as His Spirit gives us the ability. Jesus compared His Spirit to the wind.

"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

On the Day of Pentecost, when God’s Spirit was poured out on the followers of Jesus, there was a sound like the wind. It was the believers speaking in tongues as they were filled with the Spirit.

"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. ... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:2, 4 KJV

I AM

Is it important to believe that Jesus is the Father revealed in flesh?

Jesus said, “for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins."

Yes, it is important to believe that Jesus is the Father ("I AM") revealed in flesh. (John 14:6-11, John 8:58).

This is what the Bible says:

The Pharisees said to Jesus,

"Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also." - John 8:19 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

In the verse above, “for if ye believe not that I am he” the “he” is italicized. This means that the translators added the word in because they thought it made a better translation. The verse is actually saying, “for if ye believe not that I am, ye shall die in your sins.” 

One translation says, “I AM” (all capital letters). Another translation has a notation, “Most authorities associate this with Ex 3:14, I AM WHO I AM.”

Exodus 3:14 is:

"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

Thus, Jesus is telling the Pharisees that He is the Father, known to Moses and the children of Israel as “I AM,” and if they don't believe this, they shall die in their sins.

Part 4 continued

 Part 4 continued 

Jesus said, “No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” - John 14:6 KJV

How is that?

The next verse is, "If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." - John 14:7 KJV

Jesus made it very clear it is necessary for us to believe He is the Father:

"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

If Jesus was not the Father, but just an ordinary man, He would not have been able to pay the price of our sins by His death. Jesus was able to pay the price because as God manifest in flesh, conceived by the Holy Ghost, He was born without sin. (Luke 1:26-27, Luke 1:35, Matthew 1:20-23).

The only way we can come to the Father is through Jesus, the name of the Father that He placed on His body that He was manifest in to redeem us.

It is by the body of Jesus that we come to the Father in peace. While we were separated from Him by our sins, He reconciled us by the death on the cross of His sinless, holy flesh. He was buried, and on the third day He rose again. This is the gospel, and this is how He made a way for us to come to Him in peace and reconciliation. (Colossians 1:20-23).

"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 KJV

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

We come to the Father by obeying the gospel, when we repent of our sins, are baptized in His name JESUS for the remission of our sins, and we receive the gift of His Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues as His Spirit gives us the utterance. (Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4).

This is how “No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” - John 14:6 KJV

Part 4

 Part 4

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." - John 14:6 KJV

We saw how Jesus is the way, how Jesus is the truth, and how Jesus is the life.

We now see how no man cometh unto the Father, but by Jesus. 

One reason no man cometh unto the Father, but by Jesus is because Jesus is the Father manifest in flesh.

Jesus told Thomas,

"If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." - John 14:7 KJV

"Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us." - John 14:8 KJV

"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 KJV

"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 14:10 KJV

The Father reconciled man back to Himself by the gospel - His death, burial, and resurrection.

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

"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 KJV

We are reconciled back to the Father when we obey the gospel - when we repent of our sins, we are baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission (forgiveness) of our sins, and we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives us utterance.  (Acts2:38, Acts 2:4).

Part 3

Part 3

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” How is Jesus the life?

In the beginning, in the garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve broke their covenant with God and ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, death came upon them, and upon all mankind after them. 

"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" - Romans 5:12 

"But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 5:20-21 (also: Romans 5:15, 17).

Life is in Jesus by the gospel. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection ofJesus. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

"But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:" - 2 Timothy 1:10 

The gospel gives us life when we put our sinful nature to death by repentance, then bury that sinful nature by baptism in the name of Jesus. 

"But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." - John 20:31 

We have life through His name by the gospel when we are water baptized in His name Jesus.

"He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name."" - Acts 10:43 (NLT)

Our sins are forgiven (remitted) through His name by water baptism.

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

Being filled with His Spirit (with the sign of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance) is resurrection to a new life. (Romans 6:1-23, Acts 2:4).

"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." - John 10:10  (John 1:4, John 11:25).

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

Part 2

  Part 2

We see that Jesus is “the way” by the gospel.

What about “the truth”?

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." - John 14:6 

"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ... If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." - John 8:31-32, 36 

What is the truth that makes us free? 

The truth is that Jesus is God that was manifest in flesh for the purpose of dying as a sinless sacrifice to pay for the sin of mankind. He was buried, and on the third day, He rose again.  (John 8:24)

When we acknowledge this, repent of our sins, have them washed away by baptism in the name of Jesus, and are filled with His Spirit, we have obeyed the truth. We are made free from sin and death. This is the gospel, and this is obeying the gospel. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Acts 2:38). This is the truth, and this is obeying the truth.

"For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." - John 1:17 

"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." - John 14:17 

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

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

"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise," - Ephesians 1:13 

"Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." - James 1:18  (John 1:10-13, John 3:5).

To be continued…

The Way, the Truth, and the Life

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." - John 14:6 KJV

How is Jesus the way? 

Jesus is the way by the gospel - His death, burial, and resurrection. 

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

Paul preached the gospel to the Corinthians, and they received what he preached. They stood in the gospel. (Ephesians 6:11, 13-15). They were SAVED by the gospel, IF they obeyed it. (2 Thessalonians 1:8-10, Romans 10:13-16, 1Peter 4:17).

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

The gospel is that Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and that He rose again the third day, all according to the scriptures.

How do we OBEY the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus? 

Repentance is DEATH to sin, water baptism in the name of Jesus is BURIAL of old nature, and Holy Ghost infilling is RESURRECTION to new life.

"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

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?" - Romans 6:1 KJV 

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

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?" - Romans 6:3 KJV 

"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 6:4 KJV (Romans 8:1, 4, Galatians 5:16, 25).

To be continued…

Church!

Let’s have church!

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." - Colossians 3:16 KJV

Redeeming the Time

Is there someone you haven't forgiven, even if they haven't told you they were sorry (Luke 23:34, Acts 7:60)?

Do you have family, friends, loved ones, that you haven't told you love them?

Is there something the Lord has put on your mind to do for Him that you have ignored, delaying by “putting it on the back burner,” and haven't done it?

"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." - Ephesians 5:16-17 KJV

"Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” - Ephesians 5:16-17 NLT

Live for Jesus

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

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

"For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:39 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you haven't repented of your sins and had them washed away by baptism, now is the time to get baptized. (Church Locator: upci.org)

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

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

"For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:39

Joy of the Lord

When we turned our lives to Jesus, started a new life baptized in Jesus' name, Jesus gave us the promise of His Spirit. (Acts 2:38-39) When we received His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, we received the joy of the Lord in our soul. The world didn't give us this joy, Jesus did, and the world can't take it away!

We have God's joy no matter how bad the circumstance, no matter how hard the trial. The joy of the Lord is our strength. When we hold on to His joy and praise Him in our tribulation, it opens the door to great miracles. We have joy because God is good, we love Him, we have faith in Him, and trust Him. This is when God does great things.

"And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

“And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

“And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here."

“Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and 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.

“And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

“And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house." - Acts 16:23-34 KJV

Prayer and Salvation

 Discouraged by the world's situation?p

"Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." - Philippians 4:6 

Pray that God would extend His mercy to others as He did to us, granting them repentance. (1Corinthians 6:9-11).

"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 

Praying in the Spirit with tears births souls into the Kingdom of God. (Galatians 4:19).

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

Part of our armour in spiritual warfare is praying in the Spirit. (Speaking in tongues in prayer).

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit..." - Ephesians 6:18 

There are battles to be fought because satan (the god of this world) is on a mission to blind the minds of the lost so they can't see the light and mercy of the gospel of Jesus.

"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." - 2 Corinthians 4:4 

By the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus we are saved when we become dead to sin by repentance, we are buried with Him by baptism in His name Jesus for the remission (forgiveness) of sins, and are resurrected to a new life with the infilling of the Holy Ghost, speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives us the utterance. (1Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 6:1-5; Acts 2:4, Acts 2:38-39). This is the gospel of Jesus.

Peter preached how we obey the gospel. (Matthew 16:19, Acts 2:38, Mark16:15-16).

"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 

Every soul the church baptizes in the NAME OF JESUS for the remission (forgiveness) of their sins, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, is set free from condemnation to hell. Taking souls back from the devil!

"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 

Sons of God

What does the Bible say about sons of God?

We become sons of God when we are born of God (John 1:10-13). We are born of God when we are born of water and of the Spirit (John 3:3-6), water baptized in the name of Jesus and baptized with the Spirit, which is the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38). 

As sons of God, we are full of God’s Spirit, and God’s name of salvation which is above every name – Jesus - is called upon us. (James 2:7). Just as Christ as the Son of God is the body of God, when we become sons of God, we become the body of God. (1 Corinthians 6:20, Ephesians 4:4, Ephesians 1:22-23).

"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." - Galatians 4:4-7 KJV

"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 [But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s sons because they don’t know him]." - 1 John 3:1 KJV

"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 [give life to] your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you... 

“For if ye live after the flesh [dictates of your sinful nature], ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify [put to death] the deeds of the body [your sinful nature], ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." - Romans 8:11, 13-14 KJV