The Kingdom Part 4

The Kingdom Part 4

In Acts chapter one, it is recorded that during the forty days between Jesus’ resurrection and His ascension to heaven, Jesus spoke of the things “pertaining to the kingdom of God.” 

"To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:" - Acts 1:3 

It was during this forty-day period that Jesus gave His commission to His disciples that instructed how to enter the kingdom of God. 

"Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 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. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." - Luke 24:45-49 

"For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." - Acts 1:5 

The new birth into the kingdom would include repentance, remission of sins in His name (baptized with  water), and the Holy Ghost (baptized with the Spirit). 

"Then returned they unto Jerusalem…And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room…These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication…" - Acts 1:12-14 

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. ... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:1, 4 

The apostles did as Jesus commanded, that “repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:47). 

"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 keys to the kingdom were revealed. (John 3:5).

"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter…And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven" - Matthew 16:18-19 

The Kingdom - Part 3

The Kingdom - Part 3

To be in the kingdom of God, we must not only get oil in our lamps (born of the Spirit - John 3:5), but we must KEEP full of oil (full of the Holy Ghost - Acts 6:3).

"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom…" - Matthew 25:1 (See verses 2-13).

The kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom entered by repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus, and receiving the Holy Ghost. The kingdom of God is within us. (John 3:5, Acts 2:38).

"The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." - Luke 17:20-21 

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

"For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." - 1 Corinthians 4:20 

When we enter the kingdom of God by being born of water and of the Spirit, we receive the power of the Spirit that is life changing.

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

The power of the Holy Ghost gives us a life changing experience that we become witnesses of. By the Holy Ghost and baptism in the name of Jesus we are washed, sanctified, and justified. 

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind [practice homosexuality], nor thieves, nor covetous [greedy of gain], nor drunkards, nor revilers [are abusive], nor extortioners [cheat people], shall inherit the kingdom of God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 

WERE!!

"And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:11

By the gospel - repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost - we are transformed, able to enter into the kingdom! (John 3:5).

Church!

Church!

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." - Psalm 100:1-5 KJV

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

The Kingdom - Part 2

The Kingdom Part 2

Jesus went everywhere, preaching the kingdom of God.

"And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him," - Luke 8:1 KJV

Jesus told Nicodemus how we enter the kingdom of God.

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

Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom. 

"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven..." - Matthew 16:19 KJV (Matthew speaks of the kingdom as “the kingdom of heaven,” while Mark, Luke, and John speak of the kingdom as “the kingdom of God.”)

With the keys from Jesus, Peter, full of the Holy Ghost, made clear what being born of water and of the Spirit is and exactly how we enter the kingdom.

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

We are born of the water when we are water baptized in the name of Jesus. We are born of the Spirit when we are Spirit baptized, filled with the Holy Ghost. 

When we enter the kingdom of God by being born of water and of the Spirit to live our lives for God, we must not look back to the world of sin. 

"And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62 KJV

If we went to be secure in the kingdom, we must forgive others, just as Jesus forgave us when we repented of our sins and were baptized in His name for the remission of our sins. (Acts 2:38, Mark 11:26, Matthew 6:12, 14-15, Colossians 3:13, Matthew 18:23-35).

To be continued…

The Kingdom

The Kingdom

When the angel Gabriel came to Mary, he spoke to her about her son and His kingdom.

"And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." - Luke 1:33 KJV

At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus preached about the kingdom. During His ministry, Jesus taught many, many things about the kingdom.

"Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." - Mark 1:14-15 KJV

Jesus taught His disciples to pray about the kingdom.

"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. ... And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." - Matthew 6:9-10, 13 KJV

Jesus taught we must seek first the kingdom.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." - Matthew 6:33 KJV

Jesus told Peter,

"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." - Matthew 16:19 KJV

Jesus spoke of the gospel of the kingdom when His disciples asked Him about the end of the world.

"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." - Matthew 24:14 KJV

Jesus told His disciples the kingdom was a mystery, but the mystery was revealed to them.

"And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:" - Mark 4:11 KJV

Forgiveness

Is it necessary for salvation to forgive?

Jesus told a story of a servant that owed the king ten thousand talents. He could not pay the debt, so the king ordered him and his family to be sold for payment. 

The servant fell down and worshipped him, asking for patience and promising to pay all. 

The king was moved with compassion, loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 

The same servant went to a fellowservant, which owed him an hundred pence: he laid hands on him, took him by the throat and said, “Pay me what you owe.”

The fellowservant fell down begging him, asking for patience and promising to pay all, but he threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. 

When his fellow servants saw this, they were very sorry, and told the king all that was done. 

Then the king said to him, “You wicked servant, I forgave you all your debt, because you asked me. Shouldn't you also have had compassion on your fellowservant, even as I had on you?” 

And the king was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 

"So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." - Matthew 18:35 KJV 

[See Matthew 18:23 – Matthew 18:35 for the complete Bible text of this story that Jesus told.]

When we could not pay our debt of sin, Jesus our King had compassion on us and forgave us. Our sins have been forgiven and washed away by the blood of Jesus when we repented and were water baptized in the name of Jesus.

According to Matthew 18: 34-35, if we are going to be like the wicked servant that REFUSED to forgive the VERY small debt that his fellowservant owed, our debt of sin that Jesus suffered and died for will be returned to us.

Part 22

Part 22 - I am baptized in the name of Jesus to become the temple of God.

Just as the Temple in Jerusalem and the body (Temple) of Jesus were both called by the name of the Lord, we too, as the Temple of God are called by the name of the Lord.

We receive His name, JESUS, when we are baptized in water in the name of Jesus, having the name of Jesus called upon us. (Acts 2:38).

Solomon spoke of the temple of God he built.

"That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place." - 1 Kings 8:29 

Jesus spoke of being the temple of God.

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

Jesus is called by God's name.

"I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive." - John 5:43 

Just as the Temple and the Body of Christ were both filled with the glory of God, we, too, when we receive the Holy Ghost, are filled with the glory of God.

As the temple of God, we have the name of Jesus called upon us and the Spirit of Jesus in us.

"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 (Also: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17).

Part 21

Part 21 - I am baptized in the name of Jesus to become the bride of Christ.

As a bride takes her husbands name at marriage, we take the name of Jesus when we enter the marriage covenant of baptism.

When we turn our back on sin by repentance and are water baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission (forgiveness/washing away/burial) of our sins, we have entered into a covenant with God. He promises us the gift of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38). We have become His bride. We forsake all others – putting away the world with its lusts and all other gods in our life - and cleaving to Jesus. (John 3:26, 29, 1John 2:15-17).

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength…" - Mark 12:30 

"To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." - Ephesians 1:6

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

In our covenant, we are the bride of Christ. Our relationship is as a husband and wife.

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;" - Ephesians 5:25

"Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God." - Romans 7:4 

"For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." - Ephesians 5:29-32.

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:38-39

Part 20

 

Part 20 I am baptized in the name of  Jesus because I want to be part of the body of Christ.

Our physical body is a metaphor of the body of Christ. Our physical body has a name and a spirit. BWhen we are baptized in the name of Jesus, His name is called upon us. When we are baptized with the Holy Ghost, we are filled with His Spirit. By baptism we become part of the body of Christ.

"So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." - Romans 12:5 KJV

"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ." - 1 Corinthians 12:12 KJV

"For the body is not one member, but many." - 1 Corinthians 12:14 KJV

Jesus is the head of His body and we with others that also have His name and Spirit are members of His body.

"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." - Colossians 1:18 KJV

"Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." - 1 Corinthians 12:27 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:" - Ephesians 4:11-12 KJV

Church!

 

"And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!" - Luke 15:16-17 KJV

"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." - Luke 15:20 KJV

Fed up with the world of sin? When the son "came to himself" he realized true Life is found returning to his Father's house! Jesus, our Heavenly Father, is waiting with love and open arms.

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

"And now why tarriest thu? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." - Acts 22:16 KJV (Acts 2:38-39).

Part 19

 

I am baptized in the name of Jesus because I have decided to follow Jesus.

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." - Matthew 16:24 

Jesus died on a cross, was buried, and rose again on the third day.

We follow His death by denying ourself and taking up our cross. We do this by repentance. When we repent, we turn from the world and its pleasures of sin and lust and turn our life to living for Jesus. (1John 2:15-16).

We follow Jesus by “crucifying” our sinful nature.

Jesus died one time. Not every day.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” – Romans 6:1-2

"Knowing this, that our old man is [old sinful selves were] crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin." - Romans 6:6-7 ¹

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." - Galatians 5:24 [Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.]

Jesus said we are to take up our cross and follow Him. After Jesus died on the cross, He was buried.

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death….” – Romans 6:3-4

Because I, too, want to follow Jesus, I am buried with Him by being baptized in water in the name of Jesus.

Hallelujah, Jesus didn’t stay on the cross, and He didn’t stay in the grave.

On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead.

We follow His resurrection by being filled with His Spirit to walk in newness of life.

"…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

"And that ye put on the new man [the new self], which after God is created [created to be like God – truly righteous and holy] in righteousness and true holiness." - Ephesians 4:24 KJV

Part 18

Part 18 - I am baptized in the name of Jesus so that I may take on the yoke of Jesus.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30

The yoke of Jesus is His New Covenant.  When we take on His yoke  by baptism in the name of Jesus, He promises the gift of His Holy Ghost rest. 

"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 

Isaiah prophesied of the Holy Ghost rest.

"And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious." - Isaiah 11:10 

"For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing:..." - Isaiah 28:11-12 

When a Jew takes on the yoke of the commandments (the 613 commandments (or "mitzvot") of the Old Testament Law), he is entitled to the gift of the Sabbath rest.

Jesus said, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

When Paul and Barnabas reported to the apostles at Jerusalem the conversion of the Gentiles,

“There rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses." - Acts 15:5 

Peter responded,

"Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?" - Acts 15:10 (Acts 15:11). (The yoke of the Law).

Paul later said,

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage [the Law]." - Galatians 5:1 

By taking the yoke of Jesus by baptism in the name ofJesus, we have the promise of the glorious rest and refreshing of the Holy Ghost.

Part 17 - Continued

Part 17 - Continued - I am baptized in the name of Jesus to fulfill the covenant of circumcision. 

Circumcision is done when the baby is eight days old. At circumcision, the baby is given his name.

"And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb." - Luke 2:21 

At spiritual circumcision, which is baptism in the name of Jesus, we are given our spiritual name. We are given the name Jesus.

"Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?" - James 2:7 ["Aren't they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?"]

Those Jews that were not circumcised, were cut off from God’s people for breaking the covenant.

"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 

Those that are not spiritually circumcised by obeying the gospel by baptism are cut off from God’s people for breaking the covenant.

"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 

Physical circumcision is a cutting off of flesh.

"And ye shall circumcise [cut off] the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you." - Genesis 17:11 

Spiritual circumcision is a cutting off of the flesh (our sinful nature) by repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost. (Romans 8:1, 8:5).

Physical circumcision was for “EVERY MAN CHILD AMONG YOU.”

"This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; every man child among you shall be circumcised." - Genesis 17:10 

Spiritual circumcision of baptism in the name of Jesus is for “EVERY ONE OF YOU.”

"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

Part 17

 

Part 17 – I am baptized in the name of Jesus so that I can fulfill the covenant of circumcision.

It is by our obedience to the gospel that we fulfill the covenant of circumcision. We obey the gospel by repentance, by water baptism in the name of Jesus, and by receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-4, Acts 2:38)

"In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands [not by a physical procedure], in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh [the cutting away of your sinful nature] by the circumcision of Christ [by a spiritual circumcision]: buried with him in baptism [buried by baptism in the name of Jesus], wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God [the Holy Ghost], who hath raised him from the dead." - Colossians 2:11-12 

God spoke to Abraham -

"He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant." - Genesis 17:13 

Jewish physical circumcision is a blood covenant not considered complete unless a drop of blood is actually drawn.

Spiritual circumcision by water baptism is also a blood covenant when it is done in the name of Jesus.  It is only complete when in the name of Jesus, which applies His blood.  

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

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

To be continued...

Part 16

Part 16 - I am baptized in the name of JESUS because there is none other NAME under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.

"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

Church! Sunday - The First Day of the Week

Church!

On Sunday, the first day of the Hebrew week, called “Yom Rishon” (“first day”) in Hebrew, God said, Let there be light: and there was light. (Genesis 1:3). God is that light. 

In the beginning, the light of God was manifested out of the darkness. 

When God overshadowed Mary and she conceived, the light of God was in her womb, manifest in flesh. The light of God is His glory, His mercy, His Holy Ghost. The son that was born is God in a human body, the light of the world. (John 1:14).

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." - John 8:12 

By the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus – He made a way for us to become His light. We celebrate on Sunday that Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week! (Mark 16:9).

By repenting of our sins, being baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, and the infilling of His Spirit, we follow Him and become His light in the world. (Acts 2:38). The light of His Spirit shines through us. 

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." - 2 Corinthians 4:6 [so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face (mercy) of Jesus Christ.]

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:" - Ephesians 5:8 

We were once facing condemnation for our sins, but now we have the light of His mercy within us. Now we can walk as His children.

God sent Paul,

"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 (Acts 26:23).

Time for church! Time for us to be His light in the world! 

(Sunday, the first day of the week: John 20:1, John 20:19 (assembled), John 20:24, John 20:26, Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2, Hebrews 10:25 (assembling, Acts 15:25).

Part 15

 

Part 15 - I am baptized in the name of Jesus to apply the blood of Christ our Passover to my life

“For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:" - 1 Corinthians 5:7 

When the children of Israel were in bondage to Pharaoh in Egypt, God delivered them. God sent plagues, attempting to cause Pharaoh to let His people go. Pharaoh kept changing his mind. 

"Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover." - Exodus 12:21 

"And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it." - Exodus 12:7 

"For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you." - Exodus 12:23 

Jesus is our Passover lamb that was sacrificed for us.

Jesus was crucified at Passover. (John 19:14-16). Like the bones of the Passover lamb, the bones of Jesus were not broken. (Exodus 12:46, John 19:33, 36). Like the Passover lamb, Jesus was without blemish. (Exodus 12:5, 1 Peter 1:19). Bitter herbs were eaten with the Passover to remember their bitter bondage. Jesus was given vinegar just before His death to remind us of our bitter bondage to sin and death. (Exodus 12:8, John 19:29-30, Hebrews 2:14-15). 

It was not enough that the Passover lamb DIED to save them from the destroyer. The blood of the Passover lamb had to be APPLIED. (Exodus 12:23).

Jesus DIED for our sins. Just as they had to APPLY the blood of the Passover lamb to the house for the first born male in the house to be saved, we must APPLY the blood of Jesus by water baptism in the name of Jesus for remission of sins for us to be saved. (Acts 2:38).

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

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

"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." - Acts 2:38 

Part 14

Part 14 – I am baptized in the name of Jesus to become a son of God – a light in the world

Our Heavenly Father, Creator of the universe, revealed Himself in human flesh and blood to reconcile the world back to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19). 

He came in His name of Salvation – “Jesus.” He was not recognized by His creation. His own covenant people, the Jews, as a whole did not receive Him. BUT those that do, He gives us power to BECOME His sons.

"He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 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 1:10-13 KJV

We, as sons of God, are not born sons of God at our natural birth, as Christ was. We must be born AGAIN of water and of the Spirit to BECOME a son of God. (John 3:5). Christ is the only one who was born from His natural birth as the Son of God. This is why Jesus is called the only begotten Son of God. (Luke 1:31, Luke 1:35, Matthew 1:20).

"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 

We are born a son of God when we are born again, born of water and of the Spirit. We are born of water by water baptism in the name of Jesus. We are born of the Spirit by the baptism of the Holy Ghost, speaking with other tongues, as the Spirit gives us utterance. (John 3:5, Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4). 

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

[2 Corinthians 6:17-18, Galatians 4:4-7, Romans 8:13-23, 29-30, Hebrews 2:10, Hebrews 12:5-11, 1 John 3:1-3]

Part 13

 

Part 13 - I am baptized in the name of Jesus because Jesus is the one who was crucified for me.

Paul the Apostle wrote to the church in Corinth:

"For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ." - 1 Corinthians 1:11-12 KJV [I am a follower of Paul, I follow Apollos, I follow Peter, I follow Christ]

Paul asked them,

"Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" - 1 Corinthians 1:13 KJV

"I thank God that I baptized none of you [in the church at Corinth], but Crispus and Gaius; lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not [I don’t remember] whether I baptized any other." - 1 Corinthians 1:14-16 KJV

"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." - 1 Corinthians 1:17 KJV

We know Paul or Silas baptized the jailor and his household in Philippi. (Acts 16:29, 32-33). We also know Paul baptized about 12 men at Ephesus. (Acts 19:1, 5-7).

While we see that Paul DID baptize, his CALLING was to preach the gospel. Before the household of the Philippian jailer was baptized, Paul FIRST preached the gospel to them. When Paul baptized the 12 men at Ephesus, he FIRST preached the gospel to them. 

Paul makes it clear, the one we are to be baptized in the name of is Jesus! We are to be baptized in the ONE that was crucified for us, Jesus Christ.

"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

Part 12

I am baptized in the name of Jesus to be called by His name - Part 12

When we are baptized in the name of Jesus, the name “Jesus” is called upon us. God's holy, saving name, “JESUS” becomes our name. 

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

When the Gentiles were converted to the church, 

"There rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, that it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses." - Acts 15:5 

"And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;" - Acts 15:7-8 (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:45-47).

"And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon [Peter] hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name." - Acts 15:13-14 (Acts 10, Acts 11:1-18).

"And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things." - Acts 15:15-17 (Amos 9:11-12).

How are the Gentiles called by the name of the Lord?

The Gentiles became called by the name of the Lord when they were baptized in the name ofJesus

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

11"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!

"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

Part 6

I am baptized in the name of Jesus because all of the New Testament church was baptized in the name ofJesus - Part 6 - Samaria

"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 ofJesus and received the Holy Ghost after Peter’s preaching  that day.

Philip was a witness unto Him 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

Part 10

I am baptized in the name of Jesus because we need to BELIEVE AND OBEY the gospel. - Part 10

The Philippian Jailer

Before Paul and Silas went to Philippi, God had given Paul a vision. (Philippi is a city in Macedonia.)

"And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; there stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us." - Acts 16:9

"And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them." - Acts 16:10 

Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison because they had cast a devil out of a girl that was being used for fortune-telling. 

The jailer was ordered to make sure Paul and Silas didn’t escape.

While they were in prison, at midnight, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God. 

"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." - Acts 16:26

"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?" - Acts 16:27-30 

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

BUT THAT IS NOT THE END OF THE STORY!!!

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

They were fulfilling the mission of the heavenly vision of preaching the gospel to the man of Macedonia!

After HEARING the gospel, the jailor and his household OBEYED the gospel! The Philippian jailor and all his house were BAPTIZED

"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

How were they baptized?

Paul baptized in the name of Jesus. (Acts 19:4-5) 

Part 9

 Why I am baptized in the name of Jesus - Part 9 - Getting Rebaptized by Paul 

John the Baptist’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. John the Baptist did not baptize in the name of Jesus. 

In the book of Acts, which describes the beginning of the church with the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost and the spread of the gospel, Apostle Paul re-baptized disciples of John the Baptist.

"And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples [about 12 men], he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? 

“And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. [They hadn't heard that the Holy Ghost was being poured out.]

“And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 

“Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 

“When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 

“And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." - Acts 19:1-6 KJV

If you aren’t baptized in the name of Jesus, you need to be re-baptized, just as they were in the Bible! (Acts 2:38)