Thi is the Day Which the Lord hath made

 

Thank You Jesus

 

Forgiveness of Sins

 

7th

 

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 Gh

ost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

Ruth's Gleanings: In the Bible, How were people added to the Church?

Ruth's Gleanings: In the Bible, How were people added to the Church?:   How in the Bible were people added to the church? On the Day of Pentecost when the church began, Peter preached the gospel - the death, bu...

In the Bible, How were people added to the Church?

 

How in the Bible were people added to the church?

On the Day of Pentecost when the church began, Peter preached the gospel - the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

"Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it." - Acts 2:22-24 

"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 

They responded with repentant hearts.

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

Peter told them how to obey the gospel.

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

"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 

Peter urged them to obey the gospel.

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

They then received the gospel and obeyed it. (Mark 16:15-16).

"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 

This is how they were added to the church.

"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. ... praising God, and having favour with all the people.

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

Baptism in the name of Jesus

 A lot of people think if they “keep the Ten Commandments” they are going to heaven. 

"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 

Cornelius was a just man, a man of prayer, helping the poor. His righteousness, however, was not enough to save him. He needed to be born of the water and Spirit, as Jesus said.

The Lord loved Cornelius so much, that He sent an angel telling him to send for a man named Peter.  While men from Cornelius were on their way, the Lord gave Peter a heavenly vision to make sure Peter would accept the mission. (Read Acts 10)     

If you haven’t been born again, Jesus loves YOU and is calling you to be born of water and the Spirit.  

How is a person born of water and Spirit?

When Peter arrived, Cornelius had gathered family and friends to hear Peter’s message from God. Peter preached to them the Gospel, that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose the third day. 

Finally, Peter preached:

"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." - Acts 10:43 

While Peter spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on Cornelius, his family, and friends he had gathered in his house and they all began to speak in other tongues (languages they did not know) as the Spirit of God spoke through them. 

Peter and the men that came with him were astonished, for Jesus poured out the Holy Ghost on the Gentiles just like He had on them on the day of Pentecost! (Acts 2:4)

Cornelius and those at his house were all now born of the Spirit. Next, they were born of the water. 

Peter then COMMANDED that they be water baptized in Jesus name.

"…Then answered Peter, 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 10:46-48 (See also Acts 2:38)

I AM the First and the Last

 Jesus cried and said, He who believes in me, believes not in me, but in Him who sent me. And he who sees me sees Him who sent me.

The Gospel

 

TheGift

 The Gift

The Jews made a covenant with God at Mount Sinai. God gave them His Law. The Jews count that there are 613 commandments in the Law. They covenanted to keep all of them. 

Exodus 24:3 And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do. 

The Jews look at this covenant as a marriage covenant with God. Just as the bride says, “I do,” the Jewish people said, “We do.” 

God recognizes this covenant as His marriage covenant with the Jewish people. In Jeremiah 31:31-34, God refers to the covenant He made when He brought them out of Egypt and refers to Himself as their husband. 

Jeremiah 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 

Jeremiah 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: 

Jeremiah 31:33 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. 

Jeremiah 31:34 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.  

Here God speaks of making a new covenant with Israel. We know the new covenant to be the Gospel. 

While the covenant of the Law is God’s justice, His covenant of the Gospel is a covenant of mercy. “For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34). 

Just as the covenant of the Law was a marriage covenant, the covenant of the Gospel is also a marriage covenant. Those that have obeyed the Gospel become part of the bride of Christ.

The Jews say that God has a gift for those that enter into the marriage covenant of the Law. This gift is the Sabbath. 

The Sabbath is a day of physical rest for the Jewish people. It is a day that they spend devoted to prayer and study of God’s word. It is to be a day of peace. The greeting often said on the Sabbath is, “Shabbat Shalom,” which is Hebrew for “Sabbath Peace.”

God has a gift for those that enter into the marriage covenant of the Gospel. This gift is the Holy Ghost.

While the rest of the Sabbath is one day a week, the rest of the Holy Ghost is twenty-four hours, seven days a week. It is a rest that you do not have to say goodbye to at the end of the day.  

Matthew 11:28-30 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.  

When a person enters into the covenant of the Law, it is said that person takes on the “yoke” of the commandments. 

When God took on the form of man to bring the new covenant of the Gospel, He brought a new yoke. Instead of the written Law of justice, of 613 commandments, God writes His Law of love and forgiveness in our hearts. By the Holy Ghost, God’s Spirit within, Jesus teaches us and brings His word to our mind.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

While the Sabbath has its peace, the gift of the Holy Ghost brings the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.

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

The peace that the covenant of the Gospel gives, is the peace of reconciliation back to God through His perfect sacrifice of His flesh, “the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29).

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

[NLT: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.]

The gift of the Holy Ghost is the presence of Jesus within us, who is with us always. The gift of the Holy Ghost is like a well of water springing up into everlasting life. It is joy unspeakable and full of glory. (John 4:14, 1 Peter 1:8).

Because of God’s perfect sacrifice that takes away the sin of the world, those that have repented of their sins and have been baptized in the name of Jesus can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost – Jesus within. 

Under the covenant of the law, the offerings of bulls and goats could not take away sins. (Hebrews 10:4). Because sin wasn’t taken away, God could not dwell within His people. His Spirit could be upon them and with them, but not in them, until God came and brought the new covenant. By the new covenant of forgiveness, all may know God by the infilling of the gift of His Holy Ghost. “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 31:34b)  

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

We turn our life to Jesus, apply the blood He shed for us and receive remission of sins by water baptism in the name of Jesus. This is how we enter into the new covenant. We become part of the bride of Christ. Because we enter into this marriage covenant, Jesus has a gift for us: the gift of His Holy Ghost.

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

Church!

 

Church! 

Every day we are one step closer to seeing Jesus face to face. To be ready, we must repent of our sins (being sorrowful for the wrongs we have done and turning our back to sin), be baptized by immersion in water in JESUS name for the remission of our sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (God’s Spirit in us, with the sign of speaking in another tongue/language as we allow God to take control of our words). (Acts 2:4, Acts 2:38) 

We should not simply be ready by obeying the gospel, but also ready by being all that the Lord wants us to be. We should be fruitful by doing good works and shining the love of Jesus to others. We should be fruitful by bringing others into the kingdom of God through the gospel. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Acts 2:38)

In the day we are in, we must be faithful to assemble together by going to the house of God. We need the encouragement, and the exhorting (preaching) from the Word so that we can walk true and steadfast in Jesus. Through prayer and worship we can receive the communion and strength of His Spirit to make it through these end times. 

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 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 10:23-25

Church locator:

Upci.org  

 "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 KJV

Jesus shows us the path of 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

It is by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus – the gospel – that we find the path  to life. There is no other gospel, no other religion that can bring us to God. By His name Jesus in baptism we apply the blood He shed to remit [forgive] our sins so that we can make peace with Him, receive His Spirit, and live. 

When we obey the gospel of Jesus, we receive the promise of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. 

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

In His presence there is fullness of joy. 

"Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:" - 1 Peter 1:8 KJV

We do not now see the physical body of Jesus (which ascended to heaven and which we will see in the clouds at the rapture), but now we feel the joy of His Spirit when we are filled with His Holy Ghost.

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

The pleasures that come from living for Jesus far outweigh what the world has to offer. 

The good choice is to turn away from sin and its path of death and to choose the path of life. 

Jesus gives us a life of pleasure that is no comparison to the sin the world has to offer.

A few of the pleasures the Spirit of God brings into our life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23).

Jesus shows us His gospel is the path of life which leads to heaven. In Jesus there is fullness of joy and pleasures for evermore!

Jesus Has All Power

Jesus has all power.

"And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all." - Luke 4:14-15

Jesus has power over satan.

“And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.

“And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not." - Luke 4:33-35

Jesus gave power to His disciples.

"After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come... 

"And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." 

"Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

" - Luke 10:1, 17-20 

Because Jesus paid the price of death for our sins on the tree, we are able to have our names written in heaven  by our repentance, our baptism in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, and by receiving His gift of His Holy Ghost.

"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

And now He gives US power 

 "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." - Mark 16:17-18

Thy Word

 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." - Psalm 119:11 

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12 

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" - Ephesians 6:17 

"Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word." - Psalm 119:114

One God

 There is only one God. His name is Jesus. He is our Heavenly Father that robed Himself in flesh to die for our sins, reconciling us to Himself.

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

One God His Name is Jesus

 The word “Godhead” means “divine power,” “divinity,” “divine,” “deity,” “divine nature.”

“Godhead” describes the SPIRIT of God. 

The “Father” describes the SPIRIT of God. 

The “Holy Ghost” describes the SPIRIT of God.

“Son,” on the other hand, describes the FLESH of God.

Clearly, FLESH should not be considered part of the Godhead, for FLESH is not the SPIRIT of God. 

The concept that the “Son” (the FLESH of God) is in the Godhead is a concept that is a tradition of men. 

Rather, as the BIBLE states, the Godhead is IN the body (flesh) of Christ.

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." - Colossians 2:8-9 KJV

["Don't let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body." - Colossians 2:8-9 NLT]

God was IN CHRIST, reconciling the world unto HIMSELF.

"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 KJV

Jesus is our Heavenly Father, revealed in flesh/bodily.

"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 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

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

There is only ONE God. His name is JESUS. 

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:12 KJV (Acts 2:38)

Be not Weary in Well Doing

 "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

"For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." - Galatians 6:7-10 KJV

I AM HE

 

Peace and Reconciliation

 In the Bible, many times numbers have symbolic meanings. For example, it is said that the number seven represents completion, or perfection. God created the world in seven days. There are seven colors of the rainbow and seven musical notes. Naaman the leper became clean after dipping in the river Jordan seven ti

Three represents peace and reconciliation. Three times in the year Jewish males appeared before the LORD at the temple in Jerusalem making peace with sacrifices to God. Jonah was reconciled back to God when he was in the belly of the whale for three days. Joseph interpreted the dream of the butler: the vine of three branches was three days, and the butler was restored to his position as butler.

The question may be asked, why did Moses strike the rock in the wilderness three times?

The first time Moses struck the rock, he struck it one time and at God’s commandment. This was in Rephidim which Moses called Massah, and Meribah (which means “striving” or “arguing.”) This was at the beginning of the forty years in the wilderness.

The second time Moses struck the rock, he struck it two times, in disobedience to God’s command to speak to the rock. This was at the very end of the forty years in the wilderness. This brings the total times the rock was struck to three times. This place was called the waters of Meribah, because the children of Israel again strove with the LORD.

Why would the rock be struck three times?

The Bible says that the rock was Christ. The number three represents peace and reconciliation. By Christ being smitten, the smitten rock, by His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus brought peace and reconciliation between Himself and the world.

"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

"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:" - Colossians 1:21-22 KJV

"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 KJV

The What the who the how the why

"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

Baptized in the Name of Jesus

 Why I am baptized in the name of Jesus 

I am water baptized in the name of Jesus to apply the blood of Jesus to my life for the remission of my sins. 

"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins [everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name]." - Acts 10:43 KJV  Our sins are forgiven through His name by water baptism in His name of Jesus.

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

"For it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." - Leviticus 17:11 KJV

While the blood of animal sacrifices every year pushed ahead the sins of Israel, they could not take their sins away. 

"But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins." - Hebrews 10:3-4 KJV

It took our Heavenly Father robing Himself in flesh, born holy and without sin, to shed His blood for us so our sins could be taken away. God came in His name Jesus.

"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 KJV

Jesus told His disciples when He took the cup at the last supper before His death, that it was symbolic of the blood He was about to shed.

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

This is what Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost when the church first began – baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.

"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

Halloween

 Is Halloween a device of Satan? What is Halloween? A time of fun and excitement for children? 

It is a day when schools, preschools, and daycares take a day to devote their 

activities to tales of witches and warlocks, of drawing pictures of black cats, full moons, ghosts and goblins. It is a day if carving out jack-o-lanterns, of candy and more candy. After school, when darkness arrives, it is a time of costumes and going door to door to neighbors and friends, children shouting, "Trick or treat" for candy and apples, trips through haunted houses, and parties. 

The stores fill up with sections devoted to Halloween costumes and masks, scary makeup, fake blood and eyeballs, plastic jack-o-lanterns, ghost figures, witches on brooms, and more.

Is this a “holiday” where Satan appears as an angel of light? (2Cor.11:14).

Halloween has a history filled with evil, wickedness, and violence. The Spirit reveals underneath the sugar-coated celebrations, there are deadly satanic activities going on with the principalities, the powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this world.

Years ago, Druids, coming to the door of castles threatened homes and families with satanic curses (“trick") unless the father and mother would surrender their virgin daughter as a blood sacrifice to satan on the upcoming rituals on the night of Halloween. If they surrendered their daughter, a hollowed-out squash would be lit by their door, candle light sending out beacons through its openings signaling that this home was not to be cursed: they had surrendered their child at the Druid’s threat.

Several years ago, the underground evil seeped up into the candy gathering ritual to the point where hospitals were offering x-rays of apples and candy to disclose hidden razor blades. The possibility of poison in Halloween treats lead to supervised neighborhood trunk and treat events.

Is there other evil going on the night of this satanic holiday today?

There are numerous accounts from those that have previously been involved with Satanism of the animal and child sacrifices on this night. The horror of this goes beyond one’s imagination. It is truly a night of darkness and evil spiritual activity going on in remote areas, concealed beyond the “innocent” revellings of the night.

Halloween is a time to be discerning, to not step over the line into the realm of being caught by Satan’s devices. It is a time to intercede in prayer for those caught up in satanic activities that the light of the truth of Jesus come to them and deliver them from darkness into his mercy by the Gospel of Jesus (Acts 2:38). It is a time to intercede in prayer for those that are victims or potential victims of the sexual abuse and violence that is a part of satanic rituals.

The Bible says,

"When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire [human sacrifice], or that useth divination [do not let your people practice fortune telling], or an observer of times [or use sorcery], or an enchanter [or interpret omens], or a witch [or engage in witchcraft], or a charmer [or cast spells], or a consulter with familiar spirits [or function as mediums or psychics], or a wizard [or call forth the spirits of the dead], or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee [The nations you are about to displace consult sorcerers and fortune tellers, but the LORD your God forbids you to do such things]." - Deuteronomy 18:9-12 KJV (Also, Galatians 5:19-21, Revelation 9:21, 21:8)

"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. ... Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" - Ephesians 6:10-12, 18 KJV

"The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. […so remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.]" - Romans 13:12 KJV

"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. [Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.]" - Ephesians 5:11 KJV

"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." - 2 Corinthians 2:11 KJV

Bind and Loose

 Apostle Peter and Binding and Loosing

Besides giving Peter the keys to the kingdom, Jesus also gave Peter authority to bind and loose.

"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 

The meaning of "bind" and "loose" in this scripture, using the Thayer's lexicon, appears to do with apostolic authority. Thayer's lexicon defines these Greek words in the context of the verse:

The definition of "bind" is “to forbid” (“by a Chaldean and rabbinical idiom (equivalent to אֲסַר), to forbid, prohibit, declare to be illicit: Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18.)”

The definition of "loose" is: "to declare lawful" (“by a Chaldean and Talmudic usage (equivalent to אַתֵּר, שְׁרֵא (cf. Winer's Grammar, 32)), opposed to δέω (which see 2 c.), to declare lawful: Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18”).

Thus, to “bind” and “loose” in this verse has to do with law and doctrine.

Jesus gave Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus then said whatever Peter would “declare unlawful” on earth would be unlawful in heaven, and whatever Peter would “declare lawful” on earth, would be lawful in heaven. 

Thus, Peter was given authority to establish law (doctrine). 

Peter acted in this authority after he was filled with the Holy Ghost 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 KJV

The multitude that gathered said, what meaneth this? 

"But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:" - Acts 2:14 KJV

When Peter preached the gospel to the people, they responded. 

"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 KJV

With the authority given to him by Jesus, Peter then declared what would become doctrine.

"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

Speaking in Tongues

 "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

Jesus is explaining that just as the wind has a sound that accompanies it, so likewise the Spirit has a sound that accompanies it. We learn later in Acts, that speaking in tongues is the sound that accompanies the Holy Ghost as Jesus fills an individual with His Spirit.

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

Act 10:45-46 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. 

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

We see from our human experience, that when a baby is born there is a sound. It is when the baby inhales his first breath that the sound is emitted – a cry! This is how we know the baby is alive outside the womb. He must take a breath, or he will die. 

That breath that a baby receives when he is born in the natural is like the Spirit we receive when we are born again of the Spirit. 

Speaking to Nicodemus, 

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

And then,

"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

So it is as Jesus said, when we are born of the Spirit there is a sound. 

We see in the Bible and from our experience today that this sound is speaking in tongues. 

[Note: Tongues is a language. Tongues as the sign of receiving the Holy Ghost is speaking in a language we do not know, as the Spirit of God speaks through us. We speak in other tongues as God is filling us with His Spirit, trusting and allowing Him to change our words of praise into a language we do not know.]

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

Jesus is explaining that just as the wind has a sound that accompanies it, so likewise the Spirit has a sound that accompanies it. We learn later in Acts, that speaking in tongues is the sound that accompanies the Holy Ghost as Jesus fills an individual with His Spirit.

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

Act 10:45-46 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. 

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

We see from our human experience, that when a baby is born there is a sound. It is when the baby inhales his first breath that the sound is emitted – a cry! This is how we know the baby is alive outside the womb. He must take a breath, or he will die. 

That breath that a baby receives when he is born in the natural is like the Spirit we receive when we are born again of the Spirit. 

Speaking to Nicodemus, 

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

And then,

"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

So it is as Jesus said, when we are born of the Spirit there is a sound. 

We see in the Bible and from our experience today that this sound is speaking in tongues. 

[Note: Tongues is a language. Tongues as the sign of receiving the Holy Ghost is speaking in a language we do not know, as the Spirit of God speaks through us. We speak in other tongues as God is filling us with His Spirit, trusting and allowing Him to change our words of praise into a language we do not know.]

The Eyes of the Lord

 The Eyes of the LORD

The Bible speaks about the eyes of the LORD.

"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. [The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.]" - 2 Chronicles 16:9 KJV

The eyes of the LORD are not spoken of here as physical eyes. The LORD had physical eyes when He walked among His creation in the form of man as Jesus Christ. Yet He was not limited to what He saw through His human eyes, for God was not limited within that body during the 33 years He dwelt on this earth.  That was His temple. (John 2:19-21). God still remained omnipresent [present everywhere] throughout the universe, and omniscient, knowing and seeing all things. 

Solomon recognized that God could not be contained within a physical temple. When Solomon dedicated the magnificent temple He built, He said these words:

"But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!" - 2 Chronicles 6:18 KJV

Yet, the presence and glory of God dwelt within Solomon’s temple, the house of the LORD.

"Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house." - 2 Chronicles 7:1-2 KJV

Later, the presence and glory of God dwelt within Christ, His new temple that was made of flesh.

"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

Both temples (Solomon’s temple, and Christ as God’s temple) had the name of the Lord placed upon them. They both were a place of sacrifice. They both were a place of God’s presence.

"And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven: ... 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 8:22, 29 KJV

Because Jesus is God, He was not limited to His physical body of flesh. Nor was He limited to His physical eyes of His human body. Rather, Jesus as God saw all things.

"And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?" - Matthew 9:4 KJV

Peter spoke of the eyes of the Lord.

"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers..." - 1 Peter 3:10-12 KJV

Jesus as God is everywhere, seeing His people and hearing our prayers. 

Call on His name, whatever you are going through. Jesus is our healer, our deliverer, our savior, our comforter, our strength and our every present help in time of trouble.

"The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry." - Psalm 34:15

The Gospel

 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." - Romans 1:16 KJV

What is the gospel?

"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

To be saved by the gospel, we must not only BELIEVE the gospel; we must also OBEY the gospel. (1 Corinthians 15:2).

To obey the gospel, we are baptized with water and with the Spirit. (John 3:5).

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached the gospel of Jesus.

"Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it." - Acts 2:23-24 KJV

The people then asked Peter and the rest of the disciples, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

Peter then preached how to obey the gospel.

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

The gospel, that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, is the power of salvation. We obey the gospel by repenting of our sins, applying the blood and Spirit of Jesus to our life by water and Spirit baptism. We are baptized with His Spirit,  speaking in tongues as His Spirit gives us the utterance. (John 3:5-8, Acts 2:2, 4, Acts 10:45-48, Acts 19:5-6). We are baptized with water by immersion with the name of Jesus called upon us which applies the blood of Jesus for the remission of our sins. (Acts 8:38-39).

Jesus told His disciples to preach the gospel. Those that BELIEVE the gospel and OBEY the gospel by being baptized shall be saved.

"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

Church!

 

The Right Hand of Power

 The hand of God is an extension of the arm of God. The hand of God, just like the arm of God, represents God’s power.

God is a Spirit – invisible. God's Spirit fills the universe. He is one God, Creator of the universe and Savior of our souls. He is omnipotent (all powerful) and omnipresent (everywhere at the same time).

Because He is Spirit and fills the universe, He does not have a physical right or left side, or a right or left hand. Again, the hand of the Lord, especially the right hand, is symbolic of power.

The following verses are examples of God’s hand and right hand speaking of the power of God. (Daniel 9:15, Acts 5:31, Acts 2:33, Acts 5:31).

"Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God." - Luke 22:69 KJV

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:2 KJV (There is one throne in heaven, and one that sits on the throne – Christ, the image of the invisible God.) 

"Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." - Matthew 26:64 KJV

"And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." - Mark 14:62 KJV [“14:62a Or The ‘I AM’ is here; or I am the LORD. See Exodus 3:14”]

"So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God." - Mark 16:19 KJV

"Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God." - Luke 22:69 KJV

"And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God... And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." - Acts 7:56, 59 KJV

 Satan does not want a person to be saved. If a person has made it into the kingdom of God by being born again of water and of the Spirit (Acts 2:38), satan does not want that person to grow up in Christ to become fruitful and used by the Lord in ministry. 

One way to keep a believer from growing in the Lord, is to keep them from the acknowledgment of sin in their life. 

 Sin is revealed by the Holy Ghost working in a person’s life and directing them in paths of righteousness and holiness. 

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." - John 14:26 KJV

Sin is also revealed by the preaching of the word. 

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

 Both of these ways make it clear to a person what things in their life are sin, allowing them to repent, turn away from these things, and to remove sin from their life. 

 If a person refuses to recognize something in their life as sin that has been revealed to them as sin, that sin is not repented of; it remains in their life. That person’s growth in the Lord is stifled. Their use in the kingdom is limited. They risk shutting the door for entrance into ministry and even on their  salvation. 

 According to the Bible, it is satan that takes away the preached word sown in a person’s heart. 

"And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts." - Mark 4:15 KJV

 How does satan take the word that was sown in their heart? By tempting and lying to a person, which can result in that person's rebellion, disobedience, lack of submission, pride, arrogance, being contentious, being offended at the word…

In the garden of Eden, the word of God was sown in Eve's heart. Satan came and said to her, "...hath God said...?"questioning God's Word. (Genesis 3:1). 

Jesus said the devil was a murderer and a liar from the beginning, which we see in the case of Adam and Eve. (John 8:44). The devil lied to Eve, resulting in her disobedience to God's word, which resulted in Adam's disobedience to God's word, which resulted in death coming upon man. (Romans 5:12).

 God calls the ministry His gifts to men. (Ephesians 4:8). 

Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.

The ministry is for the perfecting (maturing) of the saints (believers). The ministry is for the purpose of helping believers to grow up spiritually. The ministry is for equipping believers so they will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil and not be deceived by false doctrines. The ministry is to teach believers to operate in love as one body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-16).

I am Baptized in the Name of Jesus for the Remission of Sins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tongues - Part 10

   Part 10 Divers kinds of tongues

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

What does the Bible say about “spiritual gifts”?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walking in the Spirit

 

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." - Galatians 5:16

How do we walk in the Spirit? 

The first step is repentance. We are sorry for our sins. We purpose in our heart and mind to turn our back on sin and a sinful lifestyle.

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you…" - 2 Corinthians 6:17

When we were in the world, we fulfilled the lusts of our flesh and had for our destiny the wrath of God.

"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation [conduct] in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." - Ephesians 2:2-3

When we repented and came out of the world, we had our sins washed away by water baptism in the name of Jesus. It is necessary to be baptized in the name of JESUS as the Bible says (Acts 2:38), so that the blood of JESUS can be applied to our life to  remit our sins.

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

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

Just as Jesus said, Peter preached repentance and remission of sins in the name of Jesus among all nations beginning in Jerusalem. He preached this message on the Day of Pentecost.

"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

After repentance, we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. When Jesus fills us with the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Jesus in us, we have the power to overcome the lusts of our flesh.

"For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." - Galatians 6:8 

"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

Tongues - Part 9

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

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

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

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

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

Peter told them,

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

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

They spoke with tongues.

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

Peter told the Jewish believers in Jerusalem,

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

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

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

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

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

Tongues - Part 8

 

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

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

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

We come to Jesus by faith. 

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." - Hebrews 11:6 

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

Now we can receive God’s Spirit in us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Church!

 

Church!

The name of Jesus is powerful. When we are baptized in the name of Jesus, His blood is applied to our life and our sins are washed away.

"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

His name Jesus is worthy, by which we are called when we are baptized in His name.

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

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

Before Paul was converted, he persecuted the church – the church being those that called upon the name of Jesus when they baptized new souls to the faith.

"And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name." - Acts 9:14 KJV

The church fulfills the prophecy of the prophet Joel: "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." - Acts 2:21 KJV

Thankfully, and much to the surprise of the church, Jesus had mercy on Paul and he was converted, the name of Jesus also called upon him when he was baptized. 

"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

"But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?" - Acts 9:21 KJV

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