Praying in the Holy Ghost

 

The Bible says,

"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." - Ephesians 6:12 KJV

The Bible then says,

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." - Ephesians 6:13 KJV

Our defense against the “fiery darts of the wicked” is “the shield of faith.”

"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." - Ephesians 6:16 KJV

How do we get this “shield of faith”?

 We get the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of the wicked by praying in the Holy Ghost.

The Bible says, 

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

Two verses after “taking the shield of faith,” the Bible also says,

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…" - Ephesians 6:17-18 KJV

How do we pray in the Spirit / pray in the Holy Ghost?

We pray in the Spirit, pray in the Holy Ghost the same way we received the Holy Ghost: we pray speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance.

"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 (Acts 10:45-46, Acts 19:6, 1Corinthians 14:18).

If you are feeling attacked by the fiery darts of the wicked, take a moment out and pray in the Holy Ghost. You will find joy and peace that passeth understanding. 

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus [Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus]." - Philippians 4:7 KJV

The Arm of the Lord

 

What is the arm of the Lord?

God is a Spirit. The “arm of the Lord” is a metaphor for God’s power and strength. The "arm of the Lord"  saves, delivers, and redeems. 

[Capital letters added in verses:]

"Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a STRETCHED OUT ARM, and with great judgments:" - Exodus 6:6 (Also: Duteronomy 26:8, Psalm 77:15).

While the arm of the Lord was the power of God to save and redeem His people from the bondage of Egypt, there was the much greater need for all humanity to be redeemed from the bondage of sin and death.

"And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore HIS ARM brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him." - Isaiah 59:1

His arm that saved and delivered His people from physical bondage in Egypt, defeating their enemies, was now going to save and deliver the souls of all humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin, defeating the devil.

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

Isaiah spoke of the arm of the Lord, foretelling of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection in Isaiah 53.

"Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?" - Isaiah 53:1 

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." - Isaiah 53:5 

"The LORD hath made bare HIS HOLY ARM in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." - Isaiah 52:10

John recognized that Jesus is the arm of the Lord.

"But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: that the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?" - John 12:37-38

Acts 2:38

 

Baptism is Faith in Action

 "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

"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

"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

Jesus Commands His Disciples, Peter Obeys His Command

 Non

Salvation by the Gospel

 

A Word of Encouragement and Instruction

 A word of encouragement and instruction

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 

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

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

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 

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

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

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 

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

The Power of the Holy Ghost

 

The Plan of Salvation

 The Plan of Salvation 

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

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

Disciples of John the Baptist

 

There were twelve men in Ephesus that had been disciples of John the Baptist. They were met by Paul the Apostle. They had heard of the baptism of the Holy Ghost from John the Baptist, but had not heard that the Holy Ghost was already being poured out. (Mark 1:7-8) 

When they heard Paul preach Christ, they were RE-BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF JESUS. They then received the gift of the Holy Ghost, SPEAKING IN TONGUES AS THE SPIRIT GAVE THEM UTTERANCE. This is another place in the Bible where it is recorded that when people receive the Holy Ghost they speak with tongues. (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:45-46, Acts 19:6). This is also a place in the Bible where Paul is baptizing.

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

“And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost [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. 

“And all the men were about twelve." - Acts 19:1-7 [There were about 12 men]

What is the gospel?

 What is the gospel?

It is the Good News that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead on the third day, so that we could turn from our sinful way, bury our sinful nature by baptism in the name of Jesus, and arise to walk with Jesus with a new life, filled with His Spirit!

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 

We are saved by the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus – if we OBEY the gospel.

"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 

We deny ourselves by repenting of our sins. We take up our cross by crucifying our sinful nature. We follow Jesus in His burial by being water baptized in the name of Jesus. We follow His resurrection when we are filled with His Spirit and walk in a new life.

"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?  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:1-4

Peter preached the gospel on the Day of Pentecost, then 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. 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

I AM

 

"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. 

“Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? [Abraham lived approximately 2000 years earlier.]  

“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. 

“Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by." - John 8:56-59 KJV

Why did the Jews take up stones to cast at Jesus? 

Because they understood that Jesus was letting them know He is God, the “I AM.”

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

The World

 

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." - 1 John 2:15 KJV (James 4:4).

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." - 1 John 4:4 KJV

What is the world?

"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." - 1 John 2:16 KJV

These three things were what the devil tempted the woman with in the Garden.

"And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat." - Genesis 3:6 KJV

The woman saw that the tree was good for food – lust of the flesh, and that it was pleasant to the eyes – lust of the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise – the pride of life. Even though that was the only tree they were not to eat of…

It was Adam and Eve’s choice to sin that brought death and separation from God. (Romans 5:12, Genesis 3:23).

"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." - James 1:14-15 KJV

It is the devil that is “he that is in the world.” He is “the god of this world.” He blinds the minds of those that believe not, knowing that through the gospel we can overcome the world and once again have communion with God and eternal life. By the gospel, we can have God in us.

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

What is the gospel that the devil has blinded the minds of unbelievers to?

It is the good news (the great news!!!) that God robed Himself in flesh to dwell among humanity and die in our place for our sins, that He was buried, and that on the third day He rose again. (1Corinthians 15:1-4).

It is the good news (the great news!!!) that if a person will repent of their sins, be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission (forgiveness) of their sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (the Spirit of Jesus in them), they will be saved. (Matthew 16:24-26, Galatians 6:14, Romans 6:1-5, Acts 2:38).

The lusts of the flesh are temporary “pleasures.” Living for God overcoming the world has its rewards in this life and in eternal life. (Hebrews 11:24-26, John 10:10).

"And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." - 1 John 2:17 KJV

When we are born of God by obeying the gospel (John 1:12-13, John 3:5, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-13, Acts 2:38), we have the power of God within us to overcome the world and anything the devil throws at us. (Acts 1:8).

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." - 1 John 5:4 KJV

One God

 

"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 

The Father, creator of the universe, walked among His people. He came manifest in flesh so He could die for our sins and save us. He is our Savior. He came in His name of salvation, JESUS (“LORD Salvation”). (Exodus 15:2, Isaiah 43:11, Luke 2:11, Titus 2:13).

"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 

He taught that we must be born of water and of the Spirit to enter His kingdom. He gave the keys to His kingdom to His disciple Peter. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached the keys to the kingdom.

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

On that day, His Spirit filled His people, as He promised. (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4-5, Acts 2:33). 

He gave us His Spirit so we could once again be one with Him. By our obedience to the gospel, we can claim His promise and receive the gift of His Spirit within us.

Jesus is our Father. His Spirit gives us the power to overcome sin, and the power to be witnesses unto the world.

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

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

Faith

 

Faith

"And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you." - Luke 17:5-6

Jesus told His disciples, a grain of mustard seed is the smallest of seeds, yet when it is sown, it grows and becomes greater than all herbs. (Mark 4:31-32)

When faith is sown in our heart, even if it is a tiny seed of faith, it will grow and become great faith.

We hear about Jesus. We believe. A tiny seed of faith is planted. We begin praying, thanking Jesus for another day of life. We ask Him for His help with the things of life we are going through. We see Jesus answering prayer after prayer. We see Him working miracles. We see His healing touch in our life. With each prayer answered, our faith grows.

Faith is essential to our relationship with God.

"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

We have faith in God. We believe the Creator of the universe stepped down into humanity, taking on the form of man, so that He could pay the price of our sins. (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Through faith by believing the gospel, we are baptized in the name of Jesus, applying His blood to our life for the remission [forgiveness] of our sins. (Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38).

Because of our faith, we believe God's promise, and receive the gift of His Spirit in us, 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

Faith is the beginning. Faith grows. Faith takes us through trials, works miracles, and takes us places as God’s hands, feet, and mouthpiece. We live by faith. We walk by faith. We stand fast in faith. And faith keeps us to the day when we see our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ face to face.

Fruitful

 "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." - John 15:4-5 

How does Jesus abide in us, and we abide in Him?

"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 

When we decide to follow Jesus and turn our back on sin, we covenant with Him by water baptism in the name of Jesus. Our sins are remitted and we receive His gift of His Spirit, which is the Holy Ghost. 

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

Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches.

"For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring." - Acts 17:28 

With His Spirit in us, we begin bearing the fruit of His Spirit.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;" - Colossians 1:10 

"Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." - John 15:8 

"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." - John 15:16 

We also are fruitful by sharing the gospel with others. Through our witness, the Word, and prayer, God gives the increase and new souls are born into the kingdom.

"Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase." - 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 

"He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." - John 15:5

Church!

 Church!

Be a part of the growing body of Christ -

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:" - Ephesians 4:11-15 

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. - Ephesians 4:11 NLT

Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. - Ephesians 4:12 NLT

This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. - Ephesians 4:13 NLT

Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. - Ephesians 4:14 NLT

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. - Ephesians 4:15 NLT

He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. - Ephesians 4:16 NLT

The Lord promised He would be back for His church. He has delayed because it is not His will that any be lost, but that all repent. We can see the signs of the times. We need to be ready to meet Him.

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

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

When we repent, and are immersed in the water of baptism in the name of Jesus, our sins are forgiven. We are like a brand new baby with a clean slate. When Jesus fills us with His Spirit, we are ready to start a new life in Jesus!

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

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

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

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

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 

“... And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." - Acts 2:38-42, 47

Stedfast, Unmoveable, Always Abounding...

 You may be in the midst of trials and problems, or you may be in the midst of blessings. For those in trials, keep the faith.

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." - 1 Peter 4:12-13 

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 15:58 

For those that are in the midst of blessings, be careful to maintain your work for the Lord. We do not know what hour Jesus will come for His church. It is not time to ‘kick back’ but rather to be about our Father’s business. There are those around us that have not yet obeyed the gospel. (Acts 2:38).

"For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" - 1 Peter 4:17-18 

"Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." - Matthew 25:13 

"And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 

“And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?" - Luke 12:16-20 

We must be about our Father's business. (Luke 2:49). 

"I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." - John 9:4

The Spirit of Truth

 

The Spirit of Truth

God is Spirit. He created the universe. He is the Father. His name is Jesus.

The Father put on humanity and dwelt among us as the Son of God, the flesh and blood of God. (Acts 20:28).

"Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works." - John 14:9-10 KJV

Jesus shed His blood, dying on a cross, and on the third day rose again. The blood that He shed washes away our sins when we are baptized in His name Jesus. (Acts 2:38).

With repentance and baptism in His name Jesus, He gave us a promise. Jesus promises us the gift of the Holy Ghost, His Spirit within us. (Acts 2:38-39, Acts 2:4). If we will receive His Spirit.

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

 

After His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus was with His disciples for forty days. (Acts 1:3).

Jesus told His disciples that after He departed from them, He would come to them. He would come to them as the Spirit of truth. The Spirit of truth is the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Jesus in us. Jesus also spoke of His Spirit as the Comforter. (John 14:15-18, 26).

After Jesus ascended in bodily form into heaven, He poured out His Spirit, beginning on the day of Pentecost. His Spirit is now within all those that have received the Holy Ghost. We are now His body – the body of Christ – here on earth. (1Corinthians 12:27). 

One of these days, we too, those dead in Christ or those alive, will ascend into heaven, in what we call the rapture, to be with Jesus. (1Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Jesus

   It is by the name of Jesus that we find salvation, for by His name our sins are remitted (forgiven) in baptism.

"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 

Our sins are washed away when we are baptized in the name of Jesus.

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

Jesus died for our sins, he was buried, and he rose again the third day. (1Corinthians 15:31-4).

Baptism in the name of Jesus brings us into covenant relationship with God. 

When we are water baptized in the name of Jesus (the name of Jesus called upon us), the blood Jesus shed for us is applied to our life and our sins are remitted (forgiven).

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

In the great commission recorded in the Gospel of John, the aspect and responsibility of the church to baptize is included when Jesus spoke of the power of the church to remit sins.

"Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." 

"And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:" 

"Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained." - John 20:21-23 

Apostle Peter preached remission of sins through the name of Jesus on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost was first poured out and the church first began.

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

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

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

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

I am the First and the Last, Image of the Invisible God

 

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

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

Church!

 Church!

A time and place to be perfected - to mature in Christ.  To become equipped to do God’s work through the ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers as they build up the body of Christ.

"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

Jesus - Image of the Invisible God

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

["And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. - Exodus 3:14. Also, "Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am." - John 8:58 KJV]

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

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

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

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

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

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 

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

Jesus

 Jesus Christ is all man and all God.

As man He grew tired, hungry, thirsty, felt pain, prayed, and died.

As God He fed the multitudes, cast out devils, healed the sick, raised the dead, answered prayers, and lives forever!

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

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

“Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

“Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake." - John 14:8-11

Pressing toward the Mark

 Pressing toward the Mark

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

We have been called by God to take up our cross and follow Him.

Matthew 16:24 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. 

We have crucified our fleshly lusts (the “old man” with its sinful nature) by repentance, and are now following Jesus. 

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

We not only have followed Christ's death, but have also followed His burial when we were baptized "in the name of Jesus.”

Romans 6:3-4a 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…

As Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, we also are risen to new life by the infilling of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost.

Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

Romans 6:4b …That like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory (Spirit) of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  

We now walk in a new life as a "new man," a “new creature” in Christ. 

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

Since we have obeyed the gospel by repenting of our sins, being baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and having received the gift of His Holy Ghost, we must be faithful to assemble together at church to worship God and hear the preaching of the word. This is how after we have been “born again” that we "grow up" unto perfection.

Hebrews 10:25 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 [of His return] approaching.

Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting [equipping] of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

By the preaching and study of God’s word we may become “perfect” [complete], prepared and equipped for God to do His work through us.

2Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect [complete], throughly furnished [equipped] unto all good works. 

The word “sin” is defined as, “A failing to hit the mark.” (Thayer's Greek Lexicon)

We must not fail to hit the mark. We must watch and be sober so that satan cannot cause us to stumble and fall in our walk with God.

1Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  

We have been called and chosen. Jesus called us to follow Him. We repented of our sins and we were baptized in His name for the forgiveness of our sins. He chose us when He filled us with His Holy Ghost. 

Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.  

We are God’s chosen people. We are special to Him. We belong to Him.

1Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar [purchased possession] people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

We have been called and chosen, now it is up to us to be faithful. Let us press on toward the mark, the end of our race, for the reward of God’s high calling, to be with the Lord in His glory forever.

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

These were more noble...

"And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews." - Acts 17:10 KJV

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." - Acts 17:11 KJV

"Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few." - Acts 17:12 KJV

Pride

 Pride

What does the Bible say about pride?

Pride can cause a saint to stumble and fall. Pride can cause relationships to end. Pride can lead to ruin.

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Psalms 10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

Psalms 36:11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.

Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. (NLT: All who fear the LORD will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.)

Proverbs 11:2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly (humble) is wisdom. 

Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. (NLT: Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.)

Proverbs 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

Proverbs 29:23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. (NLT: Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.)

Isaiah 2:12 For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:

Nebuchadnezzar learned a lesson about pride.

Daniel 4:37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

Daniel 5:20-21 But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him: and he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.

Jesus named pride as one of the evil things that defiles a man.

Mark 7:20-23 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

Paul described pride as a potential pitfall of a new convert becoming a bishop.

1Timothy 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the (same) condemnation of the devil.

Lucifer was condemned for his pride when he lifted himself up to be as God.

Isaiah 14:12-14 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

Finally, we can see the three categories that caused the downfall of mankind in the garden, described as the downfall we face today. Pride of life is one of these categories.

Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

1John 2:15-17 ¶Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.