Church!!

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him...

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." - Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11 KJV

"Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness." - 1 Chronicles 16:29 KJV

"But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple." - Psalm 5:7 KJV

"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." - John 4:23-24 KJV

When Isaiah prophesied of the Father’s incarnation, the Father called Himself, “Prince of Peace”. [peace: ii. with God, especially in covenant relationship]

Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

The peace that comes from the Father was also prophesied by Zacharias.

Luke 1:77-79 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Jesus guides our feet into the way of peace by the preaching of the gospel and by our obedience to the gospel. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. We obey the gospel by crucifying our sinful desires by repentance, by burial with Christ by immersion in water baptism with Jesus’ name called upon us for the remission of our sins, and by receiving the Spirit of Jesus, speaking in tongues as His Spirit gives us the utterance (1Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6, Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4).

When we have obeyed the gospel, our feet are shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. We have peace with God by the gospel. While sin separated us from God, He redeemed us back to Himself, making peace between us.

The peace the Father brought was announced by angels at His birth.

Luke 2:11-14 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Colossians 1:19-23 ¶For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister…

The gospel that Paul preached is found in 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.

When Christ was born, the angels gave glory to God declaring peace on earth and blessing upon mankind.

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." - Luke 2:13-14 KJV

What is this peace and blessing?

God brought peace by the blood of His cross through the gospel, reconciling man back to Himself.

"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

This peace of reconciliation between God and mankind was foretold by the prophet Isaiah.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." - Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV

God would be manifest in flesh (1Timothy 3:16)  – the everlasting Father would be born in human flesh as the Son of man (Isaiah 9:6, Matthew 20:28, John 14:7, Luke 21:36). He would be the Prince of Peace for He would bring peace between Himself and man by the sacrifice of His own flesh and blood. The Father Himself would take the justice due to us, receiving the judgment of our sins for us with His own blood (Acts 20:28).

The zeal of the LORD – God’s love for mankind – performed this humbling of Himself to redeem us from sin and death. God’s passion for His beloved caused Him His great sacrifice.

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

"But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." - Philippians 2:7-8 KJV

What is this “government upon his shoulder” that was established by judgment and justice bringing everlasting peace? This government is the kingdom of God which we enter by birth – being born again of water and of the Spirit. (John 3:5).

The gospel of the kingdom is how we are born of the water and of the Spirit. It is the gospel of peace – bringing us peace with God.

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

Peter was sent by God to preach the gospel of peace, beginning 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 KJV

Those that obey this gospel of peace find true peace and blessings from The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace – JESUS.

"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." - John 14:27 KJV

The peace Jesus left for His disciples was reconciliation back to Himself. Only the “Son of God” - which is the flesh of God - could give this peace, because only God is without sin. God saw that there was no man that could be a Savior, so He robed Himself in flesh, came to earth to dwell among men, then gave His life on the cross to redeem man back to Himself.

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." - Leviticus 17:11 KJV

"Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. [Perhaps speaking of His dwelling within the flesh temple of man compared to His dwelling filling the universe; perhaps also referring to accomplishing His mission as High Priest and Lamb to fulfill the Law of application of His blood in the Temple in heaven]" - John 14:28 KJV

The fulfillment of the peace Jesus gave is the Holy Ghost. Because Jesus paid the price of reconciliation by His blood, we are able to receive His Holy Spirit and become at one with God. No more separation because of sin – because of the blood that reconciled, we are reunited with God.]

"For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;" - Colossians 1:19-23 KJV

What is the gospel that we have heard preached? The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1Corinthians 15:1-4.

How can we be presented holy, unblameable and unreproveable in His sight? By obedience to 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. ... And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:38, 42 KJV

Joseph of the Old Testament is a "type" of Christ. He was sold by his brethren for 20 pieces of silver, was a servant, falsely accused and put in prison, finally becoming ruler of Egypt. (Gen. 37-50)

There finally came one day when Joseph was revealed to his brothers. He was revealed to them as ruler and provider of bread to the world.

"And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do. And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt. And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands." - Genesis 41:55-57 KJV

"And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth." - Genesis 42:6 KJV

"Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. ... And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt." - Genesis 45:1, 4 KJV

One day Jesus will be revealed as Ruler –  King of the Universe – and Provider of Bread to the world.

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel." - Matthew 2:1-6 KJV

"And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. ... I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." - John 6:35, 51 KJV

"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. ... And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!" - John 1:29, 36 KJV

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

"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen." - Revelation 1:7 KJV

May we be numbered with those that are with Him - called, chosen, and faithful!

"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 they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:38-39, 42 KJV

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" - Jeremiah 17:9 KJV

That is why we must circumcise our heart, which is equated to repentance and water baptism in Jesus name.

"In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;" - Colossians 2:11-13 KJV

AND we must have God's law written upon our heart, which is equated to receiving the Holy Ghost. The day of Pentecost celebrated the giving of the Law (on stones) on Mount Sinai; it was also on the day of Pentecost that God's law was written on hearts instead of on stone when the Holy Ghost was poured out.

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

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

Peter proclaimed the New Covenant to the people 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 KJV

Jesus gave power to His church to forgive/remit sins.

"But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house. But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men." - Matthew 9:6-8 KJV

Jesus gave power to His disciples in the Great Commission to forgive sins. He revealed the power to forgive/remit sins is in baptism in the name of Jesus (“JESUS” is THE NAME of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, which are simply TITLES of God).

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." - Matthew 28:18-20 KJV

Jesus is our heavenly Father and Creator of the universe that came in the form of man - the Son of man. Earlier in Matthew, it is recorded Jesus gave power to forgive sins to men. At the end of Matthew, Jesus told His disciples when speaking of His power that THEY were to GO YE THEREFORE, TEACHING and BAPTIZING. This is where the power to forgive sins is -baptizing in Jesus name.

Jesus gave this same instruction in the Great Commission according to John.

"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 KJV

Jesus told them whosever sins they remitted, they would be remitted. We see this in water baptism in the name of Jesus 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." - Acts 2:38 KJV

The Greek word for remission in Acts 2:38 is translated as "remission" 9x and "forgiveness" 6x in KJV. (Other translations use the word "forgiveness" in Acts 2:38 as well.)

Jesus spoke of remission (forgiveness) of sins in the Great Commission according to Luke.

"And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." - Luke 24:46-49 KJV [“Power” in this verse is the Greek word “dynamis,” meaning strength power, ability. It is used for the power of the Holy Ghost. (see Acts 1:8). “Power” in Matthew 9:6-8 and Matthew 28:18 is the Greek word “exousia,” meaning authority.]

Jesus speaks of baptism for salvation in the Great Commission according to Mark.

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 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 16:15-18 KJV

The Greek word for “damned” means, “to give judgment against, to judge worthy of punishment.”

When a person is baptized in Jesus name they are baptized for the remission of sins. The meaning of the Greek word “remission” is, “forgiveness or pardon, of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed), remission of the penalty.” (Thayer's Greek Lexicon)

We can thus see why baptism in Jesus name for the remission of sins saves us from “judgment against” us, “judgment worthy of punishment.” (“Damnation”). It is because by baptism in Jesus name our sins are remitted/forgiven.

The people truly had the right reaction when Jesus told them He had given men power on earth to forgive sins!

"But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men." - Matthew 9:8 KJV