What do preachers preach when they preach the gospel of Jesus Christ? Part 3

God called Philip to leave Samaria.

"And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert." - Acts 8:26 KJV

"And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias [Isaiah] the prophet." - Acts 8:27-28 KJV

"Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot." - Acts 8:29 KJV

The Bible tells us a person needs a preacher to hear and obey the gospel.

"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 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! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" - Romans 10:14-16 KJV

God sent a preacher from a great revival in Samaria out into the middle of the desert so that one man might hear and obey the gospel! This tells us one single person is as important to Jesus as thousands!

"And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.  The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: in his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus." - Acts 8:30-35 KJV

Philip preached the gospel to the man. He also preached to him how to apply the gospel to his own life.

"And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing." - Acts 8:36-39 KJV

To be continued...

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15

"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;" - John 8:31

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." - James 1:22

"I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name." - Revelation 3:8

What do preachers preach when they preach the gospel of Jesus Christ? Part 2

We see in the Bible that they preached “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:” (1Corinthians 15:3-4)

We also see that next, they preached how to apply the gospel to our life by repentance, water baptism in Jesus name for the remission of sins, and by receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

Philip preached the gospel in Samaria.

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

What were the results?

There were miracles that accompanied Philip’s preaching.

"And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city." - Acts 8:6-8 KJV

Philip preached Christ to them, then he preached how to apply the gospel to their life.

What was their response?

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

The people were water baptized in Jesus name but they were not receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (for as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." - Acts 8:14-17 KJV

This provides an example that water baptism in Jesus name and the baptism of the Holy Ghost are two separate and distinct experiences not always occurring at the same time.

"And they [Peter and John], when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans." - Acts 8:25 KJV

To be continued…

What do preachers preach when they preach the gospel of Jesus Christ?

What did they preach in the Bible?

They preached “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:” (1Corinthians 15:3-4)

Peter preached the gospel on the Day of Pentecost when the church began. (Acts 2:22-24)

What was the response to his preaching?

"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

Next, Peter preached how to apply the gospel to our life.

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

What was the response? 

"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 KJV

Where else did they preach the gospel?

Peter preached the gospel at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful where the lame man was healed in the name of Jesus. (Acts 3:13-15)

He then preached how to obey the gospel. (Acts 3:19)

What was the result?

"Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand." - Acts 4:4 KJV

The next day Peter preached the gospel to the rulers, and elders, and scribes, and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest.

"Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole." - Acts 4:10 KJV

He then preached to them salvation in the name of 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

What was their response?

"And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus." - Acts 4:18 KJV

"But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." - Acts 4:19-20 KJV

"So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done." - Acts 4:21 KJV

When Peter and the other apostles were brought before the council and the high priest (Acts 5:27), they preached the gospel to them.

"The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree." - Acts 5:30 KJV

They then preached obedience to the gospel – repentance and forgiveness of sins and receiving the Holy Ghost.

"Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him." - Acts 5:31-32 KJV

What was their response?

"When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them." - Acts 5:33 KJV

They were then given good advice.

"And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." - Acts 5:38-39 KJV

To be continued…

Are you facing situations in this new year in your day and in your life that you need to get through?

The world would have you to reach in your struggles for ITS “help” to get you through your situation.

The worlds “help” includes alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, stimulants, sedatives, etc., etc.

BUT JESUS wants us to CALL ON HIS NAME and use HIS help.

His help is the real thing, help. And Jesus can get us through every situation WITH HIS SPIRIT.

"And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." - Isaiah 65:24 KJV

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." - Psalm 46:1 KJV

"So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." - Hebrews 13:6 KJV

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." - Ephesians 6:11 KJV (Ephesians 6:10-18, Acts 2:38-39)

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13 KJV

"Be careful for nothing [Don’t be anxious about anything]; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

“There is the peace WITH God, and there is the peace OF God”.

The peace WITH God was accomplished when He shed His blood for our sins, making peace between us, after sin separated us. God reconciled us to Himself by the gospel.

"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 1:20-23 KJV

We have peace with God by the blood of His cross, and by our obedience to the gospel by repenting of our sins and being baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins. (Acts 2:38)

The peace OF God is found when we receive the gift of God’s Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:39)

"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. 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 14:26-27 KJV

Today it is a good time to consecrate our life to God.

What is consecrate?

Consecrate means to make holy or to dedicate to a higher purpose. Something consecrated is dedicated to God and thus sacred. It is one who is set apart, dedicated.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God [because of all he has done for you], that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, [let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think] that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God [Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect]." - Romans 12:1-2

What more in our life can we do to please him?

What did we not accomplish for Jesus last year that we are more determined to accomplish this year?

What more can we allow God to do through us for His Kingdom?

What old bad habits are still in our life we need to get rid of, and what new good habits should we consider beginning?

It is a good time to examine ourselves, making sure we have peace with God, peace with one another, and forgiving those that have offended us.

If we let go of our hurt feelings, ask Jesus to heal our spirit, and we pray for those that have offended us, our hearts are lifted of the weight of bitterness, and love floods our soul. Our spirit is set free of negativity.

We are here for a purpose.

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended [I have not achieved it]: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind [the past], and reaching forth unto those things which are before [looking forward to what lies ahead], I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13