When we have obeyed the gospel, Jesus has given us a fresh start to live a new life. All our sins have been washed away by the blood of Jesus when we were baptized in Jesus name. He has given us the power to live above sin when He filled us with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost.

It is time to use the power of His Spirit, the authority of His name, and the new start He has given us to live a changed life. He has given us His Spirit, so we should walk in His Spirit and not give into temptations.

"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?" - Romans 6:1-3

"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 6:4

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." - Galatians 3:27

Jesus took up His cross and died, was buried, and rose again on the third day. This is the gospel.

We take up our cross and die to sin by repentance, are buried with Jesus by water baptism in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and are raised from the dead by the infilling of His Holy Ghost, the glory of the Father, to walk a new life in the Spirit. This is how we obey the gospel. (Acts 2:38)

"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. For he that is dead is freed from sin." - Romans 6:6-7

"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh [sinful nature] with the affections and lusts [passions and desires of the sinful nature]." - Galatians 5:24

When Christ died, He died once to break the power of sin. So we also should consider ourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God.

"For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof." - Romans 6:10-12

"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." - Romans 13:14

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." - Romans 8:1

"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." - Romans 8:13-14

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. ... If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." - Galatians 5:16, 25

"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

The image of God

God is a Spirit. When God overshadowed Mary and she conceived the Son/body of God, the Spirit of God was revealed in flesh.

"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

When we are born again of water and of the Spirit, we take on the image of God. He has chosen us to be His representative in this world. We repent of our sinful ways, and our sins are buried/washed away/remitted by water baptism by immersion in Jesus name. We take on His name by water baptism in Jesus name, and are filled with His Spirit by receiving the gift of His Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren." - Romans 8:29

"And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly." - 1 Corinthians 15:49

There are some things we are to put off, and some things we are to put on, in order for us to bear the image of our Creator. We no longer have our old lifestyle, but by our new birth have a new life in Jesus. Our affection should be set on Him, and on those things above, and no longer on the things of the world. (Colossians 3:1-17)

We must put off sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, for a greedy person worships the things of this world. We must get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. We must quit lying to each other, for we have repented and put to death our old sinful nature, the “old man” and all its wicked deeds, and put on a new self, the “new man”, with the Spirit of Jesus changing us into His Godly image.

As Gods holy people we must put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, making allowance for each other’s faults, and forgiving anyone that offends us, just as God has forgiven us. Above all we must put on the love of God, which brings true unity among the body. The peace and reconciliation we have found between us and God must rule our heart and actions towards others, for it is by His mercy that we are now in the body of Christ, and by our mercy and forgiveness of others that we will stay in the body of Christ, whose mercy we should be deeply thankful for.

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." - 2 Corinthians 3:18

Jesus could come at any time. If you are not in the gospel ark of safety - the kingdom of God - now is the time to enter.

“But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

“For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

“Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” – Matthew 24:37-44

Jesus told Nicodemus, to enter the kingdom of God a person must be born of water and of the Spirit.

“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

“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.

“Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

“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. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 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 3:1-8

Jesus revealed that there is a sound that accompanies being born of the Spirit. This sound is speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance.

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” – Acts 2:1-4

Peter used the keys Jesus gave him (Matthew 16:19) to unlock the door to the kingdom. He stood up with the other eleven apostles and for the first time preached the gospel –the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“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?

“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… Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:37-42, 47

(1 Peter 3:18-21; 2 Peter 2:4-9; Hebrews 11:6-7)

*This chart is from the Bible Study, "Exploring God's Word." A FREE Teacher’s manual can be downloaded at: http://cgcmadison.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Exploring_Gods_Word_TE.pdf Color charts are available at: http://www.riveroflifeupc.org/our-beliefs.php The Bible study and charts are also available at: Pentecostal Publishing House: https://pentecostalpublishing.com/search.aspx?ProductType=&SearchType=Any&SearchText=Exploring+God%27s+Word+#resultsImage may contain: text

Jesus said we would receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon us. (Acts 1:8)

The Holy Ghost is a promise to us when we repent and are baptized in the name of 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." - Acts 2:38

The Holy Ghost – the Spirit of Jesus in us – is powerful!

When the lame man that sat at the temple gate was healed in the name of Jesus, Peter preached to the people, as they greatly wondered at the miracle.

Peter preached the gospel - the death, burial, and resurrection - and the name of Jesus.

"And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." - Acts 3:16

The priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, being grieved that they taught the people and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead, laid hold on Peter and John and put them in jail until the next day.

About five thousand believed after hearing Peter preach!

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

The next day they were released from jail and brought before their 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.

"And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?" - Acts 4:7

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them,

"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. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner." - Acts 4:10-11

"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

The council then conferred. They wanted to stop the preaching of the name of Jesus!

"But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus." - Acts 4:17-18

After further threatening them, they let them go. And they returned to the other believers, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God.

"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." - Acts 4:31

There was power, so much so that the place was shaken where they were praying!

With this power came boldness to speak the word of God and the name of Jesus.

"And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all." - Acts 4:33

GREAT power was upon them after they prayed and were filled with the Holy Ghost – power to be witnesses for Jesus.

"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

"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 KJV

How can we be like Jesus?

Jesus is God (1Timothy 3:16, Philippians 2:5-6). He took on the form of man and dwelt among His creation on earth (John 1:1,10-11,14). His name “Jesus” is above all other names (Philippians 2:9-11). The Spirit of God is all powerful (2Chronicles 20:6). He is holy (1Peter 1:16).

To be like Jesus, we need His name and His Spirit (James 2:7, Acts 2:38, Rom. 8:9). We need to be holy, as He is holy (1Peter 1:15, Hebrews 12:14).

When we are born again, we receive Jesus name in water baptism, and receive His Spirit when we receive the Holy Ghost (John 3:3,5, Acts 2:38). With the Holy Ghost in us, we have the power of God to live a holy life (Acts 1:8).

To be like Jesus, we must not only be born a son of God (John 1:12-13), but we must grow up and become perfected, as Jesus is perfect (Galatians 4:5-6). To do this, we must assemble ourselves together so that we can hear the preaching of the word (Colossians 1:27-28). The word “perfected” and “perfect” in the Bible often refers to maturity.

Jesus gave us apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to perfect us so we can measure up and become like Jesus. He does not want us to be immature children tossed about by false doctrines, but rather to grow up (Ephesians 4:11-15).

Mature saints are skillful in the word and by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. They teach others. They have grown from milk to strong meat (Hebrews 5:12-14).

It is by going to church that we can be equipped to become like Jesus. We hear the preaching of the word, we can be baptized in Jesus name and receive the Holy Ghost. By hearing the word of God our faith is increased (Romans 10:17). It is essential to assemble together so we can play an active part in the kingdom of God, prepared and helping to prepare others for Jesus soon coming.

Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV - 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.

Prayer

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." - Philippians 4:6

We have many cares and concerns that we face each day.

Jesus can take care of life’s problems. We have the privilege of taking everything to Him in prayer. Every problem that we face, Jesus can help us through it, giving us the words to say, what to do, and giving us favor with those we need to face.

Every burden that we carry, Jesus can lift it. Jesus brings salvation, deliverance, and healing.

We can go to Him in prayer for everything, and we should. He is not only the Mighty God that can move mountains, He is also our Savior that humbled Himself and took our place on a cross, suffering and dying in our place because He loves us that much.

With our requests, we give Him thanksgiving: thanking Him for the prayers He has already answered in our life and in our loved ones lives, but also thanking Him in advance for what we are requesting, to make sure He gets the praise and the glory, lest we forget to give Him thanks after He has answered our prayer!

When we go to Jesus, we can give our burden to Him and have peace that the problem is being taken care of.

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

The world cannot understand the peace which comes from Jesus. His peace comes in the midst of our storms and trials. His peace can come in the midst of sorrow.

When we go to Jesus, praying in the Holy Ghost, problems are solved, there is salvation and deliverance, and Jesus gives us peace knowing He heard our prayers and is answering them. (Acts 2:38, Acts 2:4)

Our heart and our mind is in His hands of protection. He is our shield and defense, our comforter and strength, our ever present help in time of trouble.

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." - 1 Peter 5:7