Come and See

John 1:35-39 35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; 36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! 37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? 39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. Jesus asked, “What seek ye?” They answered, “Master where dwellest thou”? Jesus answered, “Come and see.” John 1:45-46 45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Here Philip told Nathanael, they had found the Messiah. Nathanael asked, “Can any good thing come out of Nazarath?” Philip answered, “Come and see.” Today people; Jesus is calling out, saying, “Come and see. Come dwell with me; I in you and you in me! Come and see that the Lord is good. Come and see that my burden is light. Come and see my yoke is easy. Come and see; that I will give you rest for your soul.” John 1:51 51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man. Jesus answered, “Ye shall see.” We the Church are calling out to the Lost – Come and See the glorious salvation of the Lord. In John chapter 4, There came a woman of Samaria to Jacobs well. Jesus came to the city of Samaria and being weary He stopped at Jacob’s well to rest while His disciples went into the city for food. Around noon a woman of Samaria came by to draw water, and Jesus spoke to her, “Give me to drink.” And she said; “How is it you being a Jew ask of me to give you to drink?” For the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered her and said; “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that said to thee; Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him and He would have given thee, Living Water.” The woman said to Jesus, “The well is deep and you have nothing to draw with, where then have you this Living Water?” Jesus said, “Whosoever drinks the water of this well of Jacob shall thirst again; But whosoever drinks of the water I shall give him, Shall never thirst, but it shall be a well of water springing up into Everlasting Life!” The woman said, “Sir give me this water.” Jesus said, “Go call your husband,” and the woman answered; “I have no husband.” Jesus said, “In this you do tell the truth, for you have had five husbands and the man you are living with now is not your husband.” The woman said, “Sir; I perceive you are a prophet.” The woman departed into the city and called the men of the town and said, “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! Is not this the Christ?” Today Jesus is still saying “Come and see. Come taste of the Lord, see that He is good!” King David spoke in Psalms 27:13 13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Matthew 5:8 Jesus proclaimed, 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. I John 3:2 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. Come and See! To find a Church in your area, visit wec.upci.org/churches/ and be sure to visit Connecting Point Ministries online @ www.ensnaredindistractions.com/. Your Brother in the Lord, Perry Harris (0) Comments

Posted: 5/13/2008 4:05:48 PM

We Are the Bearers, Bearers of the Truth

God chose Abraham for a people. A nation to be his own people : God said, I will be their God and they shall be my people.” And so Abraham begat Isaac, and Isaac begat Jacob. And Jacob begat twelve sons which became the twelve tribes of Israel. God Called Moses to lead his people to a land of milk and honey “The Promise Land.” God gave Moses the “LAW” of the Old Testament. A Covenant between God and man. God also chose Levi - one of the twelve tribes of Israel to become God’s Priests. The Levitical Priesthood of the Old Testament to teach His people the commandments of God. The Levtical Priesthood was chosen “To Bear the Ark of the Covenant” The First Covenant - Old Testament. Hebrews 9:1-15 9:1 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. 2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread; which is called the sanctuary. 3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; 4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; 5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. 6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. 7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: 8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. 11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Jesus Christ is the mediator of the second covenant. The New Testament. The Levites were the bearers of the First, being God’s Priests. We The Church are the bearers of the second - Covenant; the second testament, which is the New Testament of Jesus Christ. The Church is the Bearers of God’s Truth. The Church is the Bearer of God’s Covenant - God’s Gift to us. We are the Bearers or carriers of the Holy Ghost. So in John 1:17, 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace (unmerited favor or unearned, undeserving favor) and truth came by Jesus Christ. We are the Bearers of this “Apostolic Truth” which is the TRUTH: of God’s plan of Salvation. Jesus said in John 14:6, 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 8:32 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Jesus Christ is the Truth: Luke 24:46-47 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name (Jesus) among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Ephesians 4:5 Paul wrote, 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (One Plan of Salvation) The Word of God is Truth. Acts 2:42 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. This Apostolic Truth - God’s Truth - God is putting his Trust in us!! God is willingly - depending on us to speak this Truth. Our God is Truth and in Him is no Lie! * Pilate said unto Jesus - What is Truth? in John 18:37-38, 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. 38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. “Truth” Jesus on the Cross Matt 27:54 54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. * Saints let us not bear this Truth in unrighteousness. Let us not bring a reproach against Jesus and His Truth. If we say we have this Truth and love not our brother, we make Him a liar and His Word is not in us. Isa 43:10-11 10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. 11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. Phil 4:8 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Let us bear - (carry) this Truth - in righteousness. I Tim 4:1-6 Believe and Know the Truth 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. * Be instant in season and out of season. Also be ready to give an account of the Hope of Christ that lie within you. * The Gospel - glad tidings of good news. II Tim 2:15 15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Your Brother in the Lord, Perry Harris (0) Comments

Posted: 5/8/2008 9:40:12 PM

The Parable of the Fire Captain

He that loves the Lord, let him obey. This is a story that took place many, many years ago. In chapter one, there was a Fire Captain who came to tell men how they could live, if they ever were to catch on fire. Upon one occasion he told one person, that if you want to live if you catch on fire, you must Stop and Roll. This baffled the man because he was uncertain how one could roll while standing up. At another occasion in chapter one, several people were gathered around and many of them doubted the doctrine of the Fire Captain. So the Fire Captain told these people, If you want to live if you catch on fire, you must Drop to the name of the Ground, Land, and Dirt. Go therefore and teach all people. Upon a separate occasion in chapter one, the Fire Captain was talking with his Fire Lieutenants and he asked them, who do the people say that I am? And after several responses, he then asked his Fire Lieutenants, who do you say that I am? And one of the Fire Lieutenants said you are the Fire Captain the one who will save us from the fire. The Fire Captain replied you are blessed so I will give you the Keys to How to live if you catch on fire. It came to pass that many of the people hated the Fire Captain because they did not believe that he really was the Fire Captain. So they persecuted him and put him to death. Later on in chapter two, their was a big fire in one of the buildings where many followers of the Fire Captain were gathered together. The crowd came to see what was taking place, because to their amazement the people were rolling all around and none of them were injured or killed. So the people started yelling out how is it that you people were able to live seeing that your clothes have caught on fire? Then the one Fire Lieutenant that correctly identified the Fire Captain spoke up with the other eleven Fire Lieutenants gathered around and said, you men that are gathered around here, be it known to you that this Fire Captain you have killed was really the Fire Captain as he claimed. Upon hearing this and knowing what they had just witnessed with all these followers of the Fire Captain still alive and unharmed, the people said we did not realize that he was truly the Fire Captain, what must we do that we too will not die if we catch on fire? Then the one Fire Lieutenant that correctly identified the Fire Captain spoke and said, to live if you catch on fire, you must Stop, Drop to the Earth, and you will roll around. Still Later on in chapter three, a different Fire Lieutenant than the one Fire Lieutenant that correctly identified the Fire Captain, spoke to a group of people who had all experienced catching on fire and applying what the Fire Captain had told them to do, and this Fire Lieutenant told them that if you catch on fire, just believe the Fire Captain and you will live. It came to pass over time that this story was recorded in a book. Many generations later, people still wanted to know how to live if they were to catch on fire. So three different teachers studied through the three chapters in the book. The first teacher claimed that he had the understanding of how to live if you catch on fire. He taught all the people that he met, that if you want to live if you catch on fire, that you have to Stop and just believe the Fire Captain and you will live. The second teacher claimed that he had the understanding of how to live if you catch on fire. He taught all the people that he met, that if you want to live if you catch on fire, that you have to not only Stop, but you must Drop to the name of the Ground, Land, and Dirt and you will live. The third teacher claimed that he had the understanding of how to live if you catch on fire. He taught all the people that he met, that if you want to live if you catch on fire, that you must Stop, Drop to the Earth, and you will roll around and you will live. Who of the three teachers was obedient to the Fire Captain? Who of the three teachers was not obedient to the Fire Captain? The Meaning of the Parable This is a true story that took place many, many years ago. In the four books of the Gospel, there was a man named Jesus Christ who came to tell men how they could have eternal life, so that they would be able to escape going to Hell. Upon one occasion he told a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, that if you want to enter the Kingdom of God, you must be born again of water and of the Spirit. This baffled the man because he was uncertain how one could be born again. John 3:1-7 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 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. 3 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. 4 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? 5 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. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. At another occasion in the four books of the Gospel, several people were gathered around and many of them doubted the doctrine of Jesus Christ. So Jesus Christ spoke to His disciples in reference to gaining eternal life, while all the people were gathered around, and told them, Go therefore and teach all nations. baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:16:20 16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 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. Upon a separate occasion in the four books of the Gospel, Jesus Christ was talking with his Apostles and he asked them, who do the people say that I am? And after several responses, He then asked his Apostles, who do you say that I am? And one of the Apostles named Peter said thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Then Jesus Christ replied you are blessed for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven Matthew 16:13-19 13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. It came to pass that many of the people hated Jesus Christ because they did not believe that he really was the Son of God. So they persecuted him and put him to death. Matthew 16:20-21 20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. 21 From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Later on in the book of Acts or the Acts of the Apostles, the followers of Jesus Christ were all with one accord in one place. And as they prayed and sought the Lord they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. When it was noised abroad multitudes and crowds came to see what was taking place, because to their amazement every man heard them speaking in their own languages wherein they were born. So the people started yelling out, What meaneth this? Then Peter, the Apostle Jesus had given the keys to the kingdom of heaven, stood up with the other eleven Apostles and spoke unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel. Peter continued on saying, this Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. Upon hearing this and now knowing they had crucified the Lord Jesus Christ they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and 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. Acts 2:1-47 1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19 And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. 22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: 26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: 27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. 29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool. 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 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? 38 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. 39 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. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Still Later on in the epistles to the churches, Apostle Paul was speaking instead of Apostle Peter and he was addressing the churches, of which already understood the plan of salvation given by Apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost from the book of Acts and he told the people if you confess with your mouth and believe God raised Jesus from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:8-10 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. It came to pass over time that this story was recorded in the Bible. Many generations later, people still wanted to know how to obtain eternal life and escape from going to Hell. So three different teachers studied through the Bible. The first teacher claimed that he had the understanding of how to obtain eternal life and escape going to Hell. He taught all the people that he met, that if you want to obtain eternal life and escape going to Hell, that you have to Repent and just believe in thine heart that God hath raised Jesus from the dead, confessing Jesus is Lord, and thou shalt be saved. The second teacher claimed that he had the understanding of how to obtain eternal life and escape going to Hell. He taught all the people that he met, that if you want to obtain eternal life and escape going to Hell, that you have to not only Repent, but you must be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and thou shalt be saved. The third teacher claimed that he had the understanding of how to obtain eternal life and escape going to Hell. He taught all the people that he met, that if you want to obtain eternal life and escape going to Hell, that you must 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 thou shalt be saved. And this 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. Who of the three teachers was obedient to the teaching of Jesus Christ? Who of the three teachers was not obedient to the teaching of Jesus Christ? Your Brother in the Lord, Ronnie Harris (0) Comments

Posted: 5/6/2008 10:08:08 AM

What is the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Many people speak of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Have you ever wondered what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is? Many people answer this question as, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Good News. But what is this Good News of Jesus Christ? The answer to the question, What is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is found in..... 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: The first thing we find out is that the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or the good news, according to verse two is what we are saved by. And the second thing we learn is what this Gospel is. 1) That Christ died for our sins. 2) Was buried. 3) He rose again on the third day. This is of the utmost importance, since it pertains to our eternity. So how do we partake of this salvation that Apostle Paul is speaking of? For the lead up to this answer, let’s see what Jesus Christ spoke to a ruler of the Jews named Nicodemus. John 3:1-7 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 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. 3 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. 4 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? 5 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. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. Let me expound here some. Jesus Christ has told us that we must be born again to enter the kingdom of God. This phrase of being born again, is what we call the Plan of Salvation. Jesus Christ has told us, that this process of being born again, will include being born of water and of the Spirit. Many people teach that when you are born of your mother, that this is being born of the water that was spoken of by Jesus. This teaching goes against the fact that verse three and verse seven both tell us we must be born again. It is impossible to be born again, if you were never born the first time. And when you are born the first time, that would not be being born again, but that would be just birthed or just born. Verse six also goes completely against the teaching that when you are born of your mother, that this is being born of the water that was spoken of by Jesus. We are told in verse six that which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. So to be born of your mother would be of the flesh. But we were just told that which is born of the flesh is of the flesh. We want to be born again of the Spirit and as Jesus told us, this will also involve water. Listen carefully again to what Jesus tells Nicodemus, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." So how are we to partake of being born again of water and of the Spirit as Jesus Christ has told us? This answer is found in the book of Acts chapter 2. I suggest you read it in it’s entirety. But for now, let’s go straight to the answer..... Acts 2:36-39 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 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? 38 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. 39 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. There are several things at this point that we need to address. Let’s start with an extremely important scripture found in ..... 2 Timothy 3:16 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: Examine this verse again, and take notice of the importance of this scripture. We are told all scripture is given by inspiration of God. And then we are told what these scriptures are profitable for. 1) Doctrine. 2) Reproof. 3) Correction. 4) Instruction in Righteousness. The Apostle Peter has gave the first message of the beginning of the Church. He has told the men of Jerusalem, that what they were seeing and hearing, the Holy Ghost, is what the Prophet Joel had spoken of that was to come. The Apostle continues and tells them that the same Jesus that they had crucified, that God had made him both Lord and Christ. When these people heard that, they were pricked in the heart, and asked what they needed to do so that they would be saved from their mistake. The Apostle Peter tells them that they need to "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." Recall that 2 Timothy 3:16 above said, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness". This would include Matthew 28:18-20 which reads: Matthew 28:18-20 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 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. This is not a contradiction of Jesus Christ and of the Apostle Peter. To believe that, would go against what the Apostles taught all through the book of "The Acts of the Apostles" or "Acts", as well as it would go against what the we have learned in the book of 2 Timothy. Let me take this time to give you a deeper understanding of the scriptures. Whom shall the Lord teach knowledge and to whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Isaiah 28:9-12 9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. A precept is a general rule regulating behavior or thought. For example when you apply a commandment of God in your life. This commandment or precept is put in place for us to regulate our behavior and thought. The prophet Isaiah has told us that we learn doctrine, "precept must be upon precept precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little. This means we learn from studying the Word of God, commandment upon commandment, reading line upon line, line upon line; gaining this doctrinal knowledge here a little, and there a little. Here a little and there a little meaning, one book may have part of the answer, and another book another part of the answer, and in another book, yet more of the answer. This design intended to make one study the scriptures. If you notice verses 11& 12, "For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear." This stammering lips is also referring to the Holy Ghost and is a prophecy that the Holy Ghost would come as a stammering lip and another tongue when the Lord poured it out on the day of Pentecost, as we have seen in Acts chapter 2. The prophet Isaiah also tells us that this Holy Ghost "is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing." Now that we understand that Doctrine is learned precept upon precept and line upon line, and that we are told that all scripture is inspired by God, for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness; let’s get the rest of the information we need to show that being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ is fulfilling being baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Recall Apostle Matthew, the author of Matthew, was with the other ten Apostles, when Apostle Peter told the people what they must do to be saved. Which was, "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 sake of not having to scroll back up, I am going to re-paste in... Matthew 28:18-20 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 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. Now notice what is recorded in the book of Luke.... Luke 24:44-53 44 And he (Jesus) said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 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. 50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen. Here we see that Jesus Christ, after He raised from the dead, opened the disciples understanding of the scriptures and then He told them, to go preach repentance and remission of sins to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. So here we find out that Jesus Christ told Apostle Peter what to preach starting in Jerusalem. Repentance and Remission of Sins in His name, which was Jesus Christ. And this is what the Apostle Peter did. He told the people present what they must do, which was, "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." Remember what the Apostle Paul told us the Gospel was? The Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day. Remember we must be born again of water and of the Spirit? The answer to how is this is done was given by the Apostle Peter. We must "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." By Repenting (the turning away from your ways, and the turning to God’s ways, by telling Him you are sorry and will follow after Him. This is the Dying out of yourself, or your spiritual death. Repentance is our Death. By being Baptized, we partake of the water, as Jesus told the ruler of the Jews Nicodemus, we must be born again. We are told in 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. Baptism into Jesus Christ’s name is being Buried. By receiving the Holy Ghost, we partake of the Spirit as Jesus told the ruler Nicodemus was also necessary to be born again. Born of water and of the Spirit. Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. This is the Gospel of the Death, Burial, and Resurrection. Acts 2:38 38 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. Colossians 3:17 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Here we are told with no uncertain terms, that whatsoever we do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. This would include baptism. 1 John 5:8 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. John 19:33-35 33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: 34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. 35 And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. 1 John 5:6 6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. This verse tells us how Jesus Christ came. Which was by water and blood. Not water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. Who is the Spirit that bears this witness? John 14:16 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. This verse tells us that Jesus Christ came by water and blood and the Spirit of truth, the Comforter, who the world cannot receive, because it can’t see Him, but you the disciples could see, because He dwelleth with you and shall be in you, was Jesus telling us that He is also the Holy Spirit which was to come. Jesus clearly identifies this again when he then tells them, "I will not leave you comfortless but I will come to you." So then Jesus Christ is the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth. And His Spirit was the witness that bore record of His death, because the Spirit is Truth. The three things that bear witness in earth are the Spirit, the water, and the blood, and these three agree in being born again or Salvation. The Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. We partake of this by Repentance, Baptism in Jesus name, and the receiving of the Holy Spirit. John 18:37-38 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. 38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. John 14:6-10 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 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, Show us the Father? 10 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. 1 John 5:7 7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. Here we are told there are three that bear record in Heaven and these three are one. So who is the Father? God. Who is the Word? John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. So the Word is also God. Who is the Holy Ghost? The Spirit of God. We just learned that Jesus is the Comforter, the Spirit of truth. So what does all of this mean? That the three that bear record in Heaven are God and His name is Jesus. Remember , John 5:43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. So verse 7 said that the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost are one. It did not say these three are one made up of three. Because that would no longer be one, but three. Colossians 2:6-9 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him (Jesus Christ) dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. There is only One.... Deuteronomy 6:4-5 4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. Ephesians 4:4-6 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. There is only One body, The Body of the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 12:5 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. There is only One Spirit, The Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ. Romans 8:9 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. There is only One hope, Eternal life through our Savior Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; There is only One Lord, Jesus whom God made both Lord and Christ. Acts 2:36 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. There is only One Faith, The teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:27 27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; There is only One baptism, The baptism into the death of Jesus Christ. Romans 6:3 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? There is only One God, His name was manifested by Jesus Christ. John 17:6 6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. There is only One Father, His name was declared by Jesus Christ. John 17:26 26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. There is only One door, The door which is the Lord Jesus Christ. John 10:7 7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. There is only One name, Every knee shall bow before Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:9-10 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; Isaiah 45:20-23 20 Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. 21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. 22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. 23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Matthew 1:23 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Isaiah 12:2 2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Acts 4:10-12 10 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. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Isaiah 7:14 14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 9:6-7 6 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. 7 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. Luke 3:4-6 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; 6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. 1 Timothy 3:16 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 John 3:8 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. John 16:25-31 25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall show you plainly of the Father. 26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: 27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. 28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. 29 His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. 30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God. 31 Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? Matthew 5:6 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Luke 11:9-13 9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? I hope this Bible Study has helped you. Feel free to post any questions, and be sure to share this Bible Study with others. To find a Church in your area, visit wec.upci.org/churches/ and be sure to visit Connecting Point Ministries online @ http://www.ensnaredindistractions.com/. Your Brother in the Lord, Ronnie Harris (0) Comments

Posted: 5/3/2008 3:06:11 AM