Mark 16:17-18
"And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
Casting out demons, speaking in new tongues, taking up serpents (accidentally), drinking deadly things (accidental as well), and the laying on of hands to cure sickness. What a heritage?
These are certain verses that have been omitted in earlier manuscripts, yet they are accepted. Throughout the New Testament, these signs have been proven and are certainly truth.
These signs accompany believers.
What is a believer? A believer is one who can rightly call Jesus the ONLY true Savior. A believer is one that communes with the Almighty God in Christ Jesus our Lord. A believer is one that believes in the ONLY saving name, Jesus!
We have believers... but, where are the signs? I'm not sure that God left the signs back in the past. Surely, they're needed in this day and age.
But, upon studying this Scripture, something has become noticeable to me. "These signs follow those who BELIEVE!"
We have believers that access primarily one of these signs. This is the speaking of new tongues. But, this has somewhat become normal among our organization. We need to see the others.
Maybe we're thinking a little too hard. It is not rocket science. There is only two factors at work here.
BELIEVE in the NAME!
BELIEVE that the SIGNS are in you!
This 'believing' doesn't come from mere knowledge, but from pure faith in the only saving name.
These 'believers' aren't your average Christians, they are the RADICAL Christians. The kind that doesn't fear to be looked upon as crazy!
But, in order for these signs to accompany believers, there must be something about the faith.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
You must be able to grasp something that you cannot see. Thus, the Holy Ghost. Being that the 'substance' is now in you must hope on the only saving name of Jesus and allow that substance freedom to exercise. For that substance is within you, and the name of Jesus transfers it to whatever connects.
What allows the substance freedom is the Mouth and the Hands. Two vital senses.
The hands connect and the mouth proclaims.
Well, whats there to wait on? He's already there. He just awaits your part.
Just do it, and He goes.
6.25.2009
6.24.2009
Who Killed Him?
Genesis 2:7
"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being."
Revelation 13:8
"...written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."
Now, we know that the Lamb that was slain signifies Jesus Christ of Nazareth. But, it also states that He was slain from the foundation of the world. But, where is it recorded? He was slain about 2,000 years ago. But, here, it says He was slain from the foundation of the world. Can this be correct? Or better yet, is it correct?
Yes. It is definitely correct. This Bible that we have is the infallable Word of God. God is Omniscient.
He knows the end from the beginning.
Now, here's the history and understanding of this concept:
In the beginning, God made Adam. He molded Him of the dust of the ground and breathed His breath into Adam and he became a living being.
A little further, God made the man in His own image and likeness. (Genesis 1:27)
So, what happened was that God made Adam's body and God breathed into Adam His Spirit and Adam became a living being. So, when God's Spirit connected with Adam's body, Adam became a living being.
God is what completes man. God is the only source of life. But, Adam disobeyed the Spirit that resided in him, therefore, the Spirit of God and man disconnected. Now, Adam became dead to the Spirit within him, and thus, the Spirit died from the perception of man.
So, who killed Him? Adam did. Now, don't take this out of context. Adam is translated man, thus all mankind.
But how did Adam happen to kill the Spirit of God from within him? Notice, the Spirit didn't really die. He's alive! He's the Resurrection and the Life! But, to Adam, He's been slain. The sin describes everything.
The Lord commanded Adam not to eat from the fruit of the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The fruit of the tree opened the knowledge of man. But, it is the knowledge of good and evil. The knowledge came about outside of God. The fruit caused the man to seek out knowledge of himself rather than through God.
This opened up man's 5 senses. Taste, sight, hearing, touch, and smell.
But, these senses are the gateways of sin. The disobedience of Adam isn't so much that caused the fall, but it is what the disobedience unraveled.
It is when God saw that Adam hid himself, that God brought him into judgment. Adam saw that he was naked.
But, since God is holy, He and sin will not abide in the same vessel. Thank God for the blood of Jesus that atones for our sin.
God has become detatched from His ultimate and most loved creation because of Adam.
But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. (Isaiah 59:2)
Why? Man has the ability of choice. But, what happened with Adam is that his disobedience caused the Spirit to anger. But, his actions caused enmity with the Spirit.
Adam allowed sin through the gates of his life. Therefore, the human body is now corrupt.
With our eyes, we lust for things.
With our mouths, we speak evil.
With our ears, we allow evil into us.
With our hands, we distort.
With our noses, we're lured into evil.
Our senses allowed sin into the abode of the Spirit and the Spirit left.
This is just an understanding of the fallen state of man.
Therefore, our fallen state is because we killed Him in the beginning. So, Jesus came in the fullness of time and demonstrated what was done in the realm of the supernatural. He made a public spectacle.
Jesus was there. He is the exact image of the invisible God.
So, who killed Him?
We didn't, our actions did!
They led Him on the road to Calvary before we were ever even born.
But, He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. (Isaiah 53:5)
"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being."
Revelation 13:8
"...written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."
Now, we know that the Lamb that was slain signifies Jesus Christ of Nazareth. But, it also states that He was slain from the foundation of the world. But, where is it recorded? He was slain about 2,000 years ago. But, here, it says He was slain from the foundation of the world. Can this be correct? Or better yet, is it correct?
Yes. It is definitely correct. This Bible that we have is the infallable Word of God. God is Omniscient.
He knows the end from the beginning.
Now, here's the history and understanding of this concept:
In the beginning, God made Adam. He molded Him of the dust of the ground and breathed His breath into Adam and he became a living being.
A little further, God made the man in His own image and likeness. (Genesis 1:27)
So, what happened was that God made Adam's body and God breathed into Adam His Spirit and Adam became a living being. So, when God's Spirit connected with Adam's body, Adam became a living being.
God is what completes man. God is the only source of life. But, Adam disobeyed the Spirit that resided in him, therefore, the Spirit of God and man disconnected. Now, Adam became dead to the Spirit within him, and thus, the Spirit died from the perception of man.
So, who killed Him? Adam did. Now, don't take this out of context. Adam is translated man, thus all mankind.
But how did Adam happen to kill the Spirit of God from within him? Notice, the Spirit didn't really die. He's alive! He's the Resurrection and the Life! But, to Adam, He's been slain. The sin describes everything.
The Lord commanded Adam not to eat from the fruit of the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The fruit of the tree opened the knowledge of man. But, it is the knowledge of good and evil. The knowledge came about outside of God. The fruit caused the man to seek out knowledge of himself rather than through God.
This opened up man's 5 senses. Taste, sight, hearing, touch, and smell.
But, these senses are the gateways of sin. The disobedience of Adam isn't so much that caused the fall, but it is what the disobedience unraveled.
It is when God saw that Adam hid himself, that God brought him into judgment. Adam saw that he was naked.
But, since God is holy, He and sin will not abide in the same vessel. Thank God for the blood of Jesus that atones for our sin.
God has become detatched from His ultimate and most loved creation because of Adam.
But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. (Isaiah 59:2)
Why? Man has the ability of choice. But, what happened with Adam is that his disobedience caused the Spirit to anger. But, his actions caused enmity with the Spirit.
Adam allowed sin through the gates of his life. Therefore, the human body is now corrupt.
With our eyes, we lust for things.
With our mouths, we speak evil.
With our ears, we allow evil into us.
With our hands, we distort.
With our noses, we're lured into evil.
Our senses allowed sin into the abode of the Spirit and the Spirit left.
This is just an understanding of the fallen state of man.
Therefore, our fallen state is because we killed Him in the beginning. So, Jesus came in the fullness of time and demonstrated what was done in the realm of the supernatural. He made a public spectacle.
Jesus was there. He is the exact image of the invisible God.
So, who killed Him?
We didn't, our actions did!
They led Him on the road to Calvary before we were ever even born.
But, He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. (Isaiah 53:5)
6.17.2009
Beyond the Gate
Genesis 28:12
Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.
Genesis 28:16-17
Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it. ” And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!”
John 3:5
Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
John 3:12-13
If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven."
Jacob dreamed of the ladder reaching to heaven and there was activity upon the ladder. Angels of God ascending and descending. Jacob realized something vital though, this was the house of God and the gate of heaven.
Jesus spoke of being born of the water and of the Spirit in order to enter the kingdom of God. Heaven is His throne and the earth is His footstool. What is the house that man can make Him?(Isaiah 66:1)
What Jesus really said to the man, Nicodemus, was that being born again was only the entrance to heaven. Some of us have just settled for the gate. Speaking in tongues is just the gate! Its not just about having the Holy Ghost! God is in the business of revelation. He seeks to reveal things that were never known to you. Its not time to get comfortable just speaking in tongues.
Jacob called this instance the house of God and the gate of heaven. God's throne is in heaven but His house is really the sanctuary of believers. There's so much more to heaven than just the sanctuary. Being born again, you just got through the gate to the sanctuary. There is still the whole tabernacle to explore!
Now, the tabernacle of the Old Testament was just copies of the things in heaven.(Hebrews 9:23)
Jesus' sacrifice was not only for the entrance, but also for the tour of the Heavenly Kingdom. The veil was torn in two so that we would know God for who He is and not just what He can do. Life in Christ ought to be an adventure, so don't settle for less than what God has for you.
Do not become complacent on just having the required ticket to paradise, explore the place! Have fun! Get involved!
God has many things in store for those who search the place out. He wants to show you the order of heaven, He wants to give you spiritual insight, He wants to show you things that others don't even have a clue of.
But, its only when you realize that its not just about the gate, its about the activity thereof. God wants to give you a sneak peek into the Most Holy Place! He wants to guide you through the place and amaze you! As He spoke to Nicodemus, He said so! Its a promise!
But, you must first realize that its not just about the gate!
God wants to show you that you can be part of the government in His city; an apostle.
Or maybe, even one who guides; a prophet.
How about one who gathers; an evangelist.
Even one who guards; a pastor.
And definitely, one who grounds; a teacher.
There are many things God wants for you and to do through you. Just understand, its for your good and His glory!
Don't settle for less, allow God to take you into different realms and levels.
ITS NOT JUST ABOUT THE GATE!
Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.
Genesis 28:16-17
Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it. ” And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!”
John 3:5
Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
John 3:12-13
If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven."
Jacob dreamed of the ladder reaching to heaven and there was activity upon the ladder. Angels of God ascending and descending. Jacob realized something vital though, this was the house of God and the gate of heaven.
Jesus spoke of being born of the water and of the Spirit in order to enter the kingdom of God. Heaven is His throne and the earth is His footstool. What is the house that man can make Him?(Isaiah 66:1)
What Jesus really said to the man, Nicodemus, was that being born again was only the entrance to heaven. Some of us have just settled for the gate. Speaking in tongues is just the gate! Its not just about having the Holy Ghost! God is in the business of revelation. He seeks to reveal things that were never known to you. Its not time to get comfortable just speaking in tongues.
Jacob called this instance the house of God and the gate of heaven. God's throne is in heaven but His house is really the sanctuary of believers. There's so much more to heaven than just the sanctuary. Being born again, you just got through the gate to the sanctuary. There is still the whole tabernacle to explore!
Now, the tabernacle of the Old Testament was just copies of the things in heaven.(Hebrews 9:23)
Jesus' sacrifice was not only for the entrance, but also for the tour of the Heavenly Kingdom. The veil was torn in two so that we would know God for who He is and not just what He can do. Life in Christ ought to be an adventure, so don't settle for less than what God has for you.
Do not become complacent on just having the required ticket to paradise, explore the place! Have fun! Get involved!
God has many things in store for those who search the place out. He wants to show you the order of heaven, He wants to give you spiritual insight, He wants to show you things that others don't even have a clue of.
But, its only when you realize that its not just about the gate, its about the activity thereof. God wants to give you a sneak peek into the Most Holy Place! He wants to guide you through the place and amaze you! As He spoke to Nicodemus, He said so! Its a promise!
But, you must first realize that its not just about the gate!
God wants to show you that you can be part of the government in His city; an apostle.
Or maybe, even one who guides; a prophet.
How about one who gathers; an evangelist.
Even one who guards; a pastor.
And definitely, one who grounds; a teacher.
There are many things God wants for you and to do through you. Just understand, its for your good and His glory!
Don't settle for less, allow God to take you into different realms and levels.
ITS NOT JUST ABOUT THE GATE!
6.15.2009
Vacancy
Genesis 1:2
"The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters."
Talk about empty!
The earth was without form and void. It had no form and it was absolutely empy!
Now, theres a couple of things to note...
1. It was without form.
2. It was void.
3. It was dark.
But, the Spirit of God was hovering on the face of the waters.
God is inexhaustible. He cannot be described. But, you can learn from the second verse in the Bible. But, let's expand a little bit.
What God does, is quite amazing! He takes absolutely nothing and makes the BIGGEST and most GLORIOUS something!
"The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters."
Talk about empty!
The earth was without form and void. It had no form and it was absolutely empy!
Now, theres a couple of things to note...
1. It was without form.
2. It was void.
3. It was dark.
But, the Spirit of God was hovering on the face of the waters.
God is inexhaustible. He cannot be described. But, you can learn from the second verse in the Bible. But, let's expand a little bit.
What God does, is quite amazing! He takes absolutely nothing and makes the BIGGEST and most GLORIOUS something!
When you put "nothing" in the hands of God and give Him all the "something" you have, you give the best platform for God to perform.
There was once a widow who had two sons. She had no money and the creditors were coming to get her two sons for her unpaid debt. She had "nothing" but a tiny bit of oil. So, she called out to the man of God, which is Elisha, and told him her problem. The prophet replied to her, "Get some empty bottles and watch what God can do for you! Remember, get as much as you can!" So, the woman got her sons to get a whole lot of empty bottles. The bottles were all vacant.
So, the woman starts pouring all that tiny bit of oil into those bottles and the Spirit of God was in her midst. She may not have known, but it was! The miraculous was at work!
She's pouring it all, but its not running out! But, learn this. When there was no more vacant vessels, the oil stopped flowing.
All, that God needs from anyone is a vacant vessel. God doesn't need or want a high class, 5 star, top notch thing to use. All He wants nothing and their something and He's got it all under control!
God made humans out of dirt, the universe out of nothing, and also made a High Class prophet out of a man that couldn't even talk without studdering. Anyone ever heard of Moses? His complaint to God was that he couldn't talk! Most likely, he was smelly and he dwelt with sheep! This guy was once in the Pharaoh's palace but now he's with smelly sheep and he's speaking sheep with them! He's come from filthy rich to filthy poor. This guy is absolutely nothing.
But, God wanted to use this no life dude to lead His people out of Egypt. As everyone knows the story, it was a complete success! God did the miraculous various times through the vacant vessel named Moses.
To conclude, being used of God does not take worthiness. All it takes is nothingness. God takes pleasure in a broken and contrite heart, not a puffed up and proud one. Simply, give your nothing or weaknesses to God and He will show you something and His strength.
God goes around searching for vacant vessels everyday! Trust me, no one can do anything for God unless God does it through them. Let God know that you can't live for Him and that you can't minister. Make yourself available and watch what the Almighty does with nothing!
All it takes is vacancy.
GOD brought forth plagues, parted waters, performed miracles, healed sicknesses, cleansed lepers, brought down walls, won battles, and spoke through a whole bunch of nobodies just like me and you. So, whats the complaint, God can still do it....
Vacancy... is it you?
6.13.2009
A Whole New World
Revelation 21:3-5
"And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.”"
What is the Kingdom? Or perhaps, what is the Gospel of the Kingdom?
Jesus mentioned these phrases many times. But, is it understood in today's world?
I once heard an awesome preacher pose this question. And I must say, he had an excellent answer to it.
Now, we must know, Jesus knew what He was talking about and so did His disciples. In order for us to understand this phrase, we must glance at the first places that Jesus has mentioned it in the Book of Matthew. And one of those places is chapter 10.
In chapter 10, Jesus sent out His 12 disciples to preach, "the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" One thing that must be understood is that it was only preached to the House of Israel. This Gospel is also proclaimed in the Book of Revelation by an angel. Thus, this is an important detail that must not be left out.
Now, the Kingdom itself is pointed out by Jesus if you closely pay attention to what proceeded this phrase.
"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give."(Matthew 10:8)
Another key point is that nothing else is ever preached about the kingdom of heaven, its rather demonstrated. Note, this is what the "Gospel of the Kingdom" is. The gospel of the kingdom is preached but is not vocal. It is demonstrated.
Furthermore, there is a reason it is demonstrated and not vocal. And, also, to the certain group of people.
The Jews followed Jesus only because of the signs and miracles.(John 6:2) The only way that the Children of Israel would believe is by works. Thus, this expresses God's grace and mercy.
Although it is only preached to Jews, it is in action in the Gentiles that have received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. For they have been born of the water and of the Spirit according to John 3. They have gained entrance into the Kingdom and it is currently at work. But, the Jews didn't receive Jesus as Messiah. Stephen spoke of it in Acts 7 that they were a stiff-necked people. They didn't realize that the Kingdom was in their midst.
Therefore, God extends His grace and mercy to Israel with the Gospel of the Kingdom.
Basically, the Gospel of the Kingdom is translated as The Good News of The Kingdom is a pre-taste of the Kingdom of God.
No sorrow, no pain, no suffering, no tears, no death. Abundant Life with the Creator.
So, to answer the question, The Gospel of the Kingdom is the healing of all sickness, the freeing of the possessed, and the miraculous at work in the lives of people...
"And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.”"
What is the Kingdom? Or perhaps, what is the Gospel of the Kingdom?
Jesus mentioned these phrases many times. But, is it understood in today's world?
I once heard an awesome preacher pose this question. And I must say, he had an excellent answer to it.
Now, we must know, Jesus knew what He was talking about and so did His disciples. In order for us to understand this phrase, we must glance at the first places that Jesus has mentioned it in the Book of Matthew. And one of those places is chapter 10.
In chapter 10, Jesus sent out His 12 disciples to preach, "the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" One thing that must be understood is that it was only preached to the House of Israel. This Gospel is also proclaimed in the Book of Revelation by an angel. Thus, this is an important detail that must not be left out.
Now, the Kingdom itself is pointed out by Jesus if you closely pay attention to what proceeded this phrase.
"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give."(Matthew 10:8)
Another key point is that nothing else is ever preached about the kingdom of heaven, its rather demonstrated. Note, this is what the "Gospel of the Kingdom" is. The gospel of the kingdom is preached but is not vocal. It is demonstrated.
Furthermore, there is a reason it is demonstrated and not vocal. And, also, to the certain group of people.
The Jews followed Jesus only because of the signs and miracles.(John 6:2) The only way that the Children of Israel would believe is by works. Thus, this expresses God's grace and mercy.
Although it is only preached to Jews, it is in action in the Gentiles that have received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. For they have been born of the water and of the Spirit according to John 3. They have gained entrance into the Kingdom and it is currently at work. But, the Jews didn't receive Jesus as Messiah. Stephen spoke of it in Acts 7 that they were a stiff-necked people. They didn't realize that the Kingdom was in their midst.
Therefore, God extends His grace and mercy to Israel with the Gospel of the Kingdom.
Basically, the Gospel of the Kingdom is translated as The Good News of The Kingdom is a pre-taste of the Kingdom of God.
No sorrow, no pain, no suffering, no tears, no death. Abundant Life with the Creator.
So, to answer the question, The Gospel of the Kingdom is the healing of all sickness, the freeing of the possessed, and the miraculous at work in the lives of people...
6.12.2009
The Almighty is One
Note that this has not been given to me because its in the doctrine in which I believe. Although, this is the doctrine in which I believe. But, this term is necessary: I was in the Spirit and God imparted this truth into me.
John 1:1,2
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it."
John 1:14
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."
Deuteronomy 6:4
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!"
God abides by His rules. Jesus is 100% God and Man. Therefore, God came to earth in fullness through Jesus Christ but, being Man, He didn't operate in the entirety of His intensity because of the limitations of man. He abided by the rules He created. Therefore, He's the Mighty God in Christ!
Also, this is how it is possible for Jesus to communicate with God in the sense of 'Father'. Everything was done legally therefore Jesus was a prayer warrior just as men ought to be in order for God's mighty power to be freely accessed through the Man Jesus Christ. And that's why Jesus' resurrected body was immortal. He no longer had to pray because He is freely allowed to access all the power for God to move freely without crossing His boundaries. Thus, Jesus is God!
The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Jesus. This is God as He travels through the "Spirit World". He spreads it out to all who seek and long to follow Him and turn from unrighteousness. Therefore, know that its the indwelling Spirit which is the One True God that has manifested Himself in a "user-friendly" way. No three things but One alone that takes upon many manifestations and titles. 1 being, 1 person! Only difference is the intensity at which He manifests His presence due to the fact that He won't step out of His boundaries in order to preserve the human being that He chooses to reveal Himself to.
Therefore, Jesus is the representative of God. Basically, He is the image of the invisible.(Colossians 1:15) Notice, you still can't see Him in His full intensity and live.(Revelation 1:17) His face is the light of the New Jerusalem.(Revelation 21:23)
Behold all you people, the Lord God is One who has manifested Himself in different intensities as well as different restrictions according to what He chooses to manifest Himself to.
Think of it as electricity.
I=V/R
"I" is the intensity that He comes in.
"V" is the power. Notice, voltage doesn't change in this situation.
"R" is what causes the intensity to change. The resistance is what God chooses to reveal Himself as.
So, being that Jesus has resurrected from the dead, resistance is eliminated and He alone is Lord of all!
Know that God is the God of the impossible and is inexhaustible. He can take upon any image and many forms. But, in all simplicity, He's still only ONE.
For some extra, Satan tempted Jesus not to sin, but to go beyond His boundaries as a human being. But, it is well known that Satan has failed in his attempt.
John 1:1,2
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it."
John 1:14
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."
Deuteronomy 6:4
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!"
God abides by His rules. Jesus is 100% God and Man. Therefore, God came to earth in fullness through Jesus Christ but, being Man, He didn't operate in the entirety of His intensity because of the limitations of man. He abided by the rules He created. Therefore, He's the Mighty God in Christ!
Also, this is how it is possible for Jesus to communicate with God in the sense of 'Father'. Everything was done legally therefore Jesus was a prayer warrior just as men ought to be in order for God's mighty power to be freely accessed through the Man Jesus Christ. And that's why Jesus' resurrected body was immortal. He no longer had to pray because He is freely allowed to access all the power for God to move freely without crossing His boundaries. Thus, Jesus is God!
The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Jesus. This is God as He travels through the "Spirit World". He spreads it out to all who seek and long to follow Him and turn from unrighteousness. Therefore, know that its the indwelling Spirit which is the One True God that has manifested Himself in a "user-friendly" way. No three things but One alone that takes upon many manifestations and titles. 1 being, 1 person! Only difference is the intensity at which He manifests His presence due to the fact that He won't step out of His boundaries in order to preserve the human being that He chooses to reveal Himself to.
Therefore, Jesus is the representative of God. Basically, He is the image of the invisible.(Colossians 1:15) Notice, you still can't see Him in His full intensity and live.(Revelation 1:17) His face is the light of the New Jerusalem.(Revelation 21:23)
Behold all you people, the Lord God is One who has manifested Himself in different intensities as well as different restrictions according to what He chooses to manifest Himself to.
Think of it as electricity.
I=V/R
"I" is the intensity that He comes in.
"V" is the power. Notice, voltage doesn't change in this situation.
"R" is what causes the intensity to change. The resistance is what God chooses to reveal Himself as.
So, being that Jesus has resurrected from the dead, resistance is eliminated and He alone is Lord of all!
Know that God is the God of the impossible and is inexhaustible. He can take upon any image and many forms. But, in all simplicity, He's still only ONE.
For some extra, Satan tempted Jesus not to sin, but to go beyond His boundaries as a human being. But, it is well known that Satan has failed in his attempt.
6.11.2009
Warning
2 Thessalonians 1:6-10
"Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed."
God is fair. The choices He has made us with are very vital decisions to make. The choices we make here and now will most certainly echo throughout eternity. God is holy. The Greek word for holy is "hagios". The word in itself means to be separate from common condition and use. Therefore, what is of God shall not be called "common". God is divine in all that He does.
Therefore, it is only right for God to take vengeance. Being that He has shown His grace and mercy on the cross of Jesus Christ, it will not be long until He deals out retribution on all those who have not heeded His warning to turn from their sins. God has called mankind to a place of repentance at getting right with God.
But, do not be deceived, God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, that will he also reap. God repays accordingly. He rewards those who have been made righteous by His blood. He also deals out retribution to those who reject Him and do not obey His gospel. He pays them what they have sown; lawlessness. This is where the punishment of everlasting destruction enters the scene. everlasting destruction is what we, in the 21st century, call Hell. It is made for all who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the absence of God's presence. It is punishment; total separation from God and from His glorious power. It is everlasting torment. The fire is unquenchable and the worm there doesn't die. (Isaiah 66:24) It is the abiding wrath of God. (John 3:36) All the rumors of this place are false. This place is not fun. It is dreadful and tormenting. It is real and all those who do not obey the Gospel and do not know God should turn from their ways and turn to God who is merciful and gracious before its too late.
“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’ “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’” -Luke 16:19-31
Salvation is obeying the Gospel. But those who refuse to obey the Gospel will have their part in the lake of fire, God's final and total wrath on sin and rebellion.
"Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed."
God is fair. The choices He has made us with are very vital decisions to make. The choices we make here and now will most certainly echo throughout eternity. God is holy. The Greek word for holy is "hagios". The word in itself means to be separate from common condition and use. Therefore, what is of God shall not be called "common". God is divine in all that He does.
Therefore, it is only right for God to take vengeance. Being that He has shown His grace and mercy on the cross of Jesus Christ, it will not be long until He deals out retribution on all those who have not heeded His warning to turn from their sins. God has called mankind to a place of repentance at getting right with God.
But, do not be deceived, God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, that will he also reap. God repays accordingly. He rewards those who have been made righteous by His blood. He also deals out retribution to those who reject Him and do not obey His gospel. He pays them what they have sown; lawlessness. This is where the punishment of everlasting destruction enters the scene. everlasting destruction is what we, in the 21st century, call Hell. It is made for all who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the absence of God's presence. It is punishment; total separation from God and from His glorious power. It is everlasting torment. The fire is unquenchable and the worm there doesn't die. (Isaiah 66:24) It is the abiding wrath of God. (John 3:36) All the rumors of this place are false. This place is not fun. It is dreadful and tormenting. It is real and all those who do not obey the Gospel and do not know God should turn from their ways and turn to God who is merciful and gracious before its too late.
“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’ “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’” -Luke 16:19-31
Salvation is obeying the Gospel. But those who refuse to obey the Gospel will have their part in the lake of fire, God's final and total wrath on sin and rebellion.
First Love
Revelation 2:1-7
"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God."
I remember the day, the day it happened to me. It hit me on every side. Fire, Water, Wind, Lightning, & Thunder rushed into my heart. It was a summer night in 2005. It was a day I will never forget in my entire lifetime. What a day it was! I left in awe. Gazing towards heaven. Oh, how I love Thee. The day it happened to me. Some may know what I'm talking about, others may not. Well, to let you know... Jesus Christ! This is my First Love. Along with everyone who ever knows Him. In the Bible, His presence is described as the elements listed above. I always wondered why. It's because there's a feeling that surpasses satisfaction in the presence of the most Holy. Such as the prophet Isaiah's inaugurated call to be a prophet. As he was driven in the throne room of Heaven, he saw the Lord seated on the throne. He was high and lifted up! The train of His robe filled the temple with glory! This feeling is so glorious that that young prophet is ruined. He says, "Woe is me." The Seraphs which are hovering around the Lord and His glory comes to Isaiah's aid. Isaiah confesses his iniquity, then he is purged with a burning coal from the altar of the Lord. This is the love that I'm talking about. Unconditional. His iniquities are now wiped away by the element of Fire... from the Lord. Now, in this time of the age, many have felt what the prophet has felt. A presence that is beyond satisfaction. Let me paraphrase, the Holy Spirit; the presence of our Lord. It is REAL!
But, the many that have felt this have been so caught up as the church in Ephesus. So caught up in working for the Lord, that they forgot about their first love. God isn't that interested in what you do for Him, it's what you do with Him. Is this relationship based on communication? This is God's desire, don't forget your First Love. Jesus said, "I know how you're going through a lot and persevering, but you are forgetting the most important thing... ME! I'm the One that delivers you, it's Me that knows you, and it's Me that hears you. Spend you life in My presence and I want to talk to you!" Don't get so caught up in going through the motions, don't get so caught up in fighting. What we need to get caught up in is Jesus! Besides, He's so caught up in us. He came to the world because He loves us! He lived stainless because He wanted to make peace for us! He provided the atonement! He loves us sooooo much! He became the sacrificial Lamb. He is, was, and is to come! He died the most brutal death ever devised! Because, He loves us! He loved me! He sought after me! He loves me to death... literally! He hung on that cross and was killed by me.. and you... the world. We killed Him, we sinned, He didn't!! And as He was gasping for breath, He said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." But, He is the author and finisher. He said to those who forget Him, He's gonna get you quickly. Don't play with this. As much as He loves, He also has wrath. Think wisely. He said, "Repent, or else."
Matthew 7:21-23 Our Lord speaking: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"
"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God."
I remember the day, the day it happened to me. It hit me on every side. Fire, Water, Wind, Lightning, & Thunder rushed into my heart. It was a summer night in 2005. It was a day I will never forget in my entire lifetime. What a day it was! I left in awe. Gazing towards heaven. Oh, how I love Thee. The day it happened to me. Some may know what I'm talking about, others may not. Well, to let you know... Jesus Christ! This is my First Love. Along with everyone who ever knows Him. In the Bible, His presence is described as the elements listed above. I always wondered why. It's because there's a feeling that surpasses satisfaction in the presence of the most Holy. Such as the prophet Isaiah's inaugurated call to be a prophet. As he was driven in the throne room of Heaven, he saw the Lord seated on the throne. He was high and lifted up! The train of His robe filled the temple with glory! This feeling is so glorious that that young prophet is ruined. He says, "Woe is me." The Seraphs which are hovering around the Lord and His glory comes to Isaiah's aid. Isaiah confesses his iniquity, then he is purged with a burning coal from the altar of the Lord. This is the love that I'm talking about. Unconditional. His iniquities are now wiped away by the element of Fire... from the Lord. Now, in this time of the age, many have felt what the prophet has felt. A presence that is beyond satisfaction. Let me paraphrase, the Holy Spirit; the presence of our Lord. It is REAL!
But, the many that have felt this have been so caught up as the church in Ephesus. So caught up in working for the Lord, that they forgot about their first love. God isn't that interested in what you do for Him, it's what you do with Him. Is this relationship based on communication? This is God's desire, don't forget your First Love. Jesus said, "I know how you're going through a lot and persevering, but you are forgetting the most important thing... ME! I'm the One that delivers you, it's Me that knows you, and it's Me that hears you. Spend you life in My presence and I want to talk to you!" Don't get so caught up in going through the motions, don't get so caught up in fighting. What we need to get caught up in is Jesus! Besides, He's so caught up in us. He came to the world because He loves us! He lived stainless because He wanted to make peace for us! He provided the atonement! He loves us sooooo much! He became the sacrificial Lamb. He is, was, and is to come! He died the most brutal death ever devised! Because, He loves us! He loved me! He sought after me! He loves me to death... literally! He hung on that cross and was killed by me.. and you... the world. We killed Him, we sinned, He didn't!! And as He was gasping for breath, He said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." But, He is the author and finisher. He said to those who forget Him, He's gonna get you quickly. Don't play with this. As much as He loves, He also has wrath. Think wisely. He said, "Repent, or else."
Matthew 7:21-23 Our Lord speaking: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"
6.09.2009
The Principles of Doctrine
"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).
"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).
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38).
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12)
"As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:9).
"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone" (Ephesians 2:20).
"As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine" (I Timothy 1:3).
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (II Timothy 3:16).
The Bible
The Bible is the inspired Word of God, giving a true history of the creation of heaven, earth, and humanity and containing a correct prophecy of the ages to come regarding heaven, earth, and the destiny of humanity. Moreover, there is no salvation outside of what is taught in its pages.
God
There is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). He is the creator of heaven and earth, and of all living beings. He has revealed Himself to humanity as the Father (Creator), in the Son (Savior), and as the Holy Ghost (indwelling Spirit).
Father
God is a Spirit (John 4:24). He is the Eternal One, the Creator of all things, and the Father of all humanity by creation.He is the First and the Last, and beside Him there is no God (Isaiah 44:6).There was no God formed before Him; neither shall be there any after Him (Isaiah 43:10).
Son
Jesus is the Son of God according to the flesh (Romans 1:3) and the very God Himself according to the Spirit (Matthew 1:23). Jesus is the Christ (Matthew 16:16); the creator of all things (Colossians 1:16-17); God with us (Matthew 1:23); God made flesh (John 1:1-14); God manifested in the flesh (I Timothy 3:16);He which was, which is, and which is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8);the mighty God, everlasting Father, and Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6).Jesus Himself testified of His identity as God when He said, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:7-11) and "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30).It took shedding of blood for the remission of the sins of the world (Hebrews 9:22), but God the Father was a Spirit and had no blood to shed. Thus He prepared a body of flesh and blood (Hebrews 10:5)and came to earth as a man in order to save us, for in Isaiah 43:11 He said, "Beside me there is no Saviour." When He came in flesh the angels sang, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11).
Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost is not a third person in the Godhead, but rather the Spirit of God (the Creator), the Spirit of the resurrected Christ. The Holy Ghost comes to dwell in the hearts and lives of everyone who believes and obeys the gospel, as the comforter, Sustainer, and keeper (John 14:16-26; Romans 8:9-11).
Sin
Sin is the transgression of the law, or commandments of God (I John 3:4). The guilt of sin has fallen upon all humanity from Adam until now (Romans 3:23). The wages of sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:14) to all those who refuse to accept salvation as set forth in the Word of God.
Salvation
Salvation consists of deliverance from all sin and unrighteousness through the blood of Jesus Christ. The New Testament experience of salvation consists of repentance from sin, water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost, after which the Christian is to live a godly life (Acts 2:36-41).
Water Baptism
Water baptism is an essential part of New Testament salvation and not merely a symbolic ritual. It is part of entering into the kingdom of God (God's church, the bride of Christ), and therefore, it is not merely a part of local church membership. (See John 3:5; Galatians 3:27).
Mode of Baptism
Water baptism is to be administered only by immersion. Paul said, "We are buried with him [Jesus Christ] by baptism (Romans 6:4; see Colossians 2:12), Jesus came up "out of the water" (Mark 1:10), and Philip and the eunuch went down "into the water" and came up "out of the water" (Acts 8:38-39).Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection are applied to our lives when we experience New Testament salvation: "Repent [death to sin], and be baptized [burial] 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 [resurrection]." (See Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-7; 8:2).Sprinkling, pouring, or infant baptism of any kind cannot be substantiated by the Word of God, but are only human traditions.
Formula for Baptism
The name in which baptism is administered is vitally important, and this name is Jesus. Jesus' last command to His disciples was, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19). We should notice that He said name (singular) not names. As previously explained, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not names of separate persons, but titles of positions held by God. An angelic announcement revealed God's saving name in the New Testament: "She shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).The apostles understood that Jesus was the name to use at baptism, and from the day that the church of God was established (the Day of Pentecost) until the end of their ministry, they baptized all nations (Jews--Acts 8:16; Gentiles--Acts 19:5) in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.In fact, Jesus is the only name given for our salvation. "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).
Baptism of the Holy Ghost
The baptism of the Holy Ghost is the birth of the Spirit (John 3:5). This spiritual baptism is necessary to put someone into the kingdom of God (God's church, the bride of Christ) and is evidenced by speaking in other tongues (other languages) as the Spirit of God give utterance.It was prophesied by Joel (Joel 2:28-29) and Isaiah (Isaiah 28:11), foretold by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:11), purchased by the blood of Jesus, and promised by Him to His disciples (John 14:26; 15:16). The Holy Ghost was first poured out on the Day of Pentecost upon the Jews (Acts 2:1-4), then upon the Samaritans (Acts 8:17), and later upon the Gentiles (Acts 10:44-46; 19:6). "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 2:39).
Tongues
Speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance is the manifestation God has given as the definite, indisputable, supernatural witness or sign of the baptism of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6).It was prophesied by the prophet Isaiah as the rest and the refreshing (Isaiah 28:11-12), foretold by Jesus as a sign that would follow believers of the gospel (Mark 16:17), and experienced by Jews and Gentiles alike.
• The gift of "divers kinds of tongues," mentioned by Paul in I Corinthians 12:1-12 and concerning which he gave regulations in I Corinthians 14:1-40, is given by both for self-edification (I Corinthians 14:4) and for the edification of the church (I Corinthians 14:27-28).In church meetings the gift of tongues is used to give a public message, and it is to be interpreted. Since this gift can be misused in public, it needs proper regulation (I Corinthians 14:23-28). Not all believers exercise the gift of tongues, which is different in function from tongues given by God as the initial witness of the baptism of the Holy Ghost.Paul said, "Forbid not to speak with tongues" (I Corinthians 14:39) and "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all" (I Corinthians 14:8).Who dares to teach or preach to the contrary?Speaking in tongues means speaking miraculously in a language unknown to the speaker, as the Spirit gives utterance. Tongues can be classified in two ways, according to function: (1)speaking in other tongues as the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost and (2)the gift of tongues as mentioned in I Corinthians.
Holiness
After we are saved from sin, we are commanded, "Go, and sin no more" (John 8:11).We are commanded to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12) and warned that without holiness no one shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).We must present ourselves as holy unto God (Romans 12:1), cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit (II Corinthians 7:1), and separate ourselves from all worldliness (James 4:4).If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? (I Peter 4:18).No one can live a holy life by his own power, but only through the Holy Spirit. "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you" (Acts 1:8).
Divine Healing
God has made Himself known through the ages by miraculous healings and has made special provisions in the age of grace to heal all who will come to Him in faith and obedience. Divine healing was purchased for us by the blood of Jesus Christ, especially by His stripes (Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:16-17; I Peter 2:24). Jesus went everywhere healing those who were sick (Matthew 4:23-24), and He commanded His disciples to do the same (Matthew 10:8). He said concerning those who believe the gospel, "They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:18). Mighty healings and miracles followed the disciples wherever the gospel was preached.There is no sickness or disease too hard for God. Any of us, our children, or our friends can be healed by the power of God."Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him , anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord shall raise him up: and if he have committed sins they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed" (James 5:14-16).
Second Coming of Christ
Jesus Christ is coming back to earth in bodily form, just as He went away (Acts 1:11). He will catch away a holy people (His bride, His church) who have accepted redemption through His blood, by birth of water and of the Spirit, and who are found faithful when He comes."For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (I Thessalonians 4:16-17)."One shall be taken and the other left" (Luke 17:36).Will we be ready?The signs of His coming are everywhere. The days of peril are here indeed, with forms of godliness void of the power of God; society and politics corrupted; and people's hearts filled with pride, blasphemies, unholiness, love of evil, and love of pleasures (II Timothy 3:1-13). These things, together with multitudes running to and fro, the increase of knowledge (Daniel 12:4), the persecution of the Jews and their return to Palestine (Luke 21:24), and scores of other things are starting signs that Jesus' coming is drawing near.Wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, storms, floods, distress of nations, perplexity, and people's hearts failing them for fear are sounding the solemn alarm that Jesus' coming is at hand (Matthew 24:6; Luke 21:25-28)."Prepare to meet thy God" (Amos 4:12).
Resurrection
There will be a resurrection of all the dead, both just and unjust."Marvel not this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation" (John 5:28-29)."And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God . . . and the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them" (Revelation 20:12-13)> (See also Daniel 12:2; I Corinthians 15:13-23.)
Judgment
"It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). For this reason there will be a resurrection for everyone. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (II Corinthians 5:10).The eternal destiny of every soul shall be determined by a just God who knows the secrets of everyone's heart. "And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. . . .Then shall he also say unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. . . . And these shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal" (Matthew 25:32-34, 41, 46).
"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).
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38).
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12)
"As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:9).
"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone" (Ephesians 2:20).
"As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine" (I Timothy 1:3).
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (II Timothy 3:16).
The Bible
The Bible is the inspired Word of God, giving a true history of the creation of heaven, earth, and humanity and containing a correct prophecy of the ages to come regarding heaven, earth, and the destiny of humanity. Moreover, there is no salvation outside of what is taught in its pages.
God
There is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). He is the creator of heaven and earth, and of all living beings. He has revealed Himself to humanity as the Father (Creator), in the Son (Savior), and as the Holy Ghost (indwelling Spirit).
Father
God is a Spirit (John 4:24). He is the Eternal One, the Creator of all things, and the Father of all humanity by creation.He is the First and the Last, and beside Him there is no God (Isaiah 44:6).There was no God formed before Him; neither shall be there any after Him (Isaiah 43:10).
Son
Jesus is the Son of God according to the flesh (Romans 1:3) and the very God Himself according to the Spirit (Matthew 1:23). Jesus is the Christ (Matthew 16:16); the creator of all things (Colossians 1:16-17); God with us (Matthew 1:23); God made flesh (John 1:1-14); God manifested in the flesh (I Timothy 3:16);He which was, which is, and which is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8);the mighty God, everlasting Father, and Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6).Jesus Himself testified of His identity as God when He said, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:7-11) and "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30).It took shedding of blood for the remission of the sins of the world (Hebrews 9:22), but God the Father was a Spirit and had no blood to shed. Thus He prepared a body of flesh and blood (Hebrews 10:5)and came to earth as a man in order to save us, for in Isaiah 43:11 He said, "Beside me there is no Saviour." When He came in flesh the angels sang, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11).
Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost is not a third person in the Godhead, but rather the Spirit of God (the Creator), the Spirit of the resurrected Christ. The Holy Ghost comes to dwell in the hearts and lives of everyone who believes and obeys the gospel, as the comforter, Sustainer, and keeper (John 14:16-26; Romans 8:9-11).
Sin
Sin is the transgression of the law, or commandments of God (I John 3:4). The guilt of sin has fallen upon all humanity from Adam until now (Romans 3:23). The wages of sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:14) to all those who refuse to accept salvation as set forth in the Word of God.
Salvation
Salvation consists of deliverance from all sin and unrighteousness through the blood of Jesus Christ. The New Testament experience of salvation consists of repentance from sin, water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost, after which the Christian is to live a godly life (Acts 2:36-41).
Water Baptism
Water baptism is an essential part of New Testament salvation and not merely a symbolic ritual. It is part of entering into the kingdom of God (God's church, the bride of Christ), and therefore, it is not merely a part of local church membership. (See John 3:5; Galatians 3:27).
Mode of Baptism
Water baptism is to be administered only by immersion. Paul said, "We are buried with him [Jesus Christ] by baptism (Romans 6:4; see Colossians 2:12), Jesus came up "out of the water" (Mark 1:10), and Philip and the eunuch went down "into the water" and came up "out of the water" (Acts 8:38-39).Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection are applied to our lives when we experience New Testament salvation: "Repent [death to sin], and be baptized [burial] 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 [resurrection]." (See Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-7; 8:2).Sprinkling, pouring, or infant baptism of any kind cannot be substantiated by the Word of God, but are only human traditions.
Formula for Baptism
The name in which baptism is administered is vitally important, and this name is Jesus. Jesus' last command to His disciples was, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19). We should notice that He said name (singular) not names. As previously explained, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not names of separate persons, but titles of positions held by God. An angelic announcement revealed God's saving name in the New Testament: "She shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).The apostles understood that Jesus was the name to use at baptism, and from the day that the church of God was established (the Day of Pentecost) until the end of their ministry, they baptized all nations (Jews--Acts 8:16; Gentiles--Acts 19:5) in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.In fact, Jesus is the only name given for our salvation. "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).
Baptism of the Holy Ghost
The baptism of the Holy Ghost is the birth of the Spirit (John 3:5). This spiritual baptism is necessary to put someone into the kingdom of God (God's church, the bride of Christ) and is evidenced by speaking in other tongues (other languages) as the Spirit of God give utterance.It was prophesied by Joel (Joel 2:28-29) and Isaiah (Isaiah 28:11), foretold by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:11), purchased by the blood of Jesus, and promised by Him to His disciples (John 14:26; 15:16). The Holy Ghost was first poured out on the Day of Pentecost upon the Jews (Acts 2:1-4), then upon the Samaritans (Acts 8:17), and later upon the Gentiles (Acts 10:44-46; 19:6). "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 2:39).
Tongues
Speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance is the manifestation God has given as the definite, indisputable, supernatural witness or sign of the baptism of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6).It was prophesied by the prophet Isaiah as the rest and the refreshing (Isaiah 28:11-12), foretold by Jesus as a sign that would follow believers of the gospel (Mark 16:17), and experienced by Jews and Gentiles alike.
• The gift of "divers kinds of tongues," mentioned by Paul in I Corinthians 12:1-12 and concerning which he gave regulations in I Corinthians 14:1-40, is given by both for self-edification (I Corinthians 14:4) and for the edification of the church (I Corinthians 14:27-28).In church meetings the gift of tongues is used to give a public message, and it is to be interpreted. Since this gift can be misused in public, it needs proper regulation (I Corinthians 14:23-28). Not all believers exercise the gift of tongues, which is different in function from tongues given by God as the initial witness of the baptism of the Holy Ghost.Paul said, "Forbid not to speak with tongues" (I Corinthians 14:39) and "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all" (I Corinthians 14:8).Who dares to teach or preach to the contrary?Speaking in tongues means speaking miraculously in a language unknown to the speaker, as the Spirit gives utterance. Tongues can be classified in two ways, according to function: (1)speaking in other tongues as the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost and (2)the gift of tongues as mentioned in I Corinthians.
Holiness
After we are saved from sin, we are commanded, "Go, and sin no more" (John 8:11).We are commanded to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12) and warned that without holiness no one shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).We must present ourselves as holy unto God (Romans 12:1), cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit (II Corinthians 7:1), and separate ourselves from all worldliness (James 4:4).If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? (I Peter 4:18).No one can live a holy life by his own power, but only through the Holy Spirit. "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you" (Acts 1:8).
Divine Healing
God has made Himself known through the ages by miraculous healings and has made special provisions in the age of grace to heal all who will come to Him in faith and obedience. Divine healing was purchased for us by the blood of Jesus Christ, especially by His stripes (Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:16-17; I Peter 2:24). Jesus went everywhere healing those who were sick (Matthew 4:23-24), and He commanded His disciples to do the same (Matthew 10:8). He said concerning those who believe the gospel, "They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:18). Mighty healings and miracles followed the disciples wherever the gospel was preached.There is no sickness or disease too hard for God. Any of us, our children, or our friends can be healed by the power of God."Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him , anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord shall raise him up: and if he have committed sins they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed" (James 5:14-16).
Second Coming of Christ
Jesus Christ is coming back to earth in bodily form, just as He went away (Acts 1:11). He will catch away a holy people (His bride, His church) who have accepted redemption through His blood, by birth of water and of the Spirit, and who are found faithful when He comes."For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (I Thessalonians 4:16-17)."One shall be taken and the other left" (Luke 17:36).Will we be ready?The signs of His coming are everywhere. The days of peril are here indeed, with forms of godliness void of the power of God; society and politics corrupted; and people's hearts filled with pride, blasphemies, unholiness, love of evil, and love of pleasures (II Timothy 3:1-13). These things, together with multitudes running to and fro, the increase of knowledge (Daniel 12:4), the persecution of the Jews and their return to Palestine (Luke 21:24), and scores of other things are starting signs that Jesus' coming is drawing near.Wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, storms, floods, distress of nations, perplexity, and people's hearts failing them for fear are sounding the solemn alarm that Jesus' coming is at hand (Matthew 24:6; Luke 21:25-28)."Prepare to meet thy God" (Amos 4:12).
Resurrection
There will be a resurrection of all the dead, both just and unjust."Marvel not this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation" (John 5:28-29)."And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God . . . and the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them" (Revelation 20:12-13)> (See also Daniel 12:2; I Corinthians 15:13-23.)
Judgment
"It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). For this reason there will be a resurrection for everyone. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (II Corinthians 5:10).The eternal destiny of every soul shall be determined by a just God who knows the secrets of everyone's heart. "And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. . . .Then shall he also say unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. . . . And these shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal" (Matthew 25:32-34, 41, 46).
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