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“Great podcast. It helped me see how much the Lord has done a mighty work in me. I struggled with insomnia and not sleeping sometimes for days. That can be very hard on your body. As I laid down more of my self and my worries I was able to sleep better. It was lack of faith and trust in God that caused me to not be able to sleep. If you don’t trust God you won’t have peace. Psalm 4 speaks about sleep. Especially verse 8. I will lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. I can sleep in the peace and safety of Jesus!” Karen

Peace has come to us at the highest, infinite price ever paid.

Jesus is the “Prince of Peace” and He “made peace by the blood of his cross” so that we now have “peace with God,” peace among the brethren, and peace in our hearts (Isaiah 9:6-7; Colossians 1:20; Romans 5:1; Ephesians 4:3; Psalms 133:1; Philippians 4:7, etc.).

“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” Colossians 1:20

There was a price to be paid for peace between God and fallen man and it was Christ’s blood. Jesus “made peace through the blood of his cross” and the only way we can have peace, “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,” is through the cross – by being truly washed in the blood of the “Prince of peace,” and “crucified with Christ” (Isaiah 9:6-7; Colossians 1:20; Philippians 4:7; Galatians 2:20). Any other prescription for peace is a lie. Beware of the cross-less counterfeits which Paul specifically warned us of (Philippians 3:18-19).

Hint: If the cross isn’t in the middle of a man’s message, it’s not of God – it’s not the original Gospel, it’s “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6-9).

God brought peace to the world, to mankind, through the death of His only begotten Son. And, He has ordained that peace come to those who truly follow Jesus the “Prince of Peace” which simply means to die and let Him live in your personal daily life – which according to Jesus, is the only way to follow Him (Luke 9:23-24). His peace will then possess your life and there are no shortcuts.

Today we see countless, continual promises of peace which are misleading at best and hopeless. We see the same people trying to cope and have peace who were doing the same 20-30-40 years ago.

If you want peace but not the “Prince of peace,” you’ll have neither. No Jesus – No Peace.

For His fallen race, there were no shortcuts. Christ, of necessity, had to come and die and when He did He defeated our enemy the Devil and conquered sin by dying (Isaiah 59:16; Ezekiel 22:30). Where there is sin, there is no peace. Where sin is forgiven, the subject is washed, and there is peace. The LORD is “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8).

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

Wherever there is separation from our “Prince of Peace,” there is no peace in us. Union with God and peace possessing us go hand in hand. There will be bondage and not peace until there is oneness between the individual and the LORD, His Maker and Redeemer.

Notice that Jesus Christ paid with His own blood to grant peace between God and fallen men and also for those still “in earth,” to walk in His peace. Christ’s blood exclusively satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice to reconcile fallen man back to Himself (Isaiah 53:11).

The cross of Christ is at the center of our peace. In fact, there could not have been peace between God and fallen mankind without Christ’s perfect sacrifice on that cross which fully satisfied the Father’s claims of justice to redeem mankind.

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of OUR PEACE WAS UPON HIM; and with his stripes we are healed. … 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.” Isaiah 53:5, 11

Jesus secured your peace – in Him! And as long as you remain “in Him,” – that is, on His terms and no other – His peace will possess your heart.

“For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;” Ephesians 2:14

Through the blood of Jesus, there is now but “one body in Christ” made up of both Jews and Gentiles (non Jews). Read Ephesians 2.

Peace in our hearts is more important to peaceful sleep than an expensive bed.

There is “no peace” to the wicked. Peace from God comes only when the individual is brought to repentance and saving faith in Christ, the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6-7; 57:21).

The man who won’t do things God’s way, will never have peace, never. God’s way is the cross – the cross of Christ and the cross He mandated that we take up “daily” (Luke 9:23-24).

Being possessed by Christ is being possessed by His peace that passes all human understanding!

Many today take drugs to help them sleep which is a mere band aid. Drugs don’t get to or solve the root of their issue which only God can do.

“For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; 16 Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, 17 That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. 18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.” Job 33:14-18

Did you see the cross in this passage above? – That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.” Only the cross can separate us from our own purposes unto God and crucify sinful pride out of our lives.

The Christian life will not work without the power generator of the cross. Let the addiction begin – as the resurrection life of Christ fills, teems in, and works through His crucified saints! (See 2 Corinthians 4:10-12.) Are you ready to exchange your sin, guilt, misery, and shame for Christ’s resurrection life? Cross – Resurrection Gospel Life

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“With thanksgiving” results in “the peace of God…” The thanksgiving offered in times of hardship and trials with our supplications denote the trust and confidence we have in our Saviour to bring us through (our faith) to perfection. God bless brother 🙏” Jon Crane

I am in agreement with brother Jon Crane here. The LORD had to chasten this fool for years…. to bring me to the place of worshipping and thanking and praising Him in the middle of the trials.

” Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15

God Provided the Divine Remedy for All that Ails Us!

As the Great Intercessor, our LORD Jesus, Heaven’s KING, ever lives to provide what He died to purchase for His people, His body (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:24-26).

Are you struggling with lack of peace, with lack of good sound sleep?

Are you battling to walk in an abiding relationship, fellowship with Christ?

Is there mental anguish at hand?

Is your sleep disturbed?

Be not surprised, we are in a war. Those who fight – God’s way – will be blessed with the spoils of His peace.

Do you desire the deep and divine peace that only the Prince of peace can give? Are you willing to follow the Lord’s prescription for such?

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalms 119:165 

ANY person who is not immersed in God’s Word – daily reading, studying, and meditating upon it, is not in the will of God, is not abiding faithful in Christ, and does not have “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.” (Philippians 4:7) We declare this boldly with not one exception, on the final divine authority of God’s Word. And, the only people who would argue with this self-evident fact are the unrepentant who have to this point chosen not to return to the LORD afresh (Hosea 10:12). Until we “repent” – return afresh to Christ – we cannot and will not be blessed by Him with “times of refreshing (which) shall come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)

WHO are they that God says have no peace?

“There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:21

Prayer: LORD Jesus, please teach us to “fight the good fight of faith” the way YOU have ordained. We here and now acknowledge that we do not fully understand this and ask You now to teach our hearts. Father, we ask this in the name of Jesus.

He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.” Psalms 18:34

“A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:” Psalms 144:1

The Fight, the War New Testament Saints Fight

What happens when you kick a dead dog? Nothing.

What happens when you kick a live dog? He bites you, right?

Are you alive in self-will or are you crucified with Christ, presently?

Have you died the death?

Have you cried with Jesus “not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42).

The cross is the only – the only – exclusive place that we are found in His rest from all the “noise,” the turmoil that seeks to disturb our peace of mind. When I am not in the cross, I am not in His peace. Christ and His cross are inseparable. The cross and peace are inseparable (Colossians 1:20). Returning afresh is what God is leading me to do, daily.

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

God will fill no vessel with His peace until that vessel surrenders – consents to be crucified with Christ, truly.

The “mind of Christ” only dwells in His crucified vessels – who therefore serve God and others, not self (Philippians 2:3-5).

“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh (the cross), arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin (the cross) … Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:” 1 Peter 4:1, 12

Whew, personally this disciple is no stranger to the war that rages over the mind. Every disciple of Christ can surely attest to this war.

THIS is the fight – to remain dead and buried so Christ alone is reigning in us! Think about this …. The mind of Christ is specifically defined as elevating JESUS and others above ourselves which is the fruit, the outworking of the crucified life (Philippians 2:3-5).

…. Oh and there is also Isaiah 26:3, right? When I am in Christ, in His prescribed cross, I am dead and buried and at rest, at peace with Him…..

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3

The believer is kept in Christ’s “perfect peace” as he choose to remain dead and buried – crucified with Christ.

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Articles

What is the difference between a “Textus Receptus Man” and a “King James Man?”

It’s not so much about King James. It’s about the manuscripts from which it was translated. The Received Text, or Textus Receptus.

From “The Answer Book” ©1989 Samuel C. Gipp.

QUESTION: What is the difference between a “Textus Receptus Man” and a “King James Man?”

ANSWER: A “TR Man” gets his manuscripts from Antioch and his philosophy from Egypt.

EXPLANATION: Under Question #8 concerning Alexandria and Antioch it was pointed out that we derive two things from each of these locations. We derive manuscripts and an ideology through which we judge those manuscripts.

From Alexandria we receive corrupted manuscripts, tainted by the critical hand of Origen. We also receive an ideology that believes the Bible to be divine, but not perfect, not without error.

From Antioch we receive the pure line of manuscripts culminating in what is known as the “Received Text” or Textus Receptus. We also receive the ideology that the Bible is not only Divine, but perfect, without error.

1. Most Bible critics do not believe that the Bible is perfect (The Alexandrian Ideology). They usually also accept the Alexandrian manuscripts as superior to those of Antioch.

2. A King James Bible believer accepts the Antiochian manuscripts or Textus Receptus as superior to the Alexandrian. They also accept the Antiochian Ideology in that they accept the Bible as infallible and do not believe it contains any errors or mistranslations and that it cannot be improved.

3. A Textus Receptus man also accepts the Antiochian manuscripts or Textus Receptus as superior to the Alexandrian. But a Textus Receptus man accepts the Antiochian manuscripts yet he views them with the Alexandrian Ideology.

He does not accept any translation as perfect and without error. He generally feels that the King James is the best translation but can be improved. He usually stumbles at Acts 12:4 and states that it is a mistranslation.

This contradiction is NOT the result of a bad or dishonest heart so much as it is the result of a bad education. Most Textus Receptus men have been taught by others who have been deceived into accepting, unconsciously, the Alexandrian Ideology.

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Abiding

David’s Farewell Prayer [podcast]


“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:13

May God bless His people, in their times of tribulations, to find comfort, guidance, with Holy Scripture, and may they find His peace during seasons and transitions.

The most famous biblical farewell is Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer in John 17:1–26, where He commits His disciples into the Father’s care before departing. 

Classic Farewell Blessings

  • The Aaronic Blessing (Numbers 6:24–26): “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: 25  The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26  The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” 
  • The Pauline Benediction (2 Corinthians 13:14): “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.” 
  • God’s Promise (Jeremiah 29:11): “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

At the end of his life, David prayed to God for His kingdom and people. One source notes the following:

“King David’s life is defined by extreme highs and devastating lows. Rising from a humble shepherd to an unbeatable warrior-king who established Jerusalem, he suffered catastrophic personal failures, including his adultery with Bathsheba, the murder of Uriah, and tragic family calamity that culminated in his son Absalom’s rebellion.”

At the end of his life on earth, David, the man after God’s own heart, prayed.

Of this magnificent kingdom prayer of David, one source notes the following:

“King David’s famous prayer in 1 Chronicles 29 (King James Version) is a profound declaration of God’s absolute sovereignty, majesty, and ownership of all creation. Spoken near the end of his life, it serves as a prayer of thanksgiving and dedication for the materials gathered to build the Temple.

Summary of Key Verses (1 Chronicles 29:10-19 KJV)

    • Verses 10-13: David blesses God, declaring His greatness, power, and glory. He affirms that God owns all things in heaven and earth, including riches and honor.
    • Verses 14-16: David expresses humility, noting that all gifts come from God and that human life is short and temporary. 
    • Verses 17-19: He prays for the people’s continued devotion and asks for Solomon to have a “perfect heart” to keep God’s commandments and build the temple.”

1 Chronicles 29

David Prays in the Assembly

10  Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.

11  Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

12  Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

13  Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

14  But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

15  For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.

16  O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own.

17  I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.

18  O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:

19  And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.

20  And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king.

21  And they sacrificed sacrifices unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings unto the LORD, on the morrow after that day, even a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel:”

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Water Baptism: Understanding It [study guide]

“Repent and be baptized.” Acts 2:38

Water Baptism (PDF)
(Duplication encouraged. An open King James Bible should accompany your study of this topic. Carefully, prayerfully study each verse given in order to answer each question correctly. Print this document out and pencil in the answers in the blanks provided. It may be best to cut and paste it to your word processing software and then print it out. Your life in Christ will be enriched forever as you embrace and put into practice His Word.)

Water baptism is important. Every believer should understand and be water baptized. Yet water baptism does not save – but is only for those already saved. The blood of Jesus saves – upon repentance and faith. In short, water baptism symbolizes/illustrates the life in Christ we now have – where daily, we are dying and buried and risen in new life with Christ. Concerning water baptism, one disciple writes: “We must faith thru many mini-daily-baptisms in which we are immersed into calamities and the old self is drowned.”

SATAN wants people trusting in water and not the BLOOD of Jesus. Beware. We are saved by the blood of Jesus – water baptism is for those who have already repented and believed upon Jesus Christ. It’s an outward profession of the inward work of regeneration God has already done! (Titus 3:5-7)

“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and WITHOUT SHEDDING OF BLOOD IS NO REMISSION.” Hebrews 9:22 

ANY person who claims sinners are justified by water instead of the BLOOD of Jesus, is an antichrist.

“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:9

Salvation should never be complicated.
We are saved, justified by grace through faith.

Can you find the word water in the following passage? No.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9  Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Thief on the cross. Philippian jailer. Acts 16:30-31; Faith. Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9.

Raised to New Life with Christ

“Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.” 1 Corinthians 11:2 

The LORD seems to have given His New Testament church 2 ordinances: 1. Water baptism – to depict our own death, burial, and resurrection with Christ, and 2. Communion – where we are brought into remembrance of our LORD’s death – broken body and shed blood – which alone redeems us.

Note in this passage below that no water is even mentioned and yet this is exactly what water baptism is symbolic of:

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:3-4

WATER BAPTISM: What it is and what it’s not.  In some cases, water baptism has become a ritual among those who are a part of the visible, apostate church world. In those circles, water baptism seems to be a type of right of passage in a fleshly way. Water baptism is useless unless it’s connected with Christ, that is, in His redemption – death, burial and resurrection. He alone redeemed us and yet, He calls us to deny self, and allow Him who is the resurrection and the life to raise us upward (John 11:25; Romans 8:11; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12, etc.). Water baptism – going down under that water – is meant to be the symbolism of dying, being buried, and being raised up into a new life with Christ who is “the life” (John 14:6). The old man is dead and buried! See Colossians 3:3, and read Romans 6:3-4. Water baptism was never intended to become a ritual but rather the symbol of that which begun at the instant Christ saved us.  The crucified, dead, buried, and raised up life comes at the moment Jesus saves us, We are dead and He now lives in us as Redeemer, Ruler and King, Savior, and Friend.  The life of the crucified believe is symbolized at water baptism (Galatians 2:20).  Water baptism is a representation of what is to be a life lived allowing Christ to reign in place. It’s symbolic of the daily cross! – Where Christ alone reigns supreme!

Water baptism saves no one. No, it’s merely a picture of your life now that Christ saved you – your personal daily death, burial, resurrection (2 Corinthians 4:10-12, etc.). God saved you the moment you repented and believed on Jesus (Acts 20:21, etc.). And now He’s ordained that you “walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)

“Water baptism symbolizes your spiritual identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.  The water does not itself join you to or identify you with Christ.  It is only a symbol.  It’s not even a requirement yet important due to the importance of what it is representative of. Water baptism is not a law like circumcision was. It is not essential. The thief on cross next to Christ was never water baptized but he was baptized in spiritual fact.”

One of the main points here on topics like this is priority, putting the first things first and not adding to what is essential to salvation. And yet it is biblically accurate that water baptism should be put forth as something Jesus commands, because He does.

Beware of the baptismal regeneration heresy. A thorough reading of the New Testament Scriptures reveals to us that water baptism saves no one. Saying people are saved by being water baptized is just another fake salvation – another excuse not to have to repent, lay down the life in this fleeting world, deny self, take up the cross daily and follow Jesus – on His stated terms, right? Sinners are in darkness and the unrepentant love to hear that they are not required to repent which means to change course, to give one’s life up to the LORD who made us all.

So “saved” doesn’t mean saved in Acts 16:31? Where O Where is the water? The water baptism didn’t happen till after the jailer and his family were “saved” (Acts 16:33). “Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:30-31 

“By faith” appears 37 times in the Word of God. “By water” appears 4 times.

Without what is it impossible to please God? Faith or water?

“But without faith it is impossible to please him.” Hebrews 11:6

Is salvation “by faith” in the only Redeemer, or by water? Water baptism is totally futile, a 100% complete waste without being first saved by Christ through FAITH (Romans 3-5; Ephesians 2:8-9, etc.).

“And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, IF thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Acts 8:36-37

When the Ethiopian eunuch asked to be baptized in water, Philip told him he had to believe on the LORD Jesus Christ first – as a prerequisite! – “IF THOU BELIEVEST WITH ALL THINE HEART, THOU MAYEST.” Also…. many of the fake “bibles” removed Acts 8:37. The devil is a liar!!!! Let’s use the King James Bible saints!!!! Let’s trash satan’s corruption.

Recently I had an in-depth conversation with a man who was over emphasizing water baptism and after a lengthy discussion he said he’d “said enough.” To him I wrote:

“You’ve certainly told me enough and showed you are misled by what you’ve stated. And you claim it came by revelation. It sure didn’t come from divine revelation.”

REPLY:

“Notice how you lifted Acts 16:33 out of it’s context. WHAT came BEFORE the water baptism and without which the water baptism was futile?

‘And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31And they said, BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.’ Acts 16:30-33

Christ saves by faith not water. Water baptism is only effectual if the person is first saved by the blood through faith.

‘Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;’ Romans 3:24-25 

Of course water baptism is important but it’s not the essential, believing is.

Satan’s agenda is to remove the focus from Christ and His blood without which there is ‘NO remission of sins’ (Hebrews 9:22). That’s what we see here.

Those who like to focus on the water do so because they are moral cowards who refuse to truly repent which is something that must occur in their hearts.”

The thief on the cross was not water baptized, yet Jesus told him “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

Water baptism is only for those already saved. Here’s a New Testament example of how these disciples were first saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, only then were they water baptized.

“For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.” Acts 10:46-48

The only value that water baptism has is in identifying you with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

One disciple wrote:

“The only way to promotion is by demotion.  Are you today seeking a demotion?  Do you want self to be advanced, enhanced, prominent, recognized, satisfied, aggrandized, indulged, promoted, noticed, or applauded?  Or do you want self demoted, crucified, and killed to all these worldly things?”

Perhaps loving obedience and gratitude to the Lord should be the foundational motives for the believer being water baptized. When a person genuinely repents of his sins and receives Jesus Christ, He is then under the command of a new Master. He is no longer a member of Satan’s kingdom, but rather has been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13). His past sins have been completely washed away by the blood of Christ, and God has called him by name to serve Him in sincerity and in truth (Romans 3:25; 1 Cor. 5:7-8).

Jesus commands all of His disciples to be baptized in water. In demonstration of our love for Him, every believer should obey and follow the LORD in water baptism. He says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

1. As seen in Scripture, what does the actual act of being water baptized consist of – in the literal sense? Acts 8:38 Please read this verse in the King James Bible and check one of the following.

_____ splashing with water

_____ sprinkling with water as an infant

_____ fully submerging the body under water

Notice that Philip and the eunuch “went down both into the water” (Acts 8:38). The English word “baptize” comes from the Greek word BAPTIZO which means to dip, submerge; to make whelmed, fully wet. Baptism is a burial.

Water baptism should always be in actual water and not sprinkling or pouring water on the new believer being baptized. This is because of what it represents; not a mere sprinkling but rather a whole immersion, a going under and being completely whelmed – representing being now dead, buried, and raised up.

2. Read 1 Peter 3:21 closely. Note here that water baptism does not cleanse one from the “filth of the flesh (sin).Trust in that which baptism is a “figure” of, does cleanse from sin and save the soul. The word “figure” is the key to understanding this verse. Read it again. Being dipped in water does not save the soul. What saves the soul is faith in what water baptism is figurative or symbolic of – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Water baptism merely answers to the already blood-washed conscience of the Believer. It is an outward testimony of the inward work of God in making the repentant person completely new from the inside out (2 Cor. 5:17-18).

Christ must reign in the daily life of every believer and He is “Holy, holy, holy” and so sinfulness must be put away so that the believer can spring forth into the fullness of Christ’s resurrection life (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). Baptism in water is the figure of this process. It’s a death, burial, and resurrection. Water baptism is symbolic of death to the sinful nature and resurrection into a life lived in the nature of Jesus and out of God’s abundant grace which fills the believer’s heart.

3. Did Jesus submit Himself to water baptism? Matthew 3:13-16

_______YES

_______NO

Water baptism was practiced by the Son of God.

4. How old was Jesus when He was baptized? Luke 3:21-23

____________________________________________________

Notice here that Jesus was a full grown adult when water baptized. Only those who are of age to understand and partake of the salvation of God are candidates for water baptism. Infant baptism or sprinkling is un-scriptural.

5. Did Jesus’ disciples practice water baptism in their ministry? John 4:1, 2

_______YES

_______NO

Jesus’ disciples and the early Church believers water baptised all new converts.

6. Jesus sent His disciples forth to “teach all nations.” What else did He command them to do? Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16

____________________________________________________

Mark 16:16 does NOT say “he that is not baptized shall not be saved.” No Jesus says “he that believeth not shall be damned.” He put the essential on believing, not water baptism. Here are Christ’s words: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). The believing is the essential, not water baptism, otherwise Jesus would have said “he that believeth and is not baptized shall be damned.” He did not.

7. In what names did Jesus command His disciples to baptize? Matthew 28:18-19

____________________________________________________

The name of Jesus Christ equals the authority of Jesus Christ.

“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

Here in Matthew 28:18-19, Jesus authorized baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. When Scripture speaks of baptism in Jesus’ Name, it is referring to baptism by His authority. So, some disciples safely perform water baptism by saying: “You are now being baptized in the name, in the authority of Jesus Christ, in the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.” Does this not cover all basis? I think so.

8. What were the three fundamental New Testament experiences preached and practiced by the early Church? Acts 2:38

A.____________________________________________________

B.____________________________________________________

C.____________________________________________________

9. Has God changed since Acts 2:38? Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8

_______YES

_______NO

Note that God, by the mouth of Peter, commanded the new believers to “Repent and be baptized every one of you” (Acts 2:38).

10. What experience did the three thousand new converts partake of when they received the Word of God that Peter preached? Acts 2:41

____________________________________________________

As was clearly understood by the early followers of Jesus, the first step in discipling a new convert is to baptize him in water. This is the Lord’s first commandment to new believers. God seals the faith of the new convert at the time of water baptism. The new believer makes a statement of trust toward God in his water baptism experience and is confirmed in the faith by the Holy Spirit through this New Testament practice.

11. After Phillip preached the Gospel, what did the believers at Samaria do to openly declare their faith in Jesus? Acts 8:12

____________________________________________________

12. After Philip preached Jesus, what was the Ethiopian eunuch’s immediate question? Acts 8:35, 36

____________________________________________________

The Ethiopian eunuch had obviously made a heart-felt decision to believe on Jesus. He instantly desired to be baptized in water to exhibit his new found faith.

13. What did Philip tell the eunuch that he must do before he could be water baptized? Acts 8:37

____________________________________________________

The Bible only authorizes water baptism after the born again experience. Philip told the eunuch that the prerequisite for water baptism is to be born into the kingdom of God by personally receiving Jesus Christ. Here is another proof that the early Church disciples only baptized those who had already received Jesus.

God set forth as a pattern in the first century Church, believers who were zealous to baptize new converts in water. This solidifies the new converts’ faith in Jesus. Water baptism is the first command given to the new believer, and is therefore the responsibility of the members of the Body of Christ to see that every new believer is baptized.

14. What did the apostle Peter “command” the new Gentile converts to do after they had believed on Jesus and also received the gift of the Holy Ghost? Acts 10:43-48

v48 __________________________________________________

15. What did Paul and Silas do to the Philippian jailor who believed on the Lord after the jailbreak? Acts 16:25-34

____________________________________________________

Note that Paul and Silas baptized these new believers without delay and in the middle of the night. This very act makes two authoritative statements: (1) If at all possible, disciples should water baptize new converts immediately following their salvation experience, and (2) The apostles counted water baptism very important, it was an integral part of the Gospel they preached and administered.

16. When “many” of the Corinthian’s “believed”, what followed? Acts 18:8

____________________________________________________

17. As followers of Jesus what are we baptized into? Romans 6:3

____________________________________________________

To the believer the water grave signifies that the time of living after the sinful nature of the flesh is over. This burial represents death to the nature of sin and resurrection into the life of God. Jesus Himself was baptized to signify His own death, burial, and resurrection. The follower of Jesus in like manner is to be baptized, signifying death to the old man and resurrection into the new nature of God resident within him. Sin lost its power at Calvary, and loses its dominion over the believer when he identifies with Christ in water baptism. In water baptism, the believer identifies with Jesus. All true disciples are crucified with Christ and water baptism is the marked beginning of this state of existence (Gal. 2:20, 5:24; Rom. 6:11). It is his announcement to deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Jesus.

18. What is the believer to “walk in” after God raises him from the dead? Romans 6:4

____________________________________________________

Beloved, God has called you to “walk in newness of life.” The believer must be “dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:11). Water baptism is so very important because it introduces the new believer into the life to which God has called him – a life of death and resurrection. The old person and his deeds are dead. “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). The disciple is to live separate from sin. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God” 2 (Corinthians 5 :17,18).

19. What are two reasons that we are to be “crucified” with Jesus? Romans 6:6

A. __________________________________________________

B. __________________________________________________

Water baptism is a public announcement of your decrease and His increase (John 3:30). God can only raise up those things that are dead. To resurrect is to raise to life again – to cause something or someone once alive to live again. One must die to the things of this world to live in the resurrected life of Jesus. This is a must if one will be His disciple (John 12:24-26). To live in the resurrection life of God one must be dead to the sins of the flesh. The definition of being “dead” to sin, is living life as if sin didn’t even exist in the sense that one is separate from it – you do not partake of it in spirit, soul, or body.

Water baptism is the beginning of the life lived after the Spirit instead of after the flesh. It’s a heartfelt broadcast to the Lord, the world, and the devil that you are now going to be true to the Most High God by living in holy conformity to the Lord Jesus Christ. At the moment of baptism God imparts a sufficient measure of grace to enable the believer to walk out his new life in Christ.

20. Why do you personally believe that baptism in water is so important in God’s eyes?

____________________________________________________

God has saved you and has set you apart to live after His nature that He has imparted to you (Rom. 6, 8). You are a new creature in Christ Jesus and God requires that you make this known (Matthew 10:32, 33). Jesus was fearless and unashamed when He came to the earth to do His Father’s will and die for the sins of the world. He requires that His disciples be bold and unashamed in testifying of His work of redemption. Water baptism should be the first act of obedience rendered by the disciple of Jesus.

21. What does Jesus do for all who “confess” Him before men? Matthew 10:32

____________________________________________________

22. What does Jesus do to all those who “deny” Him before men? Matthew 10:33

____________________________________________________

Water baptism is an open declaration of one’s identification with and faith in Jesus. Water baptism is generally the new believer’s first act of confession before men. It should be the personal and spoken testimony of the believer about to be baptized. The new convert should be given time to give account of his born again experience and God’s work presently in progress in his life.

IF YOU HAVE NOT YET BEEN WATER BAPTIZED, OBEY THE LORD BY ARRANGING A TIME AND PLACE TO PUBLICLY TESTIFY OF YOUR NEW LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST BY BEING BAPTIZED.

ASSIGNMENT:

In 250 words or more, detail the ways that the Word of God should be incorporated into the daily life of the believer. (Tips for your essay’s content: study, performance, prayer, warfare, proclaiming, meditating upon, memorizing, etc.) Search the Scriptures as your source for this essay and use Scripture and references to validate your statements. Begin with deep and prayerful meditation on God’s Word. Write your essay neatly and in an organized manner.

SCRIPTURE MEMORIZATION: Matthew 28:19

It would be very advantageous for you to cross reference all of the Scriptures in this study. For example, pencil in each topically similar verse into the margin next to the corresponding verses on this same subject. Write out these verses with references on index cards – make it a priority to carry and post them where you will study and meditate upon them. These two measures will build in you a wealth of truth on each topic. This will help you to retain and become resourceful in the Word of God – ready to be used of Him. Capture the knowledge that you have learned, don’t let it slip away from you.

Capitalize on your efforts. This is preparation in earnest (2 Timothy 2:21).

STUDY GUIDES
Evangelism
Holy Word of God
The Blood of Jesus
Holy Ghost Baptism
Water Baptism
The Believer and The Word

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