|
When walking out of a dark room
into the sunshine, light can be blinding. As our eyes become accustomed to
the light, we can see more clearly and enjoy the scenery that surrounds
us. Likewise, when we look into the light of the scriptures, the
brightness of light can sometimes hurt. However, as our spiritual eyesight
becomes adjusted we can enjoy "walking in the light".
This Bible study is designed to
allow us to "walk" into the marvelous light of the Word of God. We will be
journeying into the scriptures by imaging we are back in the days of Jesus
and the Apostles, listening to them teach and preach the plan of
salvation. In order to do this, we will be careful to "rightly divide the
word of the truth" (2 Timothy 2:15) by concentrating on the highlights of
the three main divisions of the New Testament in chronological order,
including:
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of
truth.
THE GOSPELS - covering the
words and works of Jesus Christ.
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES -
covering the actions and preaching of the Apostles.
THE EPISTLES- covering the
letters written by the apostles of the churches they started in the
Book of Acts.

We believe the scriptures are
divinely inspired and, "of no private interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20-21).
Therefore, every effort has been made to present the pure Word of God
without adding to, or taking away from its teachings, (Deuteronomy 4:2,
Proverbs 30:5-6) [Rev 22:18-20]
It is not our intention to diminish any personal
relationship you may have with our Lord. Neither do we desire to convince
you of our own personal ideas or the creeds of any denomination. We simply
desire to share the truth as it is written. Only by claiming the Bible as
our sole authority can any of us be confident of our salvation, for it is
the Word of God and not the traditions of men that will judge us all in
the end.
2 Peter 1:20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of
the scripture is of any private interpretation. [21] For the prophecy came
not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were
moved by the Holy Ghost.
Please read 2 Timothy 3:15-16 as
we begin our journey into the Word of God.
[3:15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy
scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith
which is in Christ Jesus. [16] All scripture is given by inspiration of
God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness :
Now we are ready to begin the
study.
INTO THE GOSPEL
John 1:1-5 & 14
[1:1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God. [2] The same was in the beginning
with God. [3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any
thing made that was made. [4] In him was life; and the life was the light
of men. [5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness
comprehended it not.
[1:14] And the Word was made 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.
|
In the beginning, the
___________
was God and became flesh.
Jesus Christ is the Living
Word of God |
This comes
from the Greek word { logos } which means: thought, plan, concept or deity
expressed. Or in the beginning was the plan and the plan was with God and
the plan was God. God knew the end from the beginning. Jesus was the lamb
slain before the foundation of the world.
John 1:11-13
[1:11] He came unto his own, and his own received him
not. [12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become
the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: [13] Which
were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of
man, but of God.
If we
believe in Him and receive Him, Jesus gives us power to become the
sons of
______________by a supernatural birth. He spoke further about this new
birth one night to a ruler of the Jews... |
John 3:1-8
[3:1] There was a man of the Pharisees, named
Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: [2 ]The same came to Jesus by night, and
said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for
no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. [3]
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except
a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. [4] Nicodemus saith
unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second
time into his mother's womb, and be born?
[5] Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the
kingdom of God. [6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that
which is born of the Spirit is spirit. [7] Marvel not that I said unto
thee, Ye must be born again. [8] The wind bloweth where it
listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst
not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is
every one that is born of the Spirit.
| The Lord told Nicodemus that
everyone who wanted to see or enter into the Kingdom of God, must be
born again or ________ and the ________.
|
John 3:16-21
[3:16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life. [17] For God sent not his Son into the
world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
[18] He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that
believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the
name of the only begotten Son of God. [19] And this is the
condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness
ather than light, because their deeds were evil. [20] For every one that
doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds
should be reproved. [21] But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that
his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
| Jesus also told Nicodemus
that whosoever ________ in him should
have eternal life. Jesus mentioned two seemingly different
requirements for salvation, one is being born again, the other is
believing. Yet, this is not a contradiction. The next scripture
explains how believing is related to experiencing the birth of the
Spirit... |
John 7:38-39
7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath
said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. [39] (But
this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should
receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not
yet glorified.)
| Here, we discover that if we
believe on Him (according to the word), we will receive the ________.
We find that scriptural belief is more than just a change in the way
we think. It also results in a scriptural experience. |
John 12:35-36 & 42-43
12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is
the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon
you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. [36]
While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the
children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide
himself from them.
12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many
believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him,
lest they should be put out of the synagogue: [43] For they loved the
praise of men more than the praise of God.
| Today, just as in Jesus’ day
many believe on Him. But, they will not ________
Him for fear of what others will do or say. |
John 12:44-48
12:44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me,
believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. [45] And he that seeth me
seeth him that sent me. [46] I am come a light into the world, that
whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. [47] And if any
man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to
judge the world, but to save the world. [48] He that rejecteth me, and
receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have
spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
| In response to their
fearfulness, Jesus warns that His ________
will judge us, so we must be careful not to reject it. Rather, we
should believe and obey it... no matter what others say or do!
|
John 17:17-20
[17] Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is
truth.[18] As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent
them into the world. [19] And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that
they also might be sanctified through the truth. [20] Neither pray I
for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their
word;
| In Jesus’ prayer for His
disciple, just before His crucifixion, He said God’s Word is ________.
He also prayed for us: and for all those who would believe on
Him thorough the Apostles’ word. |
To find out what the Apostles’
word was to be, let us read what Jesus told them to proclaim. The setting
of the following great commission scripture in Luke 24:45-49 is just after
the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection…and just before His ascension
into heaven.
"Then opened he their
understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said
unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer,
and to rise from the dead the third day: And that
repentance and
remission of sin should be preached in His name
among all nations, beginning in 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"
DID THE APOSTLES PREACH THE
MESSAGE JESUS
COMMANDED THEM TO PROCLAIM?
HOW WAS THE PROMISE OF THE
FATHER FULFILLED?
Let us continue our journey
into the Word of God by seeing what was preached and what happened at
Jerusalem….
INTO THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
Acts 1:3-5
1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his
passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and
speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: [4] And, being
assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart
from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which,
saith he, ye have heard of me. [5] For John truly baptized with water; but
ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
| As we enter the Book of
Acts, we discover almost immediately that the promise of the Father is
the baptism of the ________________. |
Acts 2:1-17
2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they
were all with one accord in one place. [2] And suddenly there came a sound
from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where
they were sitting. [3] And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like
as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. [4] And they were all filled
with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit
gave them utterance. [5] And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews,
devout men, out of every nation under heaven. [6] Now when this was noised
abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that
every man heard them speak in his own language. [7] And they were all
amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these
which speak Galilaeans? [8] And how hear we every man in our own tongue,
wherein we were born? [9] Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the
dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and
Asia, [10] Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya
about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, [11] Cretes and
Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of
God. [12] And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to
another, What meaneth this? [13] Others mocking said, These men are full
of new wine. [14] But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his
voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at
Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: [15] For these
are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the
day. [16] But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; [17]
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of
my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall
prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall
dream dreams:
| When the Apostles were at
Jerusalem, they along with many others, were joyously filled with the
Holy Ghost and began to speak with other ________
as the Spirit gave the utterance (ability to speak). The
amazed onlookers from many nations who heard them speaking with
tongues asked, "What meaneth this?" Then Peter explained the promised
coming of the Spirit and went on to preach Christ and the original
apostolic plan of salvation. |
Acts 2:36-39
[36] Therefore let all the house of Israel know
assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified,
both Lord and Christ. [37] Now when they heard this, they were pricked in
their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and
brethren, what shall we do? [38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and
be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission
of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. [39] For
the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar
off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
When the people who heard
Peter’s words believed that Jesus Christ was their Lord and Savior,
they were sorry for their sins and ask Peter and the Apostles what
they should do. Peter replied by preaching the message Jesus
commanded to be preached in Luke 24:45-49. In light of this,
consider the three elements of the Plan of Salvation Peter preached in
verse 38:
1. REPENTANCE
2. REMISSION OF
SINS THROUGH BAPTISM IN JESUS’ NAME.
3. RECEIVING THE
GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST
Luke 24:45-49
24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which
I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must
be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the
prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. [45] Then opened he their
understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, [46] And said
unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and
to rise from the dead the third day:
[47] And that repentance and remission of sins should
be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
[48] And ye are witnesses of these things. [49] And, behold, I send the
promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem,
until ye be endued with power from on high.
NOTICE: Acts 2:38 is the
fulfillment of the two "new birth" requirements Jesus mentioned in John
3:5 that were necessary to enter the Kingdom of God! Water birth = baptism
in the name of Jesus Christ! Spirit birth = infilling of the Holy Ghost!
Now, let’s look at some more
examples of people being born again of water and the Spirit as the Word
Jesus gave His apostles continued to be preached throughout the Book of
Acts...
PHILIP PREACHING TO THE SAMARITANS
IN ACTS 8...
NOTICE: Some people say when they experienced
joy, or when they believed in Jesus, or when they were baptized, they were
automatically filled with the Holy Ghost. But what does the Word say?
Acts 8:5-8
8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ
unto them. [6] And the people with one accord gave heed unto those
things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
[7] For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that
were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and
that were lame, were healed. [8] And there was great joy
in that city.
| Did they have great joy?
yes ____ no _____ |
8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things
concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were
baptized, both men and women.
| vs. 12 Did they believe
in Jesus Christ? yes ____ no _____ |
8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria
had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: [15]
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive
the Holy Ghost: [16] (For as yet he was fallen upon none of
them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
[17] Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
| vs. 14-17 Were they
baptized in His name? yes ____ no _____
Did they receive
the Holy Ghost as a separate and distinct
experience? yes ____ no _____
|
PETER PREACHING TO THE GENTILES
IN ACTS 10....
NOTICE: Some people say being religious is
enough, or that the Spirit-baptism evidenced by tongues was only for the
Day of Pentecost. If the Bible says this is true, then it is true. But
if the Word shows us through Cornelius’ experience that this is not
true...then it is not.
Acts 10:1-2
10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion
of the band called the Italian band, [2] A devout man, and one
that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the
people, and prayed to God alway.
| Was Cornelius a religious
man? yes ____ no _____ |
4] And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it,
Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for
a memorial before God. [5] And now send men to Joppa, and call for
one Simon, whose surname is Peter: [6] He lodgeth with one Simon a
tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou
oughtest to do.
| vs. 4-6 Did God have more
for him to do? yes ____ no _____ |
10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all
them which heard the word. [45] And they of the circumcision which
believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the
Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. [46]
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered
Peter,
| vs. 44-46 Did they receive
the Holy Ghost and speak in tongues
after the day of Pentecost? yes ____ no _____ |
10:47 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.
| vs. 47-78 Did they still
have to be baptized in Jesus’ name? yes ____ no _____
|
PAUL PREACHING TO JOHN’S DISCIPLES
IN ACTS 19….
Acts 19:1-2
19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul
having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding
certain disciples, [2 ] He said unto them, Have ye received the
Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not
so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
| They were believers, but
had they heard of, yes ____ no _____
or received the Holy Ghost? |
NOTICE; Many people who are believers have not
even heard about the Holy Ghost that is promised to them. Also, some
people say it is not necessary to be baptized or re-baptized. (If you were
baptized by John the Baptist, would you think it would be necessary to be
re-baptized using a different baptismal formula?) Others say it does not
matter what is spoken when you are baptized. If the Bible indicates it
does not matter, then it does not matter. But…. What if the Bible shows us
it DOES matter?
Acts 19: 3-5
19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And
they said, Unto John's baptism. [4] Then said Paul, John verily
baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they
should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ
Jesus. [5] When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of
the Lord Jesus.
| Did those baptized by John
the Baptist have to be re-baptized
in Jesus’ Name? yes ____ no _____ |
Acts 19:6
19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came
on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
| Was receiving the Holy Ghost
accompanied by the initial evidence
of speaking with other tongues? yes ____ no _____ |
We have found that the Apostles preached the
following salvation message:
The life of Christ and His death, Burial
and resurrection
Repentance toward God and belief in Jesus
Christ
Baptism in water by immersion in Jesus’
Name
Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (which
was accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking with other
tongues)
Now, let us read what the
Apostles had to say about the message of salvation they proclaimed in the
Book of Acts. We can do this by reading the epistles (letters) they wrote
to their converts.
INTO THE EPISTLES
As we read the Epistles, we will
notice how strongly the Apostles felt about the gospel (good news) of
salvation. This is not because they were being judgmental. It is because
they know the Word Jesus had given them to proclaim was going to judge all
men.
What Did Peter Say?
"Ye have purified your souls
in obeying the truth…being born again…by the word of God… and this is
the word which by the gospel is preached unto you." (1 Peter 1:22-25)
1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying
the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see
that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: [23] Being
born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the
word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. [24] For all flesh
is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass
withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: [25] But the word of the
Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is
preached unto you.
Obedience to God’s Word Purifies
our souls!
Peter Asked A Question:
"….What shall the end be of them that obey
not the gospel of God?" (1 Peter 4:17-18)
4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at
the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of
them that obey not the gospel of God? [18] And if the righteous
scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
Paul Gave the Answer:
"The Lord Jesus shall be
revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking
vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel
of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting
destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his
power. (2 Thessalonians 1: 7-9)
It is eternally important to
obey the gospel!
What Did Paul say?
"I marvel that ye are so soon
removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another
gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and
would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from
heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached
unto you, let him be accursed. 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 1:6-9)
There is only one gospel!
What Did James Say?
" …..Receive with meekness the
engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the
word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a
hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his
natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and
straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was." (James 1:21-24)
The Word is able to save
our souls!
JAMES TELLS US THAT IF WE SEE
SOMETHING WE NEED TO DO, AS WE LOOK INTO THE "MIRROR OF THE WORD", WE
SHOULD DO IT. LET US NOW CONSIDER WHAT WE WILL DO WITH WHAT WE HAVE HEARD…

Conclusion
DO YOU BELIEVE the Word of
God is true and will judge us? John 12:44-48
DO YOU BELIEVE Jesus
Christ is Lord and Savior?
DO YOU BELIEVE it is
necessary to repent by determining to turn from sin and giving your life
to God?
DO YOU BELIEVE that Jesus
Name is the correct way to be baptized?
DO YOU BELIEVE the baptism
of the Holy Ghost is for you today, and when you receive it you will speak
in other tongues, just as they did in the Bible?
IF YOU BELIEVE THESE THINGS, PRAY
RIGHT NOW, ASKING GOD TO ALLOW YOU TO EXPERIENCE ALL THAT HE HAS FOR YOU!

Supplemental
Study Scriptures
Matthew 7:13-24
NOTE: God’s warning regarding false prophets and
the importance of being a doer and not just a hear of the Word.
7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the
gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction,
and many there be which go in thereat: [14] Because strait is the gate,
and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find
it. [15] Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's
clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. [16] Ye shall know them
by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
[17] Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree
bringeth forth evil fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bring forth evil
fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. [19]
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into
the fire. [20] Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
[21] Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in
heaven. [22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy
name done many wonderful works? [23] And then will I profess unto them,
I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. [24]
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will
liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Matthew 16:15-19
NOTE: Peter was given the "keys of the kingdom"
because of his revelation of who Jesus Christ was.
16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
[16] And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of
the living God. [17] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art
thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee,
but my Father which is in heaven. [18] And I say also unto thee, That
thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the
gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [19] And I will give unto
thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind
on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on
earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Other "Great Commission" scriptures:
NOTE: In Matthew 28:18-20 the word "name" is singular
in this command to baptize. The Apostles obeyed the command when they
baptized only in the name of Jesus, and did not use the titles
mentioned here. (see Acts 4:12)
Matt 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,
All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
[19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
[20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for
there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be
saved.
Mark 16:15-18. The importance of water baptism and
the signs following believers.
16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel to every creature. [16] He that believeth and is
baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. [17]
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast
out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; [18] They shall take up
serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they
shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Matthew 16:15-19
NOTE Peter, who was given the "keys of the
kingdom", uses them to open the kingdom door by preaching the original
apostolic message of salvation for the first time.
16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
[16] And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of
the living God. [17] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art
thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee,
but my Father which is in heaven. [18] And I say also unto thee, That
thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the
gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [19] And I will give unto
thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind
on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on
earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Acts 8:35-39
NOTE: Phillip must have mentioned baptism when he
preached Jesus to the Eunuch, because the Eunuch asked to be baptized
in water. The Greek root word for baptize is "bapto", which literally
means "to cover wholly with fluid, to dip", (see also Romans 6:3-4)
8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the
same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. [36] 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. [38] And he commanded
the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both
Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. [39] And when they were come
up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the
eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
Romans 6:3 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.
Acts 10:34-43
NOTE: Peter preached the life and lordship of Jesus
Christ as well as His death, burial and resurrection.
10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth
I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: [35] But in every nation
he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. [36]
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by
Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) [37] That word, I say, ye know, which
was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the
baptism which John preached; [38] How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with
the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all
that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. [39] And we are
witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in
Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: [40] Him God raised up the
third day, and shewed him openly; [41] Not to all the people, but unto
witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him
after he rose from the dead. [42] And he commanded us to preach unto the
people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the
Judge of quick and dead. [43] To him give all the prophets witness, that
through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of
sins.
1 Peter 3:20-21
NOTE: According to Peter baptism is an essential
part of the plan of salvation.
3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the
longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a
preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. [21] The
like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting
away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward
God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
We encourage you to read through the Gospels, Acts and
Epistles in detail…and continue to walk, "…Into His marvelous Light"? |