Baptism by Immersion Facts

This entry addresses the command by Jesus Christ to be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16), and Apostle Peters command to be baptized for remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Unfortunately this is a hotly contested topic of discussion in Christendom. It is a Salvation question that has been tangled and mis-taught and must be rightly understood. We at Scriptures Weekly are happy to do so for the purpose of "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15) for the aid and benefit of our fellow seekers of God on this blog, and beyond.

These video lessons can help the seeker to learn the biblical answers God teaches us in order to become a true Christian, a child of God and partaker of His new covenant. So why be baptized? Lets find out below.

For those who question why the word Baptism or Baptize is not stated in some scriptures related to Salvation, this video will help you to see how God's complete Word (Matt. 4:4, Acts 20:27) covers His whole plan of Salvation.

For an in depth study on the whole question of Baptism for Remission of Sins, open your bible and follow this LINK for a complete and detailed response to the question - Does Gods command to be baptized in water to be saved?

           

Charts courtesy Barnes Bible Charts

There will be more studies on this very important subject posted in the future. If you have any questions, disagreement concerns or others, please post your comments in the space provided. We will be happy to assist and clarify as you require.

Many blessings in your studies and response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ...

Scriptures Weekly 46 - Providence of God

Are you a Christian in the trenches enduring the storms of life? Are you a seeker of God considering serving Him in a way you have not experienced yet? God’s Providence, or His involvement in the lives of people outside of themselves, and the physical Universe is full of supernatural love on His part. Since Adam and Eve, God has always had a hand in the process of those who love and seek Him, and maybe we as individuals are a part of the process too. The scriptures also tell us that He calls people to be saved through the Gospel when He sees the intention and contriteness of the seekers heart. This writer can personally attest to this fact in my initial calling from God.

The following scriptures written by the inspired Apostle Paul are rich and full of God speaking to mankind in a way only a loving God can proclaim. The full embodiment of the Godhead is vividly described here with unspeakable presence of Himself in the lives of His children.

Romans 8:28-39,

“28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:”

“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

“37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Enjoy this video lesson by Preacher Doug that teaches the deeper meaning of God's Providence showing how God puts special people, in special places, at special times...

Many blessings to You...

Scriptures Weekly 45 - Fruit of Love

This week’s scripture is being shared about loving your neighbor as yourself. A long standing moral teaching introduced by Jesus, and just the right thing to do though often not understood or accepted. One may ask, “Who is my neighbor?” A thought comes to mind in response. Does love have any limitation? What about God's love. Does it have a sense of preference before He extends it to us His creation?

Mark 12:31,

"And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

1 Corinthians 13:8-10,

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."

By Douglas Downs

Many blessings…

Scriptures Weekly 42 - Jesus before Creation

This weeks scripture speaks of Jesus born of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem, as being with God before the creation of ALL things we now know and see. Most people we meet know about Jesus Christ as being a good man and a great moral teacher and leave it at that. When we explore the Bible we learn there is much much more to know about Jesus than we ever knew prior. Jesus as spoken of in this Proverb in the Old Testament can be personally met only through the Word of God given to mankind by Gods Spirit.

Proverbs 8:22-36,

“The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old. I have been established from everlasting, From the beginning, before there was ever an earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, When there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills, I was brought forth; While as yet He had not made the earth or the fields, Or the primal dust of the world. When He prepared the heavens, I was there, When He drew a circle on the face of the deep, When He established the clouds above, When He strengthened the fountains of the deep, When He assigned to the sea its limit, So that the waters would not transgress His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth, Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him, Rejoicing in His inhabited world, And my delight was with the sons of men. Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life,And obtains favor from the Lord; But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; All those who hate me love death.”

What a wonderful Savior we have in Jesus Christ who gave up His place in Heaven to redeem the lost here on Earth back to the Father.

Scriptures Weekly 41 - The Gospel

Video courtesy Turning Points

The word Gospel means "Good News" in the New Testament of the Bible. This was a completely revolutionary proclamation to mankind by its author, Jesus Christ, and later, His 12 apostles.

After Jesus death, burial, resurrection and ascension into heaven, the Apostles preached about the gospel or good news of Jesus and the reward of Eternal Life to those who follow Him by obeying this gospel. 

1 Corinthians 15:3-6, Apostle Paul said;

"For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep."

The resurrection of Jesus is the most important historical event in the history of man on the earth. His example sets forth before us the promise and hope of eternal life should one choose to follow Him.

Have you ever out of love responded to Gods call to obey the gospel? Have you ever heard the gospel and Gods plan of salvation to man? If you haven't, let me invite you to consider responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ so you too can have the hope of eternal life in your future.

All God does for us is a gift—but a gift motivated by his love for us (Rom. 7:23). And what God wants first and foremost from us is our love. And if we would truly understand that love must permeate the relationship between Savior and saved, we’d understand much better what Paul and James say.

John 14:15,
“If you love me, you will obey what I command.”

John 14:23,
Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”

You see, salvation requires that we love Jesus—it’s just as much a step in the plan of salvation as faith. And while it is stated as a command, love that is motivated by a command is a very shallow love indeed. Imagine loving your wife only because you can’t get married unless you love her! Such a “love” would be self-seeking, loving to get something. Indeed, love prompted by a desire to receive is not love at all.

The love that results in salvation is the love that prompts obedience to Jesus’ teachings. The love comes first, and then the obedience. Thus, love is demonstrated to God as He begins to save us out of love. The following is how one responds to the Gospel, first with a deep love for Jesus:

# Hearing the Word of God. (Mark 4:20, Acts 13:47-48, Romans 10:14-17)

# Believing the Word of God, the Bible. (John 3:16, Mark 16:16, Acts 8:37)

# Repenting of your sins and worldly ways. (Luke 13:3, Acts 17:30, 2 Peter 3:9)

# Confessing Jesus as Lord of your life. (Matthew 10:32-33, Acts 8:36-37, Romans 10:10)

# Be baptized into Christ for remission of all your past sins. (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 22:16, Galatians 3:27)
# Live faithfully to God. (Colossians 1:22-23, 3 John 1:3-4)

Click this link to hear another video lesson on the Gospel. And this link on the Evidence of Pardon. Both lessons are biblically informative.

If you need help and encouragement in this regard, feel free to contact me anytime, 24 hours a day.

Blessings to You...

Scriptures Weekly 40 - Holy Spirit 9 & 10

The Holy Spirit of God can be easily misunderstood if we fail to let the word of God define His purpose and very being. This week we have the 9th and 10th installments of how the Holy Spirit works and helps the Christian in his or her walk.

9) He gives us power to accomplish Gods will.

Zechariah 4:6,

So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.

Acts 10:44,

"While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who 'heard' the word."

1 Thessalonians 1:5,

"For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake."

10) He helps us in sharing the Gospel with others.

John 15:27,

"And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning."

Acts 1:7-8,

And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Scriptures Weekly 39 - Earthen Vessels

The Christian life is not always a life of clear sailing. Every disciple will have bad days once in a while, no matter how faithful they may be. Most Christians understand that Jesus isn't just: "a good times only Savior." He is with us when things are going great, and He is with us during our bad days as well. When hard times hit, He doesn't disappear saying, "I'll only come back when you get it all right and completely worked out." Though challenged by various trials, one must believe that God is faithful and will be with us through every season of life.

The inspired apostle Paul writes,

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God, and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7

The treasure Paul refers to is the knowledge and presence of Jesus Christ in the disciples life.

The Greek word for earthen vessel is, "our body which is made from frail clay," meaning "weak, easily broken, easily tempted." He is saying, "though our bodies are weak, easily tempted and easily broken at times, still, we hold the very presence of Jesus in these earthly bodies."

The fact is, at certain times we have all suffered from what the Bible calls "infirmities." For many, a common infirmity is a frail constitution or poor health. Paul spoke of Timothy's frequent illnesses, calling them "often infirmities." The Greek word infirmity here means "sickly, without strength, feeble of body or mind."

Jesus said,

 "...my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and we will make our lodging with him."

John 14:23

And...

"I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected..."

John 17:23

Be encouraged and believe these promises. The disciple who will believe and simply have a childlike Faith in Gods Word, is the one who carries the very presence of Jesus Christ in their earthen vessel. If you are not yet a disciple of Jesus Christ, may we encourage you to continue studying Gods Word the Bible to learn how to possess the gift of His grace and strength in the Holy Spirit of God in your life.

Scriptures Weekly 38 - Gods Pardon

Can we imagine a world without love? Gods Word tells us love comes from Him. His perfect love was and is so deep and wide that even after mankind turned away from God, He again provided a way of pardon for His creation to be reconciled back to Him by giving up His only Son in Heaven, sending Him to mankind in the person of Jesus Christ through the incarnate birth to Mary.

1 John 4:8-10 - Gods response

"He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

1 John 5:3-5 - Mans response

"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"

Learn the Evidence of Pardon in this video lesson.

By Kenneth Thomas

Scriptures Weekly 37 - Who is Jesus?

Who is Jesus Christ to you? Just a good man, a teacher and Rabbi? The Bible says He is more than that! He is fully divine, the Lord and the Son of God worthy of worship. The Savior of mankind that erases sins to those who obey His gospel commands. He is the Christ... Let’s read the following:

Matthew 1:1,

"The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:"

Galatians 4:4,

"But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son."

Acts 2:36,

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

John 8:56-58,

"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

So, in the above scripture(s), who is Jesus? He is God in the flesh while on Earth!

Here is a podcast lesson for a complete understanding on just who Jesus Christ is. Click LINK to listen.

Just Christians

Scriptures Weekly 36 - Gods Roadmap

How do we become spiritually strong and knowledgeable of how to get to Heaven? The bible is Gods instruction book, His guide map that needs to be read to examine Gods Word on a regular basis in order to continue a walk in Gods favor that leads to winning the prize - Heaven. If you are not a Christian, may I encourage you to begin daily reading and meditation of the Bible to hear what God has to say in your life. Here is a graphic called the "Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve" that is very revealing of humans lack of retaining what we learn.

The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy the following:

2 Timothy 3:14-16,

"But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

Philippians 3:18-21 - The Prize!

"For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. 'For our citizenship is in heaven,' from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself."

More on how the Scriptures will strengthen you in faith and spirit. Click podcast LINK to listen.

Many blessings

Scriptures Weekly 35 - Holy Spirit 7 & 8

This week we have the 7th and 8th of 15 installments as to how the Holy Spirit of God intercedes and helps those who seek and follow Him. May you be encouraged to seek after God if you haven't, and continue if you are a Christian who’s faith is weak.

7) He reminds us of Bible verses and principles we have learned.

John 14:26,

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."

8) He convicts us of our sins.

John 16:7-11,

"Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged."

Many blessings in Christ...

Scriptures Weekly 34 - Video Lessons

- We are happy to announce we are now posting bible lessons online -

They are not flashy shows for entertainment, just Gods Holy Word presented in a way that keeps the topic on track with much scripture and focus. Many lessons originate from biblical scholars, preachers and elders of which we take full responsibility for their content and exegesis. Some are from our pen as well.

If you have a specific study you would like covered, feel free to contact me with the recommendation and I will research and post online. Also, keep checking back for new lessons.

Go To Video Lessons

We hope you find the video lessons helpful toward a balanced understanding of Gods Word. Thank you for your continued participation with Scriptures Weekly.

Your humble servant...

Scriptures Weekly 33 - Bible Authority

What is Bible Authority? Do you think it is important? Where does it rate in the priority of your walk and worship of God? Is there a pattern of worship and service God desires to be pleased? Lets explore this further by opening your bible and reading the following.

God is a God of order and carefully patterned.

Read Genesis 1:1-5 about His creation on the first of 6 days.  

God shows us detailed patterns. 

Exodus 25:9, 

"According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it."

Also Numbers 25:1-18 on His specifics as to how the tribes were to camp! God is very specific.

Hebrews 8:1-6 in the New Testament shows us Gods pattern and a vision of Heaven with the great High Priest Jesus.

 John 15:10 - Jesus says,

"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love."

Do you see where God is a God of pattern and purpose so we can obey His clear commands to "please Him"? 

Click this LINK for more on this important study:

Just Christians

Scriptures Weekly 32 - Believing the Bible

How is your faith in God today? Is it weak, is it strong or is it non-existent? Maybe you are one that doesn't believe faith in God is reality or even a consideration in your life. Maybe you are a Christian that has faith but hadn't really considered how it becomes a reality. Could it be a blind faith without an origin or based upon wishful thinking? Let’s see what the Bible has to say about this.

Romans 10:14-17,

"How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

Did you get that? Faith, that is, true faith comes from God Himself through His written word! It does not come from Ones intellectual understanding. The Bible is Gods living word from which He plants Faith within those who turn their ear to Him and seek Him. It is the Mind of God. Do you believe the Bible is Gods inspired Word?

Podcast lesson on believing the Bible, click HERE:

Just Christians

Scriptures Weekly 31 - Holy Spirit 5 & 6

This week we have the 5th and 6th installments as to how the Holy Spirit of God intercedes and helps the disciples who seek and follow Him.

5). He helps and comforts us as we follow Gods will.

1 Corinthians 2:9-13,

But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual."

6). He helps us understand and to apply Scripture to our lives.

John 16:12-14,

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.”

Scriptures Weekly 30 - What is Truth?

What is Truth? It seems today that truth is whatever people want it to be. But that is far from the truth. Jesus proclaimed that His Father, God is true. When we study the bible we find that true-truth is grounded on Gods nature by the laws of nature He created and in the written scriptures He has left us. Jesus Christ in His short ministry lived and taught mankind of truth from whence it originated, that is from His Father, the one true and only God who loves you before you loved Him.

John 18:37-38,

"Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all."

2 Timothy 4:3-4,

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables."

Do you want to learn the simple truth about Salvation? Click on LINK for a podcast lesson.

Just Christians

Scriptures Weekly 27 - How to know Gods Will

Is it important in our walk with the Lord that we know the Will of God? How we study His word, draw conclusions and make decisions in our lives to please Him? How about the way we worship God, the creator of the Universe? How can we know His will for our lives and by what means does this occur? The Bible is the best place to restart your studies. You may say, "Man, the bible is such a big book with thousands of pages and stories that connect over centuries of time, how can I ever learn to use it to find and do Gods will in my life?

Its a proven fact that humans retain very little information within just one day of learning! We need to read the bible often, daily, hourly to retain Gods will for our lives if we desire to please Him in our walk. This graphic dramatically shows us our humaneness and desperate need to study Gods Word.

Matthew 5:6,

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness."

Acts 17:11,

"Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."

Romans 12:2,

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

2 Timothy 2:15,

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."

Click LINK to hear brother Mark teach on “How To Use The Bible to Know Gods Will” for you. It’s easier than you may think.

Just Christians

Many blessings in your studies.

Everything to know about ANGELS

What are they?

Who are they?

Do they have wings?

Are they born?

Are they good or bad?

Do they eat and breathe?

Are they Guardians?

Can we see them, and more...

This 2 part video lesson is very informative from the word of God, the Bible from which God left us concerning His mind and Will for our lives. The word Angel appears over 300 times in the Bible and there are many details God reveals about them. Take some time with a cup of coffee and a pad of paper and pen to really learn the story about Angels. You will be richly blessed…

Video's courtesy WVBS

Scriptures Weekly 26 - God Comforts

During times of trouble we want relief and the trouble to go away. Maybe if we just leave it alone it will leave us? God is ready to hear our troubles and supply comfort from His deep well of love. And as we lean on Gods comfort, a wonderful thing occurs. We learn how to accept it, and share comfort to others fulfilling His second most important command to love your neighbor as yourself.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4,

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Walk in the comfort of God as He walks with you…

Scriptures Weekly 25 - Walk in the Light

Someone once said;

"Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ"

Is Christ in your life in 2014, do you think about Him, pray to Him, honor Him for what he did for you on the cross of Calvary? It’s easy in this hustle bustle world we live in to move God off to the side taking care of the business of life on our own advisement, our own power. Consider what the Lord said and promised to those who trust and fellowship with Him daily. Oh it's such a wonderful gift...

1 John 1:5-9,

"This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

May your walk in the Light with the Lord be Peaceful...

Who or What controls Death?

Does God or the Devil control death? Or is there another reason we can learn from Gods Word. This is one of mankind’s ultimate questions that is in the back of the mind of all of us. God’s Word the Bible can guide and educate us more fully for His credentials make Him infinitely qualified to answer these kinds of questions. This video lesson will help shed some light on the subject.

Have a great day, today…

Scriptures Weekly 24 - Holy Spirit 3 & 4

The Holy Spirit of God, the promised counselor that Jesus said the Father would send to his disciples in his name, guides, instructs and comforts among many other blessings. Here are two indwelling realities of the Holy Spirit with scriptures disciples can be assured of in their daily walk with the Lord Jesus. These are the 3^rd and 4^th of 15 attributes of the Holy Spirit we are sharing for your enlightenment.

3) He guarantees our salvation by sealing it in Christ.

Ephesians 1:13-14,

"In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory."

Ephesians 4:30,

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."

4). He guides our steps and shows us Gods will for our lives.

Mark 1:12,

"Immediately the Spirit drove Him (Jesus) into the wilderness."

John 16:13-14,

"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me (Jesus), for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you."

Romans 8:14.

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God."

Blessings

Scriptures Weekly 23 - Jesus Suffered for Grace

The blessing of Salvation the Lord Jesus left us represents His gift not just for the present, but for the future. But there is more to this story that most people forget or might not even know that made this possible.

Have you ever considered what Jesus went through as God in the flesh to make this gift of the future possible for us? His is an ugly, brutal and painful story but it’s also the most amazing gift we can ever receive.

The Bible in Romans 5:15-17 says,

"But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ."

Please view this video from a doctors perspective to learn about the suffering Jesus foreknew and chose in His human form to give us Salvation.

Medical Perspective of Jesus Suffering

Scriptures Weekly 22 - Keeping the Faith

Do you fear or doubt your salvation? Or have difficulties trusting God fully to help work things out in your life? We all do at times and it’s easy to allow our faith to weaken and wander. Satan works night and day on people to fill them with these crippling states of mind. Faith in God produces the opposite of fear and doubt. Hebrews chapter 11 in the New Testament demonstrates great faith among many of Gods servants from Noah spending 120 years building a big boat, to Jesus by faith submitting to the Fathers will even "unto death on a cross" for us!

Hebrews 11:3,

"By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible."

Hebrews 11:17,

"By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son,"

Hebrews 11:29,

By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned."

The Good News - Hebrews 12:1-2,

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Keep the faith!

Scriptures Weekly 21 - Holy Spirit 1 & 2

Who and what is God? The bible tells us he is Spirit with personality natures of Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. The one personality of God that is greatly misunderstood and often incorrectly taught is the Holy Spirit. Who and what He is and how He intercedes in the disciple’s life, that is, one who has obeyed the gospel. Note that we said disciple, for the Holy Spirit of God does not indwell (reside in) the alien sinner outside of Jesus Christ. For the next few weeks we will be sharing what the bible teaches how the Holy Spirit intercedes in the disciple’s life.

1) He shows us our need for forgiveness and faith in Christ.

John 15:26,

“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness about Me."

2) He gives us assurance that we are truly saved.

John 14:20,

"In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you."

Acts 2:38,

“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 8:16-17,

"The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him."

Blessings

Scriptures Weekly 20 - Jesus Saves

"Jesus Saves" - These two words written on billboards, license plate frames and fan sporting event signs seen on TV during the 70's and 80's have caused many to assume its message comes from fanatics or religious freaks. Remember the Rainbow Man, Rollen Stewart at televised events with his Jesus Saves or John 3:16 sign? He may have appeared a Jesus fanatic, but the message he was throwing out there has stuck in the minds of millions even to this day. We must never question how God uses individuals for He has used them for His glory in many strange situations. Jesus Saves and John 3:16 are forever etched into society with the efforts of this one man. Being a fanatic for Jesus Christ is a success story however you cut it.

Rollen Stewart

The simple fact is, Jesus does save, if one has died to self, obeying the Gospel of Jesus Christ, having the realization of the painful suffering He endured from His arrest to the cross for all mankind without complaint. And then the greatest event in history, the power of His resurrection! Jesus Saves is an incredible message of hope and eternal life one can have right now!

Colossians 3:1-4,

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Blessings

Scriptures Weekly 19 - God Never Changes

We can be easily swayed into the way the world thinks on all kinds of matters. This is especially prevalent in the study of the Universe. Theories abound from a worldly point of view on how it began and where it will end up, but they are just theories that constantly change when scientists discover new information that requires them to adjust their original theory. Have you ever seen a cat chase its tail?

We can know God never changes. He can be trusted to show us the right way of a matter or a decision to make. He always has our best interest at heart.

Malachi 3:6,

"For I, Jehovah, change not: therefore ye, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed."

Hebrews 13:8,

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Colossians 2:8-9,

"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily."

Blessings…

Scriptures Weekly 18 - The Cost

If you are struggling in your walk as a Christian with Jesus, or haven't yet obeyed the gospel becoming a Christian and are contemplating what walking with Him may cost, this week’s scripture from the apostle Peter offers great hope and knowledge through trust in God.

1 Peter 4:12-16,

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name."

Many blessings as you Trust God.

Scriptures Weekly 17 - Going to Heaven?

This week’s scripture centers on, “How do I know I will be going the Heaven?” A pretty important salvation question I'm sure you will agree. Take some quality time and resolve to find out the truth that will settle your heart to know what God says to this eternal question. How do I know that I am going to Heaven?

Here in Acts 2:38-39, Apostle Peter miraculously speaks instructions of Christ himself by the Holy Spirit,

“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins: and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

The Holy Spirit also has Apostle Paul stating in Romans 6:3-8,

"Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him."

God does not give us His complete plan of salvation within singular scriptures that state such as - just believing, just repenting, just confessing or just being baptized. We must “hear all of His instructions and obey ALL of them in order to have biblical salvation (Psalm 119:160). He requires us to study and absorb all of what He has to say in order to come to a complete understanding of how and what He accepts as obedience to the Gospel. The true Gospel includes ALL of these divine instructions and commands in order to be saved.

To learn more, view this video lesson about Gods plan of salvation for mankind. If you have questions about Gods free gift of salvation for you, contact me anytime. May you be blessed in your studies.

Many blessings...

What Must I Do To Be Saved? from World Video Bible School on Vimeo.

              

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