Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ

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Good News, Bad News.!
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Is it possible that you are in danger and do not know it...?

Is your eternal life secure?

Matthew 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:
Matthew 7:14 - Because strait is the gate, and *narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and *few there be that find it.
What is it that Jesus wants us to know? Is it not one way? YES, and not simply one way, but one narrow way that demands conformity.
Matthew 7:15 - Beware of *false prophets, which come to you in *sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are *ravening wolves.
Jesus is giving clear warning of false prophets which appear outwardly to be sheep, followers of Christ, but are in fact inwardly wolves out to steal, kill, and destroy. Sad to say, these are "the many" on their way to hell.
--Let us continue to hear His statements.
Matthew 7:16 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.
What is He teaching us here? Good fruit (grapes and figs) do not come from thorns and thistles which will be destroyed; But that which is good is of a good tree. We must seriously consider the source by which our beliefs and convictions are drawn.
Matthew 7:21 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.
Calling Jesus "Lord" does not guarantee heaven, Doing the will of the Father by obeying the teachings of His Son is what grants one entrance into His kingdom. All others have indeed taken His name in vain.
Matthew 7:22 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?
All who take this position believe they are going to heaven but are in fact deceived and on their way to hell. The next scripture will prove this.
Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work *iniquity.
Jesus is referencing judgement day and speaking to the *many who call Him Lord, telling them to depart from Him, because they are workers of iniquity. What is iniquity? Jesus's Words are important and need to be understood, provided below are the definitions.
**Word definitions-
Strait= Narrow passage, demanding conformity to detail in order to safely traverse.
Gate= Door, the way of entrance.
Broad= Spacious, open, lack of restraint, coarse, liberal and tolerant.
Many= The majority who call Jesus Lord, but have not been obedient to His instructions and commandments.
Narrow= Precise, meticulous, limited passageway.
Few= Not many, small in number. Very Limited. Only those who have obeyed Jesus and His teachings.
Sheep's clothing= Outwardly appearing to follow Christ.
Ravening wolves= True nature, to kill steal, and destroy.
Iniquity= Transgressing the Word of God and the teachings of His Son Christ Jesus. Wickedness.

The New Birth
3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
3:2 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.

Nicodemous, a member of the Sanhedrin, a ruler of the Jews came to Jesus speaking these truths. Saying Rabbi, (master teacher) from God, (of God) A man working miracles, (Divine manifestations) God with Him (God who is a Spirit, in Him) Nicodemous has recognized that Jesus is indeed of God and from God, and now Jesus explains how to be Born Again.

3:3 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.
3:4 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?
3:5 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.
3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
3:8 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 New Birth, how one can see and enter the Kingdom of God. It is of the utmost importance that we all comprehend the seriousness of His words. The words "Born" (begotten) "Again" (anew) clearly defines that there is a difference between a natural birth as from a mother, and the New Birth, which is of God, creating a Christian, a child of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; The New Birth is of water and of the Spirit. It is this New Birth "of" (source) water, (H2o) and of the Spirit (of God) that must be understood if a person desires to see and enter the Kingdom of God.

3:9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
3:10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
3:11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

Jesus has given clear instructions on how to be Born again, to see and enter the Kingdom of God. If one then chooses not to believe and obey Him, Jesus will continue no further with that person concerning heavenly things.

3:13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
*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.

The words "believeth in Him" in verse 16 are instructing us to have faith in, with, and upon, all the commandments of our Lord Jesus Christ, which include what he said in verses 3 through 7. This emphasizes the need to be Born Again (baptized) of water and of the Spirit as Jesus instructed Nicodemous. Any who claim to believe in Jesus, should know that they must obey Jesus in order to have everlasting life.

3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
3:18 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.
3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
3:22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

In conclusion, Light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than Light. Anyone who desires to be saved, must not only come to the truth, but also must OBEY the truth.

John 14:6 I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Gospel = Good news; God's good message for man. In the gospels Jesus instructs His disciples that which He desires them to preach.

28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Jesus clearly states His supreme authority in heaven and in earth.

28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

The word "GO" means to go forth, a command from the Son of God to His disciples.
The word "teach" means to instruct, inform, that which Jesus has commanded.
The word "baptizing", an act by which one is purified, sanctified, justified, and initiated. To dip, immerse, it is of water and of the Spirit.
"In the name" means just what it says; singular, ONE name, the name of Jesus. This is proven in Luke 24:47 and Acts 2:38.
"Of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." This indicates the source of the Name.

28:20 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.

The instructions of Jesus to observe all things whatsoever He has commanded is not limited to Matthew's account only, it also includes His commands recorded in Mark, and Luke, which will follow. This will explain why the Apostles, by the Holy Ghost, confirmed in Acts 2:36 - 42, the terms and conditions taught by Jesus, by which sinners can be saved.

Mark 16:15 & 16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Jesus said in Matthew to His disciples, "go, teach and baptize." Here in Mark he uses the term "Preach the Gospel", also He emphasizes that the one who hears and has faith in the gospel and is baptized shall be saved. In conclusion the gospel must be preached, (spoken), believed on, (faith in), and obedience to baptism (to be born again) must be included.

Luke 24:36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
24:37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
24:38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
24:40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
24:42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
24:43 And he took it, and did eat before them.

Jesus, after His resurrection, makes clear to His disciples that He is the same flesh and bone man who was nailed to the cross and crucified, now alive forevermore.

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.
24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

When Jesus spoke these words, referencing the law of Moses, the first five books of the old Testament, He included the prophets of God and the Psalms, all of which testify of Him. He continues to speak of His suffering, His death burial and resurrection, adding that repentance and remission of sins must be preached In His name to all nations beginning at Jerusalem.

24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
24:49 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.
24:50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
24:51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
24:52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
24:53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

Jesus tells His disciples that they will have power to preach the Gospel after the Holy Ghost is given on the day of Pentecost. When Jesus parted from them they returned to Jerusalem as instructed and continued in the temple praising and blessing God: AMEN!

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

Here in Acts 1:8, Jesus reiterates that which He instructed in Luke 24:49. That His disciples would receive power after the Holy Ghost has been given them to witness the Gospel beginning at Jerusalem, on to Judaea, Samaria and then to the uttermost parts of the earth.
~The Ascension
1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

~The Day of Pentecost
ACT 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
2:7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
2:8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
2:9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
2:10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
2:13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

This event at Pentecost, is the fulfillment of God's promise through Christ Jesus to His disciples. That by the Holy Ghost, they would fulfill that which He commissioned them in the synoptic Gospels of Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15 & 16, and Luke 24:36-53. That which was taught by the Holy Ghost produced two responses, either interest in, or ridicule of, that which they had witnessed.

~Peter's Sermon
2:14 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:
2:15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

Peter is explaining to them this miraculous gift of tongues; God's gift by the Holy Ghost allowed them to speak to the people in their own familiar languages. Peter explains the fulfillment of God's prophecy recorded in Joel, 800 years before.

2:17 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:
2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

To the Jew first, sons and daughters; Then to the Gentiles, servants and handmaidens.

2:19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
2:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:

Conditions of the world which are to take place before the second coming of Jesus.

2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

It should be noted that to call on the name of the Lord does not mean to merely recognize Jesus, it means to summon Jesus and the authority that is in His Name. This is proven in Acts 2:38.

2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
2:25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
2:26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
2:27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
2:28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and
his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
2:32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
2:35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Peter reiterates that the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus is according to God's promise to David, that of the fruit of this loins according to the flesh, He would raise up Christ to sit on His throne and that this man Jesus, has indeed been made both Lord and Christ.

~The Ingathering
2:37 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?

When convicted that Peter was speaking truth, they responded "what shall we do?"
To answer their question Peter will now outline God's terms and conditions of salvation, to which all MUST YIELD AND OBEY.

2:38 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.

Peter said, repent and be baptized, (turn from sin, and be born of water and of the Spirit) John 3:3 through 5 This says what it means, and means what it says; in the Name of Jesus Christ salvation is granted and the Holy Ghost given.

2:39 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.

God's promise at Pentecost is to all generations, the called of God must obey His terms and conditions.

2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

These words witnessed and proclaimed have the power to save sinners from evil generations in which they live.

2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

This is a clear example of the faith and obedience which places one in the Body of Christ.

2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

We have just heard how a sinner is saved and only the saved in Christ Jesus will continue with Him.