Being in a right relationship with God has always been and will always be By Grace. God’s Grace.
This is not a NEW doctrine; it has been a doctrine since man fell into sin in the Garden of Eden. And it will continue on into eternity. The Apostle Paul states it:
Ephesians 2:8-9For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
It could not be stated any better. And then it goes on:
Ephesians 2:10-12 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
At the beginning of his ministry to the gentiles Paul did some water baptizing, He was a Jew and he was following the practice of John the Baptist. The was a sign that the Jew had repented. But as Paul progressed in his ministry Baptism was put aside.
1 Corinthians 1:13-17 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
These following text are used by many for water baptism, but it is speaking of spiritual baptism. Romans 6:3-4Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 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. Colossians 2:12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
An example of non-water Baptism. 1 Corinthians 10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
Examples of spiritual baptism, not water. 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
1 Corinthians 15:29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
Galatians 3:27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Ephesians 4:5One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Is it wrong to be water Baptized? No, it is not wrong, but it is also not needed.
a person legally entitled to the property or rank of another on that person’s death.
The Apostle Paul writing to the Hebrews reminded the Jewish believers of their position with God. First the Lord Jesus is appointed heir of all that he had created Hebrews 1:2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Then he reminds them that they are heirs ministered to be angles. Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? God guarantees his promise to his heirs confirming it by an oath. Hebrews 6:17Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: In the “Hall of Faith” Paul speaks of the Old Testament HEIRS. (read all Hebrews 11) Hebrews 11:7By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. Hebrews 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
Paul reminds the Roman believers that being an Heir is not by works but by Faith. Romans 4:13-14For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: And when saved we become children of God and also heirs. Romans 8:17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. And to the Galatians, who were being dragged back under the Law, he reminds them they became heirs through FAITH. Galatians 3:29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. As long as an heir is a child, he’s like a servant… Galatians 4:1Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But as he grows he is a son and an Heir. Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
But LAW and Grace cannot be mixed. Galatians 4:30Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
Only by His Grace is the believers faith justified. Titus 3:7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Think what being a joint heir with the Lord means. Access to eternity. 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Webster’s New World Dictionary defines “Trinity” as – a set of three, the union of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in one Godhead. But he puts all three is his writtings.
Romans 1:20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
2 Corinthians 13:14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
Ephesians 4:4-6There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
Colossians 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
1 Timothy 4:10For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Many churches and organizations today challenge their members to read through the Bible in one year. The first reference to reading the word is found in Exodus where Moses read from the book of the covenant (Genesis) to all Israel: Exodus 24:7 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient. Moses reminds Israel to keep the word of God by having it read, all the time. Deuteronomy 17:19And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: Deuteronomy 31:11When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. Joshua knew the importance of reading the word of the Lord. Joshua 8:34-35And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law. There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them. There came a time after Joshua that Israel strayed from reading God’s word. In fact, it appears they even lost it. Then during the reign of Josiah, the high priest Hilkiah found it. 2 Kings 22:8And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. 2 Kings 22:10 And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king. 2 Kings 22:16 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read: 2 Kings 23:2 And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD. 2 Chronicles 34 records this same event and it influenced the reign of Josiah. During the reign of Artaxerxes, Jerusalem was being rebuilt, that Ezra the scribe brought the book of the law, to encourage the people. Nehemiah 8:3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. Nehemiah 8:8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. Nehemiah 8:18 Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner. Nehemiah 9:3And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God. Nehemiah 13:1On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever; Isaiah prophecies of a time coming: Isaiah 34:16Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them. Jeremiah stresses the importance of reading the words of the Lord. Jeremiah 36:6Therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the LORD in the ears of the people in the LORD’s house upon the fasting day: and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities. Jeremiah 36:10 Then read Baruch in the book the words of Jeremiah in the house of the LORD, in the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan the scribe, in the higher court, at the entry of the new gate of the LORD’s house, in the ears of all the people. Jeremiah 36:13-15 Then Michaiah declared unto them all the words that he had heard, when Baruch read the book in the ears of the people. Therefore all the princes sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, unto Baruch, saying, Take in thine hand the roll wherein thou hast read in the ears of the people, and come. So Baruch the son of Neriah took the roll in his hand, and came unto them. And they said unto him, Sit down now, and read it in our ears. So Baruch read it in their ears. Jeremiah 36:21So the king sent Jehudi to fetch the roll: and he took it out of Elishama the scribe’s chamber. And Jehudi read it in the ears of the king, and in the ears of all the princes which stood beside the king. Jeremiah 36:23 And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth.
The Lord Jesus made much of reading the Word of God. Luke 4:16And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. Matthew 12:3, Mark 2:25, Luke 6:3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; Matthew 12:5Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? Matthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, Matthew 21:16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Matthew 22:31, Mark 12:26But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,
Reading the word of God is important and should be encouraged. But read is many times not enough. It needs to be studied and understood. An example of this is found in Acts 8:26-40, the Ethiopian eunuch was reading in Isaiah but did not understand. Acts 8:28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Acts 8:30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? Acts 8:32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
Even though the scripture was read every sabbath they did not understand it. Acts 13:27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. Acts 15:21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
The Apostle Paul not only encouraged the reading of his epistles but also the writings of Moses. 2 Corinthians 1:13 For we write none other things unto you, that what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end; 2 Corinthians 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: 2 Corinthians 3:15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Ephesians 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Colossians 4:16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 1 Thessalonians 5:27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
Reading the word of God is important and should be encouraged.But more important is to Study the scripture.
Paul, The Apostle to Gentiles, was a Law keeping Pharisee before his meet with the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9). He knew Jewish Law and Doctrine. As he grew in the Lord he was given new teachings, additional doctrines on which to form the church. We find these doctrines revealed in the thirteen Epistles he wrote to the churches he started throughout Asia.
Assurance (of salvation) Life (that is clean) Willingness (to hear to His will) Ask (for illumination) Yeild (to the Holy Spirit)
Personal Application
Sin to avoid Proud to claim Example to follow Command to obey Knowledge to increase
GIVING – Out of Gratitude, For God’s Glory, To Receive Rewards Do your giving while you’re living so you’re knowing where it’s going.
We should work like God doesn’t answer, We should pray like there’s nothing else to do!
Pray according to ACTS. Adoration Confession Thanksgiving Supplication You cannot pray against God’s will!
Love is forever, Lust is gratification, now
Trials will make you BITTER or BETTER! Do trials make you BITTER or BETTER? BITTER if you put “I” in it! Bitterness is the poison pill WE take to try and kill our enemy!
Always speak the Truth! Don’t always Speak!
Natural Man – Seeing is Believing Spiritual Man – Believing is Seeing
Be submissive to Authority – Unless it’s illegal, immoral or against the Word of God.
Knowledge – Just Facts. Wisdom – Using Facts.
Worship is an attitude not an act.
Earth: – The closest a non-believer gets to Heaven – The closest a believer gets to Hell!
The problem with hearing half truths is which half you believe!
John 1:29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
1 Peter 1:19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Lamb appears 25 times in the Book of Revelation most of the references are to a person. And study of these verses point to the Lamb being the Lord Jesus. (exception Revelation 13:8,11)
Revelation 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. Revelation 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Lamb appears 69 times in the Old Testament and mostly refers to a young sheep. One exception is in Isaiah prophesizing of the Lord’s crucifixion: Isaiah 53:7He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Conclusion
You need the Lamb’s blood applied, not to your doorpost as in the Passover (Exodus 12:7), but over your life (John 3:16-17). If you have not believed in the death, burial and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and confessed that Jesus is God (Romans 10:9) realizing your need for a Savior and trusted in Christ for eternal life, you are going to be led to the slaughter someday (Revelation 20:11-15). Only the blood of the Lamb of God can take away your sins. I suggest you trust in Christ and have His blood atone for your sins…or you will have to pay for your own sins someday and unfortunately, that will take all of eternity to pay.
The duty, privilege of every believer: Share the Word.
The Romans Road is a very good tool.
But how do you get there? Ask the following questions: (HINT: it’s the Holy Spirit who prepares the Soul for salvation, so if the answer to any of these questions is NO, consider changing the subject, this individual is probably NOT ready to hear about salvation).
Do you believe in God? If the answer is yes be encouraged and continue.
Do you believe the Bible is God’s word? If the answer is yes be encouraged and continue.
Are you willing to do what the Bible says? If the answer is yes be encouraged and continue.
Good time to move to the Romans Road or some other simple plan that leads to a decision.
Four Spiritual Laws are another good tool.
Another approach is use 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 stressing the Death, Burial and Resurrection. Then move on to Romans 10:9-13 stress that confession means “That Jesus is God”, and then verse 13.
