So you've accepted the Lord as your personal savior, but what must you do for him to accept you?

Jude tells us to "earnestly contend for the faith that was once given to the saints." (Jude 1:3) But, what does he mean?

We love to sing the old hymns that talk about, "give me that old-time religion." Most of us like to think of that as back when our parents or grandparents were in church, or what they taught 50-100 years ago. But, Jude wasn't talking about that. The book of Jude was written close to 2 thousand years ago! He knew nothing of our modern religious practices. But, there was one thing he did know.

Jude and James were Jesus' half brothers. You can find them listed in Matthew 13:55 as being part of his human family (Jude is listed as Judas here). They didn't believe in Jesus's ministry at first. In fact, they taunted him because they thought he was just another self-serving and self-proclaiming Messiah trying to deceive the masses (John 7:3-6). But, somewhere along the way, both he and James became disciples and later Apostles of Jesus. If I had a seemingly (from a human standpoint) perfect brother who suddenly started doing miracles, I'd be skeptical at first, too. But, after a bit, I'd probably start believing. 

But, I digress a bit. 

Since Jude was there at the beginnings of the church, saw Jesus first hand (miracles, signs, wonders, and teachings, and the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord), and he was there at the birth of the church (in the upper room on the day of Pentecost, heard and participated in the teachings and preachings of the early church), to what was he referring to when he said: "the faith once delivered unto the saints?"

Many today are taught that all we have to do is "accept the Lord as (our) personal savior."

Spoiler alert!!! That phrase is not in the scriptures!

Many point to Romans 10:9 and John 3:16 as "the plan of salvation" that was taught by the early church, as well as by Jesus. 

Well, lets research that teaching a bit by looking into what scripture actually says:

John 3: "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.

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

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."

They swoop into the middle of John 3, hit verses 15-17, and swoop out again. They might hit verses 1-3, but they rarely hit verse 5. 

Yes, Jesus says we must believe in order to be saved, but there are folks in chapter 2:23-25 that believed in him in the same way (it's the same Greek word for "believe" there as we find in John 3:16), yet Jesus didn't commit himself to them. 

They accepted him, we assume, but he didn't accept them! 

Verse 5 explains how to be born again by saying, "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."

So, evidently, it's not just a matter of belief. It's a matter of also being born of water and born of the spirit. So, how do we do that? 

Well, let's look at how the early church obeyed what Jesus said to do.

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Ghost was poured out in an upper room filled with 120 people. They began to speak in tongues and worship God. This prayer meeting poured out into the street and caused people to marvel at what was happening. Some were in awe and some mocked. But, their mockery caused the first sermon in church history. (Acts 1:12-15, Acts 2)

The Apostle Peter stood up and began to preach the gospel (death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus) to the gathering crowd. He tells them that God had indeed sent their long-awaited Savior and they had crucified him! The listening crowd was very convicted by this revelation and asked, "what shall we do?" In other words, "how do we remove this sin and guilt from our lives?" 

Peter responded, "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."

Now, think about this for a second. There were the other Apostles, along with many who had followed Jesus and had heard the teaching and preaching of their Master for close to 3 1/2 years there that day. 

NOT ONE OF THEM STOOD UP AND CORRECTED PETER!!

Not one of them said, "Hey bro, you're out of line here. All they have to do is believe." 

Not one of them said, "All they have to do is accept Jesus as their personal savior."

None of them said, "If they believe in their heart and confess with their mouth, they shall be saved."

Why? Because Peter had spoken the absolute truth!

Jesus said we must Repent (Mark 1:15 & Luke 24:47).

Jesus said we must be born of water and of spirit (John 3:5).

Jesus said we must be baptized (Mark 16:16).

Jesus said we must receive the spirit (John 16:13, John 3:8, John 7:38-39).

But, is that the only place we're told the same thing that Peter said for what we must do to be born again and accepted of God? 

Nope. 

Acts 8:5-8 (believe and baptize in Jesus name), 14-17 (baptism of the Holy Ghost).

Acts 10: 1-6 (a devout Centurian that needed to do more to be accepted of God), 40-46 (Baptism of the Holy Ghost), 47-48 (Water baptism in Jesus name).

Acts 19: 1-7. 

Let's dig into this one a little deeper: 

"19 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."

Now, some people teach that you receive the Holy Ghost as soon as you believe. There's no outward sign of your deep experience. You just receive it by faith. 

If that belief is true, then Paul's question to these "believers" makes absolutely no sense. He should have just said, "So good to meet you, brethren. I'm Paul." But, by his questioning, apparently, you actually receive the Holy Ghost at some point AFTER you believe. 

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.

When they said no they hadn't even heard of, much less experienced, the Holy Ghost, Paul checks their baptism. If, as some folks teach, water baptism is not a necessity ("it's an outward sign of an inward act," they say), then Paul's question here makes no sense again! Why ask about it, if it's not necessary? 

When he heard their reply he explained Jesus to them. What was the result? 

"5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

7 And all the men were about twelve."

So, Paul taught water and spirit baptism, as well. He didn't tell them that they just have to accept the Lord as their personal savior. He didn't tell them to repeat a sinner's prayer (another thing that's not in the scriptures). He taught the exact same things taught by the rest of the Apostles and his hearers obeyed it! (This, my friends, was the birth of the Ephesian church!)

"Repent, and be baptized every one of in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

So, when Jude speaks of contending for the faith once delivered to the saints, as far as the new birth is concerned, this is what he is referring to! 

Paul puts it this way:

"8 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.

9 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 1:8-9)

Those who would pervert the Biblical Gospel message should take heed to this scriptural warning. 

I'm glad you accepted the Lord, my friend, but please do what is necessary for the Lord to accept you: 

"Repent, and be baptized every one of in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

 

The Apostle that almost was (the rich young ruler revisited)

Luke 18:18-27 King James Version (KJV)

18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

26 And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?

27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

This is a very familiar passage of scripture. Many have used it to speak of folks rejecting Jesus in favor of the wealth and things of this world. These people have covered this well. But, I believe there may be a few more lessons to be learned from scripture about this young man. 

Verse 18) It is customary in religious, business, and political circles to address the ego of the person you are speaking to- especially if the person is perceived to be of a superior position than you. When the young man begins his question to Jesus, he starts with "Good Master." He was recognizing the innate goodness of Jesus, as well as Jesus' good works (healing the sick, etc). 

He was also recognizing him as a Master. He recognized Jesus' amazing teaching to all who would listen. Jesus was the new hot thing in the world. This naturally drew some of the who's who in the community. More than likely, he contacted his associates in various local governments to gain their insights into Jesus. Doubtless, this man had sent his people out to see what all the fuss was about. After all, the rich don't just hang out with the "unwashed masses" without having a good reason to do so. The reports he'd received back amazed him. Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, bucked up against the Jewish authority of the day. This was truly a man worth checking out!

So, the rich young man decided that Jesus was worthy of his actually going out to meet him. He orders his entourage to make the necessary arrangements. There was his security to consider, his mode of travel, his clothing, the room or house he was to stay in, his food and drink for the going travel, his lodging, and his return trip. Everything had to be set up just so. He also must've had a man (or men) following Jesus so that he knew when and where to go in the first place. He makes his initial trip and settles down for the night. 

The next day, he learns from his servants where Jesus was preaching and (after a healthy breakfast, no doubt) heads out to meet this famous (or infamous in some circles) teacher named Jesus. 

Imagine the agitation of this young man when he sees the masses huddled around Jesus- hanging on his every word and action. He actually has to wait on Jesus to speak to this rabble! Finally, he begins to make his way through the crowds toward the teacher. Most of the crowd recognizes wealth and nobility and moves out of his way (some willingly, others out of obligation). 

Jesus wasn't dressed in fancy robes and fine garments. His hair was windblown. His robes had dirt on them. But his eyes burned with the Holy Fire of God. But, to this ruler, all these facts added up to someone worthy of use, but certainly not an equal. When he finally meets Jesus, he doesn't even give him his name. 

Falling back on his ways of speaking to someone, he puts on a smile and says, "Good Master."

Verse 19) Imagine the ruler's surprise when Jesus did not respond with the same customary kindness. Instead, Jesus cuts to the chase, so to speak.

"Why callest thou me good?"

Why are you even speaking to me, Ruler? You don't even consider me an equal. You look down on me and the multitudes I speak to. You could feed this whole mass of humanity here and then some with your wealth. Yet, you see in me a way to use me for your own purposes to gain something from me and the crowds to which I minister. Why are you here? You can almost hear the hostility in Jesus's question. 

But, then he lowers the boom that most people miss:

"None is good, save one, that is, God."

Unlike many false interpretations, Jesus was not playing himself down with this statement. He was not pointing out that he was a lesser part of a fictitious trinity. Rather, he was telling this young man and everyone that heard, "I am good because I am God almighty come in flesh (Emmanuel- God with us!)! Do you have enough spiritual understanding to know who it truly is that you are talking down to? 

Verse 20) The ruler had asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, so Jesus, rather flippantly, lists of 5 of the 10 commandments:

"Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother."

Verse 21) The ruler seems ecstatic! Really? That's all? I've done these all my life! He, like many others, did not notice that 5 more commandments had been left off the list.

What commandments did Jesus leave off?

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me." 

By definition, a rich businessman faces a choice on a daily basis. "Do I follow God's laws and make less money, or do I follow man's laws and make more money. Do I follow a righteous God and his commands? Or do I follow whatever god that fits the particular business deal I'm making? 

Most follow whatever god fits the moment for their own self-gain and standing in the community.

"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image..."

This is not talking about an artistic endeavor (though many have used art as an excuse to be gory or pornographic or some other perversion they wish to glorify). Rather, this is referring to the making of an idol that is to be worshipped and adored by the maker and many other people. 

There are still many idols in the world. India, Africa, and South America are full of idols carved from trees or rocks that people bow down before and worship. Japan, though a very westernized culture, still has many that have things set up in and around their homes in order to worship their own dead ancestors. Physical idols can literally be found around the world.

Yet, in Western society, we have other idols: Money, Movie Stars, TV Stars, Cars, Homes, Yachts, Politicians, Political Parties, Churches, Preachers, Singers, etc. The list goes on and on. 

How many business deals and political deals are made that are contrary to God's laws, but are made in the name of Money and religious freedom? How many backroom deals are made in order to work around God's laws and make money from ungodly things (abortion comes to mind as just one example of millions)? 

"Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain."

Contrary to popular belief, this is not simply saying don't use the name of Jesus as a cuss word- though that is certainly a part of it. To take God's name means to become a part of his bride (the church) through the new birth (Acts 2:38).

To take his name in vain means to walk away altogether, or to fall away from a right relationship with him. We, as his bride, are to live, act, dress, think, etc in ways that shun the sin we used to be in and glorify our husband, Jesus, who died for us! 

Most rich folks have never known God in a salvational way. Most of they're choices are made in order to cater to their own flesh and bank accounts!

"Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy." 

The sabbath is the seventh day of the week (Saturday). In the Law of God, no work or business was to be conducted on this day. Jesus fulfilled the rest of the sabbath through his death, burial, and resurrection- and sending us his spirit as part of the new birth (Baptism of the Holy Ghost). I have another blog posting on this blog about enjoying the "rest of the sabbath" that explains this in detail:  https://theauthorspage.blogspot.com/2012/03/shalom-shabbath-enjoy-peace-of.html

Yet, if a person is not born again, he cannot fulfill this commandment. Most rich business owners have never been born again and cannot fulfill this commandment in either their own lives or in their company. 

However, there was a time when businesses were closed on Sunday in honor of Jesus's resurrection and to allow employees time to worship Jesus and spend time with their families. Most businesses are now open 7 days a week and as close to 24 hours a day as they possibly can in order to chase their god- money. 

But in the rich young ruler's day, businesses were to be closed on Saturday (the sabbath). Did Jesus leave this commandment out as well because he wasn't following it, either? 

"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's...(anything)" 

It's okay to have things. It's good to have a godly wife. It's good to have a home. And many other things. 

Yet, one of the natures of business is to grow and acquire more things. More facilities. More products. A larger market share. And, ultimately, a larger profit.

How many business deals have been done in society (and by the rich young ruler) that were done in the name of growing the business- that actually hurt many people. There is no being content with what we have. We've got to have more. 

How many business ventures have been made by marrying the owner in order to gain control of the company? How many wives have been dumped in favor of a new wife in order to solidify the growth of the business? How many political deals have been made the same way? 

Verse 22: Jesus hears his answer and gives him a way to make everything right in his life. He basically gave him the same command he had given the 12 Disciples, "Follow me!" But, he added a stipulation:

"Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me."

Imagine someone telling Donald Trump or Bill Gates, "You've spent your whole life amassing this huge fortune. You've made business deals by many means, some good and some evil. You've buried most of your competition and are on top of the world! But, if you truly want to make heaven and be right with God, Go and sell it all, give it all away so you will be dirt poor, and come follow me." 

That's basically what he told the rich ruler. Nevermind your business acumen. Forget all the backroom wheeling and dealing. Give it all away and I will give you the eternal life you seek. You've got to totally submit to me. 

Verse 23: The rich young ruler was offered a chance to be an Apostle! He could've been in the upper room on the day of Pentecost! He could've helped to baptize the 3000 souls that were added to the church that day! He could've preached to thousands, cast out devils, healed the sick, raised the dead, helped thousands to become born again and live for Jesus!

Instead, with his mind blown and his heart broken, the fake smile gone from his face, he walks away from God almighty. All because he'd rather have his current life than the eternal life that Jesus was offering. 

Did you ever wonder what happened to him? Did he even keep up with Jesus after this incident? Did Jesus' words haunt him for the rest of his days? 

I believe the Lord showed me the answer today. As my wife and I were listening to Mark 14 on a Bible app, I heard words I don't remember ever hearing before:

Mark 14:43-52 King James Version (KJV)

43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.

44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.

46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.

47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?

49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.

50 And they all forsook him, and fled.

51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:

52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

Yes, I know. This is Jesus in the Garden when Judas betrays him and the disciples flee the soldiers. We all know this story. But, notice verses 51 and 52. 

An unnamed man shows up after the arrest but before the trial. After the disciples flee, but before Peter's denial. Who was he? I believe this was the rich young ruler. 

How do I know? 

The first clue was in the phrase, "having a linen cloth..". The term linen cloth here, in the Greek, means "

1. linen cloth, esp. that which was fine and costly, in which the bodies of the dead were wrapped
2. thing made of fine cloth
1. of a light and loose garment worn at night over a naked body."

  

The second clue came from the same phrase: "having a linen cloth cast about his naked body."

Whoever this was, knew where this was going down. A nobody would've had no knowledge of what was happening. 

So, here's the scenario I believe happened. 

The rich young ruler rejected Jesus's offer, but he could never get Jesus's words and actions out of his mind. He probably kept men near Jesus and received regular reports. He periodically heard from his sources in government and the temple about Jesus' most recent sayings and activities. He heard of the plot to kill him. He may have even tried to work behind the scenes to try and reduce what they wanted to do to Jesus. 

But, this was a secret action by the Sanhedrin and the Governor. By the time the ruler was told what was going down by his informant, there was no time for talking to the governor or the Sanhedrin. His only hope was to get out of his bed and throw on his night garment of fine linen and run to the scene, hoping he could get there in time to use his influence to possibly stop the arrest. Having kept up with him, he knew Jesus often prayed in the garden of Gethsemene. His heart racing, he sprinted to the scene. 

To his horror, when he arrived, he was too late. The disciples were dispersed and Jesus was arrested. 

"and the young men laid hold on him:"

He wasn't even allowed to speak to Jesus. He was grabbed by some young men. It wasn't the disciples. They were Gone. It could only be part of the guards who grabbed him. 

"52 And he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked."

I can see a brief struggle. I can see the other guards pulling Jesus along. I can feel the young ruler's heart crashing as he realized not only could he do nothing, not only was his wealth and power worthless to help, but he might be in trouble just for showing up! He might have crossed a line! 

The guards have a firm grip on his nightclothes, so he wriggles out and runs away. Naked and afraid. 

What happened after that? Was he arrested? Did he lose everything he had clung too for so long as important? Or, was he among the 3000 newborn souls on the day of Pentecost?

 We don't know. But, he had a choice just like we do. Do we abandon everything to serve the God of the universe who created us, became human for us, died for us, defeated death, hell, and the grave for us, and sent back his spirit for us?

Or, do we hold onto our "stuff" and refuse to totally submit to Jesus? 

It's our choice. What do we do? 

Acts 2:37-38 King James Version (KJV)

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.

What exactly are we celebrating on Christmas?

Isaiah 9:6King James Version (KJV)

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

John 1:14King James Version (KJV)

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.

Merry Christmas to you all! This is the day that the majority of believers in Jesus Christ celebrate his birth. While some say, "there's no record of the early church celebrating Jesus' birth," I say, "there's no record of them celebrating their families birthdays or anniversaries either. Are you going to say that it's a sin to do so when the Bible clearly does not say that it is?" Incidentally, when the Angels sang on the day of his birth, wasn't that a celebration of his birth? When the Shepherds went to see him, wasn't that an acknowledgement of his glorious birth? When the wise men brought gifts (probably 2 years later) on his birthday, wasn't that a celebration of his birth? 

Some say, "Christmas has pagan roots and we shouldn't celebrate pagan things." If we were to cut out every pagan thing in our culture, we'd have practically nothing left. By their argument, why don't we go back to the Jewish calendar? After all, even the days of the week on the Gregorian calendar we use in the western world are all named after pagan gods. 

Finally, some say, "Jesus wasn't born on December 25th, so we shouldn't celebrate his birthday on that day." To these I say, "we don't know his birth date, so December 25th is as good a day as any other." 

Why cannot we Christians just except the good in some things instead of saying everything short of breathing is a sin? Relax! Jesus came, in part, to bring us joy everlasting and life eternal! Isn't that worth celebrating? 

But here's the most amazing thing to me. 

In the Old Covenant, before the first temple was built, the Jews worshiped God at a glorious tent called the tabernacle. It was at the altar near this tabernacle that the sacrifices were made by the priests for the sins of the people. It was in this tabernacle that this blood was taken, by the high priest, into the Holy of Holies, to sprinkle it onto the mercy seat in the midst of the ark of the covenant. 

The Holy of Holies was also where the presence of God dwelt. God is holy! No one unholy could enter there. In fact, they tied a long rope with bells on it to the ankle of the high priest when he went in. Why? Because if he had not repented right, if he had not sacrificed right, if he had not used the right amount of sacrificial blood on himself and his clothing before he entered the presence of God within the Holy of Holies, he would be struck dead by the holiness of God! 

For centuries, between the tabernacle and (later) the first temple, God was pretty well inaccessible to the vast majority of human beings. The laundry list of requirements to the people, the priests, and for the high priest himself, is astounding to read (found in Leviticus-Deuteronomy)! If a man had a small blemish on his skin, he could not be the high priest. 

If anyone tried to enter the presence of God in the Holy of Holies, they would be struck dead by God himself! 

The people lived in fear and wonder of God. Yet, they were separated by sin from the one thing both God and man desired- a close relationship with almighty God! 

Then, an amazing thing happened. Mankind could do nothing to fix the situation, but God could. 

God himself became a man!

Read Isaiah 9:6 above. This baby that was born in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago was God himself! He was "the everlasting Father" in human flesh. He was the "wonderful Counsellor" (Holy Ghost) in a human body. He was "the mighty God" in a frail, human form. 

John puts it in an even more amazing way in John 1:14: "the word was made flesh and DWELT among us..." The word for "dwelt" there comes from the Greek word "skenoo", which means, " 

1. to fix one's tabernacle, have one's tabernacle, abide (or live) in a tabernacle (or tent), tabernacle
2. to dwell                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  So, "on that first Christmas morn" (as some folks word it), GOD made his own tabernacle- his own Holy of Holies, and dwelt there!

  

Now, for the first time since Adam's day, common men and women could walk and talk with God! They could touch God! Shepherds who could never have come into his presence before, were able to actually touch him! Even the wise men would never have been able to give gifts to and touch and interact with God before this day. But, now they could! 

This was God reaching out to a lost and dying world in a magnificent way. He touched people now that he could never have touched before the incarnation. He talked with common sinners and forgave them (without requiring them to kill a sheep)! He showed love and compassion where he couldn't do it before. 

Why? Because he knew that soon even THIS new tabernacle's veil (his own flesh) would be torn on a cross on a hill called Calvary and HIS OWN BLOOD (ACTS 20:28) would be shed to cover the sins of these (and every person) people he was now touching. 

God made a plan before time began to buy us back! And that plan (his word) was made flesh and put into action on that "first Christmas morning."

What an amazing God we serve! 

Jesus Christ, not just the son of God, but the God of the whole universe all by himself, made flesh in order to purchase a people with his own blood.

Oh, what a savior! 

That's why I celebrate Christmas. It's not about the gift giving (though there were gifts given on Jesus' birthday). It's not about the family time so much (though we do enjoy that and thank God for the blessing he has given us in each other). 

It's all about the ultimate gift that God almighty gave by tabernacling himself in a human body to pay for the sins of us all! So, I will celebrate Christmas because it's the one day a year that nearly everyone celebrates him. AND I CHOOSE TO USE THIS DAY TO TELL THEM JUST HOW SPECIAL THIS DAY REALLY IS! And, they need to know how special they are in his eyes: so that they can see his nail-scarred hands reaching out to them in the hope that they will obey his plan of salvation (Acts 2:38) and come to him. 

The God of the universe became man, so that man could have a relationship with him. 

Won't you respond to him today? 

Merry Christmas to you all!       

Did the Apostles disobey Jesus?

Matthew 28:19 King James Version (KJV)

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:
Acts 2:38 King James Version (KJV)

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.

Here's the question: Did the Apostles disobey Jesus here? If they did, why didn't Matthew stand up and say: "Wait a minute Peter. You heard what the master said." He didn't! And that day they baptized 3000 people in the name of Jesus FOR THE (in order to get) forgiveness of sins.

Did they change to the "triune formula" after the day of Pentecost? NO!

Read Acts 8, Acts 10, Acts 19, etc. In EVERY case they baptized in Jesus name! So should we throw out the book of Acts? NO!

The fact is that there is NOT ONE reference from Acts to Revelations where baptism is ever done or referred to in the "triune formula."

Jesus said in John 17: 12-20 (about the Apostles):
12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

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;

So, Jesus said that folks are to believe on Him through the Apostles word, and prayed for the Apostles and all of us who would believe on him THROUGH them.
So, why the discrepancy between Matthew 28 and the rest of the NT?

There's NOT one. Matthew 28:19 says "IN THE NAME (singular) of the Father, the son, and the HG." So, there is ONE NAME that encompasses Father, son and HG. What name does that? JESUS!
 Colossians 2:8-10King James Version (KJV)

8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

The Godhead IS IN JESUS- NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND! Look at Isaiah 9:6. Who is Jesus?

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

So the baby born on "the first Christmas" as some call it, was The "wonderful Counsellor".

What is a Counsellor? One that COMFORTS AND GUIDES?Who is the Counsellor in the New testament that Comforts and guides the people of God? THE HOLY GHOST. So, this baby was THE HOLY GHOST in HUMAN FLESH. (John 14: 16-18)

Read further, "THE MIGHTY GOD." This baby was GOD IN HUMAN FLESH. (1 Timothy 3:16) Read more: THE  EVERLASTING FATHER. So this baby was THE FATHER in human flesh! (John 14:7-9)

So, since Jesus IS the Father and Jesus IS the son (who disputes this?) and Jesus IS the HG. Then the ONE NAME of Matthew 28:19 of the Father, son, and HG) IS JESUS!

Therefore, the Apostles didn't disobey Jesus! They actually OBEYED him and used his NAME!

Father, Son, and HG, are not 3 gods that operate in a "Godheadquarters" (as I've heard it taught). Rather, they are TITLES or ROLES that the ONE God of the universe has taken on.
I'm a Father, a son, and a preacher. Yet, if I sign a check using those titles that describe who I am, what bank will cash it? No-one! My name is Michael Winskie. If I write you a check with my name on it, then it is legal for you to cash!

God is Father in creation, son in redemption, and HG in his people now, but his saving name is JESUS!

So, in order to obey Matthew 28:19, we MUST be baptized in JESUS name! If we do not, then we are not using his name and are disobeying the commandment he gave is Matthew 28:19!

Further, Jesus said in John 3:3-5, that we must be born again. When asked to explain further he said, we must be "born of water and of the spirit."

Acts 2:38 obeys this command also!
We must be baptized in Jesus name (born of water) AND filled with the HG (born of the spirit).

The apostles followed Jesus for 3 1/2 years. They were believers. They had been baptized. Yet, Jesus told Peter:
Luke 22:32King James Version (KJV)

32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

WOW! Peter was a believer. Peter had been baptized, but he STILL WASN'T born again! When was his new birth completed?
Acts 2:1-4

2 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.

Then, after being born again on the day of Pentecost, Peter stood up and told the masses of people who asked " Men and brethren, WHAT SHALL WE DO?" (Acts 2:37) to "Repent, and be baptized EVERY ONE OF YOU for the remission of sins, AND ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
This is the ONLY plan of salvation that ANY of the Apostles EVER taught.
This agrees with EVERYTHING Jesus taught in his earthly ministry.

If you have not obeyed Acts 2:38 in it's entirety, you ARE NOT scripturally born again. It's that simple.
I do not say this to be mean. I say it in the hopes that MANY will complete the born again experience.

If you have repented and been baptized in Jesus name, but have not received the baptism of the HG, then you are still in the spiritual womb and are not born again.

If you have repented, but not done the other 2 steps, you are in the spiritual womb, but are not born again.

If you have repented and received the baptism of the HG, but have not been baptized in Jesus name, then you are in the womb, but have not been born again.

PLEASE, Obey Acts 2:38 before it is too late!