Journey 1-Relationship

• 1: About the Bible
• 2: What is Mankind's Biggest Problem? Is it Sin?
• 3: The Ordinances

1 - About the Bible

What is the Bible?

The Bible is the exhaustive expression of God’s forbearing and longsuffering personal relationship with humankind.

Bible Overview

The Bible is a library of 66 individual books written by 40 different men over a period of 1,500 years.

1,500 BC: Moses and Job
1,000 BC: David
400 BC: Malachi
30 AD: Jesus
50 AD: Most of the New Testament
95 AD: Revelation

This library of books in one book is separated into two major divisions: The Old Testament and the New Testament. Each division contains four sections.

The Old Testament

The Old Testament contains four major sections.
The Law :: History :: Poetry :: Prophecy

The Law

The Law covers the history of the Jews from Creation until the death of Moses (approx. 1450 BC). It was written by Moses.
Genesis :: Exodus :: Leviticus :: Numbers :: Deuteronomy

History

History describes the history of Israel from Joshua through the Kings through Captivity to the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. It covers the period 1450 to 440 BC.
Joshua :: Judges :: Ruth :: 1 and 2 Samuel :: 1 and 2 Kings :: 1 and 2 Chronicles :: Ezra :: Nehemiah :: Esther

Poetry

Poetry includes the ancient writings of Job (approx. 1500 BC), David (approx. 1000 BC), and Solomon (approx. 900 BC).
Job :: Psalms :: Proverbs :: Ecclesiastes :: Song of Solomon

Prophecy

Prophecy can be categorized according to the major prophets and the minor prophets.

Major Prophets
These books of the Bible were written by four men during 750 BC to 550 BC.
Isaiah :: Jeremiah :: Lamentations :: Ezekiel :: Daniel

Minor Prophets
The minor prophets were written by various prophets during 800 BC to 400 BC.
Hosea :: Joel :: Amos :: Obadiah :: Jonah :: Micah :: Nahum :: Habakkuk :: Zephaniah :: Haggai :: Zechariah :: Malachi

The New Testament

The New Testament contains four major sections.
Gospels :: History :: Letters (Epistles) :: Prophecy

Gospels

The Gospels (the Good News) are about the life of Jesus during the period 4 BC to AD 30. They were written by four men to four audiences from AD 45 to AD 70.
Matthew (Jews) :: Mark (Romans) :: Luke (Gentiles) :: John (Unbelievers)

History

The History Book is called Acts. This book describes the activities of the church during the period AD 30 to AD 63. This book was written by Luke in AD 63.

Letters (Epistles)

These books in the New Testament were written by leaders to churches or to individuals during the period AD 55 to AD 65. The first 13 letters were written by the apostle Paul.
Romans :: 1 and 2 Corinthians :: Galatians :: Ephesians :: Philippians :: Colossians :: 1 and 2 Thessalonians :: 1 and 2 Timothy :: Titus :: Philemon

The remaining letters were written by various men.
Hebrews :: James :: 1 and 2 Peter :: 1, 2, and 3 John :: Jude

Prophecy

The Prophecy book is the revelation Jesus Christ gave to the disciple named John. This book is primarily about the future. It was written in AD 95.
Revelation

How to Find Things in the Bible

1. Use the Bible’s table of contents to locate the beginning page for each book.
2. Locate Bible text by using the book name, chapter number, and verse number together.

For example, the book named 2 Timothy, which is the 2nd letter (epistle) the apostle Paul wrote to the believer named Timothy, chapter 3, verse 16. Read it like this: 2 Timothy 3:16.

Another example: the book named John, chapter 3, verse 16. Read it like this: John 3:16.

How to Understand the Bible

The main rule: When the plain sense makes common sense, seek no other sense.

The Bible is God-Breathed

All Scripture is God-breathed.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, … 2 Timothy 3:16 NIV

The Bible was written over a 1,500 year span.

The Bible was written over a period of 40 different generations of mankind.

The Bible was written by over 40 different authors from every walk of life, which included kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, statesmen, and scholars.

• Moses was a political leader trained in the university of Egypt.
• Peter was a fisherman.
• Amos was a herdsman.
• Joshua was a military general.
• Nehemiah was a king’s servant.
• Daniel was a prime minister.
• Luke was a doctor.
• Solomon was a king.
• Matthew was a tax collector.
• Paul was a rabbi.

The Bible was written by people in many different places in the world.

• Moses wrote in the wilderness.
• Jeremiah wrote in a dungeon.
• Daniel wrote on a hillside and in a palace.
• Paul wrote inside prison walls.
• Luke wrote while traveling.
• John wrote on an island called Patmos.
• Other people wrote while on military campaigns.

The Bible was written on three different continents of the world: Asia, Africa, and Europe.

The Bible was written in three different languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.

There Is No Other Book Like The Bible

Is there another book, written by so many people in so many different places over so great a time span, that includes hundreds of controversial subjects? Yet every single Biblical author spoke in perfect harmony and continuity from Genesis to Revelation on every single subject!

The Bible Is

• The most sold and widely distributed book in the history of the world.
• The most read, studied, and memorized book in the world.
• The most published book in the world (published in over 1,500 languages).
• The most quoted book in the world.
• The most cussed at and discussed book in the world.
• The most influential book in the world.
• The most inspiring book in the world.
• The most ancient reliable book in the world.
• The most accurate book in the world.
• The most honest and truthful book in the world.
• The most unstoppable and indestructible book in the world.
• The most unique book in the world.
• The most interesting book in the world.
• The most important book in the world.
• The only book in the world that God stands behind.

The Person of God

God is Living

²⁶ For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself,” John 5:26 NKJV

Joshua 3:10 :: Psalm 84:2 :: Daniel 6:27

God is Personal

²⁶ God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth. ²⁷ So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:26-27 AMPC

Psalm 34:18 :: John 1:14

God is Spirit

²⁴ “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24 NKJV

Acts 7:48-50 :: 2 Corinthians 3:17

God is Triune (Three Persons in One)

¹⁹ Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 CSB

Deuteronomy 6:4 :: James 2:19 :: John 6:27 :: John 20:28 :: John 1:1 :: Acts 5:3-4 :: John 14:16-17 :: Genesis 1:26 :: Matthew 3:16

Fact: The Bible clearly states there is one God. He is a unity.
Deuteronomy 6:4 :: James 2:19

Fact: Three different persons are identified as God.

• The Father is called God. John 6:27
• The Son is called God. John 20:28; John 1:1, 14
• The Spirit is called God. Acts 5:3-4

Fact: Therefore, God must exist as a triunity or trinity.

The Greatness of God

God’s attributes and character reveal the truth that there is no one else like God and there is only one God. He possesses attributes and characteristics that are true only of Him.

God is Infinite

God has no limitations. His only bounds are of His own choosing.

³³ Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! ³⁴ For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? ³⁵ Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? ³⁶ For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:33-36 NASB95

Job 11:7-9 :: 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27 :: Psalm 113:4-5 :: Psalm 145:3

God is Eternal

God is limitless in reference to time. He always has been and always will be. He exists outside of the realm of space and time.

² Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:2 (ESV)

Genesis 21:33 :: Deuteronomy 33:27 :: Psalm 102:11-12,27 :: John 8:56-58 :: Revelation 1:8, 4:8, 21:6 :: 1 Timothy 6:16

God is Omnipresent

God is limitless in reference to space. He is everywhere present at the same time.

⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? ⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. ⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, ¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7-10 NIV

Jeremiah 23:24 :: Amos 9:2

God is Omnipotent

God is limitless in reference to energy, strength, and power.

⁶ And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Revelation 19:6 KJV

Jeremiah 32:17, 27 :: Genesis 18:14 :: Psalm 115:3

God is Omniscient

God is limitless in reference to knowledge. God knows everything past, present and future.

¹³ Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or as His counselor has taught Him? ¹⁴ With whom did He take counsel, and who instructed Him, And taught Him in the path of justice? Who taught Him knowledge, And showed Him the way of understanding? Isaiah 40:13-14 NKJV

Psalm 147:5 :: Acts 15:18

God is Self-Existent

God has no source. He is the source.

⁴ “Who has performed and accomplished it, Calling forth the generations from the beginning? ‘I, the LORD, am the first, and with the last. I am He.’” Isaiah 41:4 NASB95

Exodus 3:13-14 :: Revelation 1:4, 8 :: Genesis 1:1 :: John 5:26

God is Self-Sufficient

God never has had, does have, or will have a need.

⁹ But I do not need the bulls from your barns or the goats from your pens. ¹⁰ For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. ¹¹ I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are mine. ¹² If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for all the world is mine and everything in it. Psalm 50:9-12 NLT

John 5:26 :: Acts 17:24-26

God is Incomprehensible

God is beyond the grasp of our limited understanding.

⁸ For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. ⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 AMPC

Romans 11:33-36 :: Ecclesiastes 1:5 :: Job 36:26; 37:5

God is Perfect

Everything God does is without error and fits with His ultimate plan for the universe.

³⁰ As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30 NIV

God is Immutable

Because He is infinitely perfect, God does not change.

⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NLT

James 1:17 :: Malachi 3:6

God is Sovereign

God is the absolute, ultimate, and sole ruler of the entire seen and unseen universe.

¹⁷ For the LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awe-inspiring God, showing no partiality and taking no bribe. Deuteronomy 10:17 CSB

Nehemiah 9:6 :: Psalm 22:28 :: Revelation 19:6

God is Unique

God is unlike any other being in the universe.

¹¹ “Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you–majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? ¹² You stretched out your right hand and the earth swallowed them. ¹³ “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.” Exodus 15:11-13 NIV

Psalm 86:8; 89:6 :: 1 Kings 8:60 :: Isaiah 44:6-8; 45:5-6; 46:9 :: I Timothy 2:5

The Goodness of God

God possesses attributes that others may possess and that we should strive after. Yet, none but God possesses these attributes in a perfect and unlimited degree.

God is Holy

God is absolutely separate from any and all sin.

¹ In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. ² Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. ³ And one called out to another and said,
“Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts,
The whole earth is full of His glory.”
⁴ And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke. Isaiah 6:1-4 NASB95

Habakkuk 1:13 :: Isaiah 59:2 :: Psalm 66:18 :: Hebrews 12:28-29

God is Truth

God’s declarations and representations conform to reality. God is truthful and cannot lie.

⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 NKJV

Titus 1:2 :: Hebrews 6:18 :: I Samuel 15:20

God is Faithful

God always does what He promises.

¹⁰ Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 NIV

Psalm 119:90 :: Lamentations 3:23

God is Just and Righteous

⁵ And I heard the angel of the waters saying, “Righteous are You, who are and who were, O Holy One, because You judged these things; ⁶ for they poured out the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. They deserve it.” ⁷ And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.” Revelation 16:5-7 NASB95

Nehemiah 9:8 :: Exodus 9:27 :: Psalm 67:4

God is Good

God, in and of Himself, is good. Therefore all He does is good.

⁸ Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Psalm 34:8 NLT

Psalm 33:5 :: 119:68 :: 107:8

God is Merciful

God directs His mercy to those who are distressed or needy. He also chooses to withhold the judgment we deserve.

¹² For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. Hebrews 8:12 NIV

Psalm 103:8-17 :: 1 Timothy 1:13,16

God is Gracious

God chooses to bestow His favor upon us even though we don’t deserve it.

⁸ For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; ⁹ Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.] Ephesians 2:8-9 AMPC

Psalm 116:5 :: 1 Peter 2:3

God is Love

God actively, voluntarily, and unselfishly reaches out in concern seeking the highest good of others.

⁷ Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸ Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. ⁹ This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. ¹⁰ This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. ¹¹ Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:7-11 NIV

Deuteronomy 7:7-8 :: John 3:16 :: Romans 8:35-39

God is Patient

God will endure pain for long periods of time because He loves us.

⁹ The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 ESV

¹⁵ And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 2 Peter 3:15 ESV

1 Peter 3:18-20 :: Exodus 34:5-7

2 - What is Mankind's Biggest Problem? Is it Sin?

What is Sin?

Sin is best defined as anything done that isn’t done in love.

Sin is a word that means missed the mark. Love is the mark; sin is missing that mark.

For example, if someone is using cocaine with a friend, why is that wrong? Even if the friend is happy about it, if it causes their God-given life’s purpose to not be able to be accomplished, I’m a part of that. If I participate in anything that will shorten their lifespan, bring harm or punishment to them, or cause separation from those who love them, that’s sin.

Under the Old Covenant, sin was failing to live up to God’s law and standard of perfection. But under the New Covenant, it’s bigger than that. It’s about relationship.

²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 NIV

Sin is anything that slows down my pursuit of God.

¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 NIV

What is God’s Law Under the Old Covenant?

The Ten Commandments are found in Exodus 20:3-17.

What is God’s Law Under the New Covenant?

³⁴ Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. ³⁵ One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: ³⁶ “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” ³⁷ Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:34-40 NIV

Who Has Broken God’s Law? Who Has Sinned?

All have sinned.

¹⁰ As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;” Romans 3:10 NIV

²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 NIV

How Bad Do I Have to be to be Guilty of Sin?

One wrong makes one guilty.

¹⁷ Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins. James 4:17 NIV

What Are the Results of Sin?

The immediate results are found in Genesis 3:7-13: shame (v.7), we isolate ourselves from God (vv.8-10), fear (v.10), and excuses (vv.11-13).

⁷ Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. ⁸ Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. ⁹ But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” ¹⁰ He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” ¹¹ And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” ¹² The man said, “The woman you put here with me–she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” ¹³ Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Genesis 3:7-13 NIV

The long-range results are found in Genesis 3:14-17: the serpent was cursed (v.14), Satan was condemned (v 14), woman was to experience pain in child-bearing and to struggle with her role in reference to her husband (v.15), man was to work a now cursed earth (v.17), the earth was now abiding under a curse (vv.17-18), and all of mankind was to experience death (v.19).

For unbelievers sin makes it impossible for them to please God (John 6:63; Romans 7:18; 8:9) and deserving of death (Romans 6:23). The word death denotes separation.

• Physical death is the separation of the soul from the body.
• Spiritual death is separation of the soul from God (Ephesians 2:1-3; Isaiah 59:1-2).
• Ultimate death is eternal separation from God (Matthew 25:46).

How is the Sin Problem Resolved?

Under the Old Covenant, priests offered blood sacrifices to serve as a temporary covering of the believer’s sins.

⁴ Moses then wrote down everything the LORD had said. He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel. ⁵ Then he sent young Israelite men, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as fellowship offerings to the LORD. ⁶ Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls, and the other half he sprinkled on the altar. ⁷ Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, “We will do everything the LORD has said; we will obey.” ⁸ Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.” Exodus 24:4-8 NIV

The death of the innocent sacrifice in place of the death of the sinner.
Leviticus 9:7-22, 16:6-22 :: Hebrews 9:1, 6-7

Under the New Covenant, Christ offered the sacrifice of His own blood as a permanent payment for sin, the death of the innocent and perfect sacrifice in place of the death of sinners.
Hebrews 9:11-28 :: Romans 6:23 :: 1 Peter 3:18

In the Old Testament the covenant of forgiveness went into effect when the sinner offered the sacrifice. Today it goes into effect when the sinner puts faith in the sacrifice made by Christ.
John 3:16-18, 3:36 :: Romans 3:22-26 :: Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-9

Fact: We are all sinners.

¹⁰ As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;” Romans 3:10 NIV

²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 NIV

**Fact: Sin results in death.

²³ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 NIV
Isaiah 59:1-2 :: Matthew 25:26

Mankind + Sin = Death

Fact: Jesus never sinned.

⁵ But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.” 1 John 3:5 NIV

¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. Hebrews 4:15 NIV

Fact: Jesus deserved life.

If the wages of sin is death, then the wages of perfect righteousness must be life. If death is separation, then life must relate to union. Physical life is the union of the soul with the body. Spiritual life is the union of the soul with God and eternal life is the union of the souls with God forever in heaven.

Jesus - Sin = Life

Fact: Jesus died.
Romans 6:23 :: Matthew 27:26, 45-46

Fact: Jesus provided life for us.

¹⁸ For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 1 Peter 3:18 NIV
Romans 6:10 :: Hebrews 10 :: Isaiah 53:4-5 :: 1 Peter 2:24 :: 2 Corinthians 5:21

Jesus - Sin + Death = Life For Us

**Fact: Jesus is our bridge to God.

³ This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave himself as a ransom for all men–the testimony given in its proper time. 1 Timothy 2:3-6 NIV

He died to bring us to God, to be our bridge (mediator) to God.

If this is the case, that Jesus died for all of our sins, is sin mankind’s biggest problem?

Mankind’s Biggest Problem is About Relationship

Sin is All About Relationship

¹² So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. ¹³ Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. ¹⁴ I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. ¹⁵ If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. ¹⁶ Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. ¹⁷ For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, ¹⁸ because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. ¹⁹ Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. ²⁰ Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. ²¹ It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. Romans 14:12-22 NIV

Jesus fulfilled the law in that He made sin about our relationship with Him and others.

Sin is now based on the law of love.

• Is how I am treating this person good for them?
• Am I living a life of true love for God and others?

As a Christian, instead of sin causing you to isolate yourself from God and others and selfishness taking over, you can become grateful!

As a Christian, you can know that your sin is covered. God wants you to see it, confess, and go make it right. Instead of getting stuck in your shame and trapped in selfishness, begin to say, “God, thank you for your forgiveness. I’m so grateful, I will make this right. You are my God and I want to be as generous and gracious to others as you are to me!”

⁴⁰ Jesus said, “Simeon, I have a word for you.” “Go ahead, Teacher. I want to hear it,” he answered. ⁴¹ “It’s a story about two men who were deeply in debt. One owed the bank one hundred thousand dollars, and the other only owed ten thousand dollars. ⁴² When it was obvious that neither of them would be able to repay their debts, the kind banker graciously wrote off the debts and forgave them all that they owed. Tell me, Simeon, which of the two debtors would be more thankful? Which one would love the banker most?” ⁴³ Simeon answered, “I suppose it would be the one with the greater debt forgiven.” “You’re right,” Jesus agreed. Luke 7:40-43 TPT

¹ My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. ² He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2 (NIV)

It is important to not reduce the freedom God gave us to legalism (some find peace in religious bondage). The early church, the Apostle Paul specifically, fought for the continued freedom from the law they had found in Christ (such as Paul rebuking Peter in Galatians 2:11-21).

Salvation is All About Relationship

From Adam to Jesus, the greatest barrier between humans and God was sin. Because God is just, He could not even begin to have a relationship with a human without some sort of justice being brought to that human’s sin through a sacrifice. That is why God had the Israelites performing sacrifices to cover over their past sins. God wanted to have a relationship with them.

But God had a better plan. A plan to make a sacrifice once and for all so that the legal part, justice, was taken care of. That is why Jesus came and died. A perfect human tasted of death. He became the sacrifice once and for all.

What Does it Mean to Be “Born Again”?

This question is important because unless one has been born again, they can never even see, let alone enter, the kingdom of God.

³ In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
⁵ Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.”
⁷ “You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’” John 3:3, 5, 7 NIV

What Did Jesus Not Mean When He Said “Born Again?”

¹ Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. ² He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.” ³ In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’” ⁴ “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!” ⁵ Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. ⁶ Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. ⁷ You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:1-8 NIV

Sometimes in order to understand what something means, it is helpful to determine what it does not mean. The Bible teaches that being ‘born again’ does not mean several things.

Being Born Again Does Not Mean Being Religious

He did not mean being religious (John 3:1-7).

1. Nicodemus already was religious. “In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” (John 3:3). He was a Jew. Beyond that, he was a Pharisee. Beyond that, he was a leader of the Pharisees!
2. Nicodemus’ religion was not good enough. Jesus still told him that he had to be born again (John 3:3-7).
3. The apostle Paul, after being born again, stated that in terms of eternal benefit, all of his pre-born again religion was worthless.

¹ Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. ² Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. ³ For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh– ⁴ though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵ circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; ⁶ as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. ⁷ But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ–the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. Philippians 3:1-9 NIV

Being Born Again Does Not Mean Baptism

He did not mean being baptized.

1. In this chapter the requisite for salvation is belief, not baptism.

¹⁶ “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. John 3:16-18 NIV

³⁶ “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.” John 3:36 NIV

2. Baptism is a work and as such cannot save. “By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:2) “ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourself, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV)

3. The passage used by some to teach the necessity of baptism actually teaches that belief, not baptism, is the requirement for salvation.

¹⁵ He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. ¹⁶ Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:15-16 NIV

4. Baptism is not central to the gospel.

¹⁷ For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel–not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 1 Corinthians 1:17 NIV

Being Born Again Does Not Mean Reformation

He did not mean reformation.

Reformation is the notion that one can turn over a new leaf or clean up their act and get to God. The Bible teaches that this is impossible.

1. Reformation does not erase past sins.

²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 NIV

¹⁰ For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. James 2:10 NIV

²² In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Hebrews 9:22 NIV

2. Reformation does not produce works of righteousness that please God.

⁶ All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. Isaiah 64:6 NIV

3. Reformation does not save.

⁵ He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:5 NIV

What Did Jesus Mean When He Said “Born Again”?

Being born again is not a matter of generation, confirmation, perspiration, inspiration, educational, reformation, aspiration, or inclination. Now that what we know what born again does not mean, let’s see what it does mean.

A Second Birth is Required

Being born again requires a second birth.

³ In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’” ⁴ “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!” ⁵ Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. ⁶ Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. ⁷ You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:3-8 NIV

Our first, physical birth is not sufficient. A second, spiritual birth is required. Verse 3 says that in order to see the kingdom of God one must be born again. Verse 4 tells us that this was not speaking of a return to the womb. Verse 7 reemphasizes the absolute necessity of being born again.

A Spiritual Birth is Required

Being born again requires a spiritual birth (John 3:3-7 above).

1. Our first birth is corrupted by our sin nature, called the flesh.

• Romans 5:12, 19, all have sinned.
• John 6:63, the flesh counts for nothing (the flesh is our sin nature).
• Romans 7:18, nothing good resides in the sinful nature.
• Romans 8:9, the flesh or sinful nature cannot please God.
• Galatians 5:19-22, the works of the flesh are awful and will keep one from inheriting heaven.

2. Jesus contrasts the physical birth, with the spiritual birth - “born of flesh” vs “born of the Spirit” (John 3:3-6 above).

3. Jesus describes the spiritual birth as being like the wind, invisible except for its results. “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8 above).

A New, Life-Giving Birth is Required

Being born again requires a new, life-giving birth.

1. Prior to being born again one is spiritually dead because of sin.

¹ As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, ² in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. ³ All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. Ephesians 2:1-3 NIV

2. After being born again one becomes a new creation spiritually.

¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

A Choice is Required

Being born again requires a choice.

¹² But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, ¹³ who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13 (NASB)

John Wesley near the end of his life was asked, “Why do you always preach that ‘Ye must be born again’?” “It’s simple,” he replied, “because, ye must be born again.”

Just as there was a definite date, time, and place of your physical birth, there is a definite date, time, and place of one’s spiritual birth.

• Do you know the date, time, and place of your spiritual birth?
• Do you know if you have been born again?
• If not, will you choose to be born again tonight; on this date, at this time, at this place? “Now is the time of God’s favor. Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Who Is Jesus?

Why is it important to know who Jesus is? Because as one man has noted, “Christianity is Christ. The person and work of Christ are the rock upon which the Christian religion is built. If He is not who He said He was, and if He did not do what He said He came to do, the foundation is undermined and the whole superstructure will collapse. Take Christ from Christianity; and you disembowel it; there is practically nothing left. Christ is the center of Christianity; all else is circumference.” (John Stott)

The Bible tells us that the identity of Jesus Christ is the basis of salvation (Acts 4:12), and that only by believing in Him can we be saved (John 3:16-18, 3:36; 5:24; 6:47).

Who Did Jesus Claim To Be?

Of all great religious teachers, Jesus was the most self-directed in His teaching and outlandish in His claims.

His Indirect Claims of Who He Was

Jesus claimed to be the answer to the needs of people.

1. John 6:35 the bread of life.
2. John 8:12; 9:5 the light of the world.
3. John 10:9 the gate to salvation. Shepherds served as human gates for the sheep pens at night in order to protect the sheep.
4. John 10:11 the good shepherd.
5. John 11:25-26 the resurrection and the life.
6. John 14:6 the way, the truth and the life.

Man + Sin = Death Romans 6:23 Jesus - Sin = Life

Jesus + Our Sin = Death on Cross 1 Peter 3:18

Us + His righteousness = Eternal life 2 Corinthians 5:21

7. John 15:1, 5 the true vine.
8. John 5:36, 45 the one the Old Testament was talking about (the Messiah or the Christ).

His Claims of Authority

Jesus claimed to have the authority to do things only God could do.

Authority to Forgive Sins

¹ A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. ² So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. ³ Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. ⁴ Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. ⁵ When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” ⁶ Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, ⁷ “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” ⁸ Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? ⁹ Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? ¹⁰ But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins ….” He said to the paralytic, ¹¹ “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” ¹² He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” Mark 2:1-12 NIV

Luke 7:36-50

Authority to Give Life

²¹ “For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes.” John 5:21 NASB95

John 17:1-2

Authority to Judge the World

²² “Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son,” John 5:22 NIV

²⁵ “I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. ²⁶ For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. ²⁷ And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. ²⁸ Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice ²⁹ and come out–those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.” John 5:25-29 NIV

His Direct Claims of Who He Was

Jesus said He was the Messiah predicted in the Old Testament (John 4:25-26) and He is God Himself.

Responding to Jesus is Responding to God

1. He equated one’s response to Him with their response to God.

¹⁹ Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” John 8:19 NIV

He is the I AM/Jehovah/Yahweh/God Himself

He claimed to be the “I Am”/Jehovah/Yahweh/God Himself.

⁵¹ I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” ⁵² At this the Jews exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that if anyone keeps your word, he will never taste death. ⁵³ Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?” ⁵⁴ Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. ⁵⁵ Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word. ⁵⁶ Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.” ⁵⁷ “You are not yet fifty years old,” the Jews said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!” ⁵⁸ “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” ⁵⁹ At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. John 8:51-59 NIV

He Claimed to be God

Jesus claimed to be God because He said that He and the Father are one.

³⁰ “I and the Father are one.” ³¹ Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, ³² but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” ³³ “We are not stoning you for any of these,” replied the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.” John 10:30-33 NIV

Our Choice Concerning His Identity

Fact: Jesus claimed to be God.

If His Claims About Himself Are False

If His claims about Himself are false, He is not God. If you do not believe His claim that He is God, then you are left with two choices. Either:

• He thought He was God, but was mistaken, which would mean that Jesus was a lunatic.
  or
• He knew He was not God, and He lied, which would mean that Jesus was a liar.

If you do not believe that He is God, it is impossible to accept Him as some great moral teacher. Great moral teachers are not liars or lunatics at the same time they are great moral teachers.

If His Claims About Himself Are True

If His claims about Himself are true, He is God.

Fact: Jesus is Lord.

Before you say that Jesus is God—He is the Lord—realize that such a statement has deeply significant moral implications. If He is Lord, you had better be willing to do what He says.

Jesus Fulfilled Prophecies Made Long Ago

There are hundreds of prophecies—some fulfilled and some not yet fulfilled—about Jesus Christ in the Bible. Nine of the prophecies Jesus has fulfilled are shown in the table on the next page.

Topic	Prophecy	Fulfillment
Place of birth	“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2), 700 B.C.	“Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea.” (Matthew 2:1).
Born of a virgin	“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14), 700 B.C.”	His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18).
His triumphal entry	“Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9), 500 B.C.	“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!’ Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it” (John 12:13-14).
Betrayed by a friend	“Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9), 1000 B.C.	“Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them” (Mark 14:10).
His rejection	**“He was despised and rejected by men… Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not” (Isaiah 53:3), 700 B.C.	“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him” (John 1:11).
Crucified with sinners	“He… was numbered with the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12), 700 B.C.	“Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left” (Matthew 27:38).
Hands and feet pierced	**“They have pierced my hands and my feet” (Psalm 22:16), 1000 B.C.	“Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side” (John 20:27).
His resurrection	**“You will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay” (Psalm 16:10), 1000 B.C.	“You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead” (Acts 3:15).
His ascension	**“You ascended on high” (Psalm 68:18), 1000 B.C.	“He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight” (Acts 1:9).

With God There Are No Coincidences

Peter Stoner, a scientist and professor, developed what is called the science of probability, which was reviewed by the American Scientific Affiliation members and their executive council. They found it to be a thoroughly sound gathering of principles of probability.

Using this science of probability, Stoner says that if you only take eight prophecies, “We find that the chance that any man might have lived down to the present time and fulfilled all eight prophecies is 1 in 10 to the 17th power.” That would be 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000 (one hundred quadrillion, or one million billion). To illustrate this, Stoner calculated that if we took the amount of 10 to the 17th power silver dollars, and lay them on the face of the State of Texas, they will cover all the state two feet deep. Now take one of the silver dollars, and simply mark it with a red marker, throw it into the pile, stir up the pile, and blindfold a man and tell him that he can travel as far as he wishes, but he must pick up one silver dollar and say that this is the right one.

The same chances that man has of picking up that one red marked silver dollar are the same odds of one man coming and perfectly fulfilling only 8 of the prophecies that Jesus fulfilled!

What Did Jesus Do?

In the Past He Created All Things

As part of the Trinity, He created everything that has been created.

¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. John 1:1-3 NASB95

Genesis 1 :: Colossians 1:16 :: Hebrews 1:11

What Does Jesus Do?

In the Present He Cares for Us

He is preparing a place for us (John 14:2); providing us access to grace and mercy (Hebrews 4:15-16); praying for us (Hebrews 7:25); pleading our case (I John 2:1); planning His return (Revelation 22:7, 12, 20).

What About Divine Healing?

Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement and is the privilege of all believers.

⁴ Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him and afflicted. Isaiah 53:4 NIV

Isaiah 53:5 :: Matthew 8:16, 17 :: James 5:14-16

What Will Jesus Do?

In the Future He Will Return To Rule

He will return in the air to take away the church (I Thessalonians 4:13-18, I Corinthians 15:50-57) for reward (I Corinthians 3:11-15; II Corinthians 5:10) and marriage (Revelation 19:7-10). Seven years later, He will also return to earth to win the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:11-21), bind Satan for 1000 years (Revelation 20:1-3), rule on earth (Revelation 20: 4-6), judge Satan and all unbelievers (Revelation 20:7-15), and then rule in the new heaven and the new earth (Revelation 21-22).

When He Became a Man He Did Miracles

He healed the sick and He cast out demons (36 recorded different individuals), He fed the hungry (Matthew 14:1-21;15:29-39), He raised the dead (3 separate individuals), He walked on water (Matthew 14:22-23), He calmed a storm (Matthew 8:22-27), He taught fantastic truths (Matthew 5-7, Luke 15, Matthew 24), He rose from the dead (Matthew 28:1-7), and He rose bodily into heaven (Acts 1:9).

3 - The Ordinances

When the Lord Jesus Christ left this earth to be with His Heavenly Father, He knew that His followers, being human, would be forgetful creatures. Because of this, He ordained that certain practices should be observed regularly by the church that would serve as reminders to Christians of all ages of His death and resurrection. We call these the ordinances of the church. At our church, we regularly observe two ordinances: The Lord’s Table (communion) and Christian baptism.

The Lord’s Table

The Lord’s Table is a ceremony in which believers partake of certain elements that represent the body and the blood of Jesus.

²³ For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, ²⁴ and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” ²⁵ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” ²⁶ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 NIV

A Time of Remembrance

Believers are to recall the details and the meaning of Jesus’ death when they partake of the Lord’s Table.

¹⁴ When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. ¹⁵ And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. ¹⁶ For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” ¹⁷ After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. ¹⁸ For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” ¹⁹ And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” ²⁰ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22:14-20 NIV

A Time of Examination

The Lord’s Table is to be a time of examination for every believer present—an occasion asking God to reveal any unforsaken sin in their lives.

²⁸ A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 1 Corinthians 11:28 NIV

A Time of Recognition

God takes this ordinance very seriously and judges those who partake in an unworthy manner.

²⁷ Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. ²⁸ A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. ²⁹ For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 NIV

Common questions about the Lord’s Table

• When are my children old enough to participate?
• Does this church practice open or closed communion?

Baptisms

What Does Baptism Mean?

The word baptism in its literal, original form means immersion. If you look up immerse in the dictionary you will see baptism used in the definition. This ordinance of the church was never intended to be simplified by sprinkling or pouring just for the convenience of the believer.

There are 3 baptisms for believers.

• Baptism in Christ
• Baptism in water
• Baptism in the Holy Spirit

This is usually the order in which the baptisms take place. Baptism in Christ must take place however, before anything else. For baptism in Christ is the point of salvation.

Normally baptism in water precedes baptism in the Holy Spirit, but this order is not absolutely necessary. In Acts chapter 10, at the house of Cornelius, the people were baptized in the Holy Spirit when they believed.

Baptism in Christ

Baptism in Christ is baptism into His Body, which is the Church. This baptism is done by the Holy Spirit.

¹³ For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13 NASB95

²⁶ For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁷ For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. ²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26-28 NASB95

³ Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? ⁴ We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. ⁵ If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. ⁶ For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin– ⁷ because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. ⁸ Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. Romans 6:3-8 NIV

¹² having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. ¹³ When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, Colossians 2:12-13 NIV

This baptism is done the moment you truly receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

In every baptism there is death, burial, and resurrection, which represents the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, in the tomb, and in the garden.

• Baptism in Christ means that you have been immersed into the Body of Christ.
• Death is to sin (we were born sinners).
• Resurrection is to new life in Jesus… and ultimately new life in Heaven.

Baptism in Water

Water baptism is the public act of being immersed in water by an individual who has professed faith in Jesus Christ.

³⁸ And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. ³⁹ When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Acts 8:38-39 NIV

We do not believe that baptism is a requirement for salvation, but we do believe that water baptism is a vitally important first step for a believer.

Every passage where the word is used in the New Testament either requires or allows the meaning of immerse. Passages speak of baptism in Jordan and in the river Jordan.

Jesus Himself went down into the river.

⁹ At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ¹⁰ As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. Mark 1:9-10 NIV

Philip and the eunuch in Acts 8:38 went down both into the water and came up out of the water.

John 3:23 says that John baptized near Salim because there was much water there… that is, a sufficient depth of water for baptizing.

No modern church has the right to change or modify the New Testament commands on baptism, or to change the literal and commonly known meaning of baptism, which is to bury, to immerse, and submerge.

There is significant reason for God instructing immersion in baptism.

Baptizer	Element	Purpose
Salvation	Holy Spirit	Jesus Christ
Water Baptism	Pastor	Water
Baptism in the Holy Spirit	Jesus Christ	Holy Spirit

Jesus commanded that water baptism is to be performed in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NIV

Water baptism is a symbol or picture.

• It is a present picture of a past event (the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus).
• It is an outward picture of an inner reality (death to the old you; life of the new you).

The individual who chooses baptism publicly identifies with Jesus Christ. Just as the wearing of a wedding ring follows the marriage commitment and symbolizes that commitment, so Christian baptism follows commitment to Christ.

Common Questions About Baptism

• When are my children old enough to be baptized? When they recognize their relationship with God as a true relationship.
• If I was baptized as an infant, do I need to be baptized again? Yes.
• Does this church require re-baptism for membership? No.
• Does baptism in this church automatically make me a member? No.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit

The Spirit of God did not indwell people in the Old Testament the way He does now. Because of the finished work of the cross, Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, we are now indwelled with the Holy Spirit! We have become the temple of the Holy Spirit: the place where God indwells. God’s Spirit lives inside!

An Upon Experience in the Old Testament

But what about the baptism in the Holy Spirit? The Old Testament speaks of the Spirit of God coming upon them. An upon experience. A few examples are listed below.

Othniel

⁹ And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. ¹⁰ And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: Judges 3:9-10 KJV

Gideon

³⁴ But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him. Judges 6:34 KJV

Jephthah

²⁹ Now the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, so that he passed through Gilead and Manasseh; then he passed through Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he went on to the sons of Ammon. Judges 11:29 NASB95

Samson

⁵ Then Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother, and came as far as the vineyards of Timnah; and behold, a young lion came roaring toward him. ⁶ The Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily, so that he tore him as one tears a young goat though he had nothing in his hand; but he did not tell his father or mother what he had done. Judges 14:5-6 NASB95

King Saul

⁹ Then it happened when he turned his back to leave Samuel, God changed his heart; and all those signs came about on that day. ¹⁰ When they came to the hill there, behold, a group of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him mightily, so that he prophesied among them. 1 Samuel 10:9-10 NASB95

King David

¹³ Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah. 1 Samuel 16:13 NASB95

Azariah

¹ And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: 2 Chronicles 15:1 KJV

Zechariah

²⁰ And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you. 2 Chronicles 24:20 KJV

Ezekiel

⁵ Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon me, and he told me to say: “This is what the LORD says: That is what you are saying, O house of Israel, but I know what is going through your mind. Ezekiel 11:5 NIV

So we see that the Power of the Holy Spirit was real and active in the Old Testament, even before the Day of Pentecost. THIS IS NOT A SALVATION EXPERIENCE… THIS IS AN UPON EXPERIENCE! The Spirit of God came UPON selected individuals in specific times of need so that God’s power may be revealed, and sometimes for the prophets’ lives to be saved and others to believe in God!

When these Old Testament prophets experienced the Spirit of God coming upon them, they came under the Spirit’s authority. The POWER OF GOD came upon them to do exploits for the Kingdom of God.

They were made able to tear lions apart; kill 1,000 enemies alone with a donkey’s jawbone, step into the fiery furnace and not be singed by the fire, and speak the Word of God boldly even in the face of death!

An Upon and Dwelling Within Experience in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the Spirit of God comes upon and dwells within believers. This is not a salvation experience; it is an upon and within experience!

⁴⁹ “And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:49 NASB95

⁸ “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NASB95

² And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. ³ And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. ⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. Acts 2:2-4 NASB95

¹⁷ ‘AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,’ God says,
‘THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND;
AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY,
AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS,
AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS; Acts 2:17 NASB95

¹⁴ Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, ¹⁵ who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. ¹⁶ For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 8:14-16 NASB95

⁴⁴ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. Acts 10:44 NASB95

¹⁵ “And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning.” Acts 11:15 NASB95)

⁶ And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying. Acts 19:6 NASB95

We read that the Spirit was poured upon them, and that they were also filled! We get the picture here of something sinking in water. Like a ship being sucked underneath a waterfall and sinking, then being filled up with the water.

Baptizer	Element	Purpose
Salvation	Holy Spirit	Jesus Christ
Water Baptism	Pastor	Water
Baptism in the Holy Spirit	Jesus Christ	Holy Spirit

The Promise and the Gift of the Holy Spirit is for Believers

³⁸ He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water. ³⁹ But He was speaking here of the Spirit, Whom those who believed (trusted, had faith) in Him were afterward to receive. For the [Holy] Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (raised to honor). John 7:38-39 AMPC

¹⁶ And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever— ¹⁷ The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you. John 14:16-17 AMPC

• Notice how the Lord Jesus says He will ask the Father
• The Holy Spirit will remain with you forever
• The Holy Spirit cannot be received by unbelievers
• Believers know and recognize the Holy Spirit
• The Holy Spirit lives with you
• The Holy Spirit is in you

³⁸ And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ For the promise [of the Holy Spirit] is to and for you and your children, and to and for all that are far away, [even] to and for as many as the Lord our God invites and bids to come to Himself. Acts 2:38-39 AMPC

• The Holy Spirit being given to believers is a gift from God to you
• The promise of the Holy Spirit is for all believers

¹³ “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:13 NIV

• It is impossible for God to lie, so He will give you the gift of the Holy Spirit if you ask Him!