There is only one God and Jesus is His name!
The central teaching of the Old Testament states that God is a single, individual being. “Hear, O
Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.” Jesus confirmed this truth in the New Testament when
He was asked what the “first” commandment was and responded by quoting these verses in
Deuteronomy 6:4-5. (Mark 12:29-30) He also clarified that the Jews knew God and no new
revelation of His divine nature would be given later. (“…we know what we worship: for
salvation is of the Jews.” John 4:22) The God of creation became a human being (1 Tim 3:16)
and His name was revealed as Jesus- God our Salvation. “And she shall bring forth a son, and
thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins…and they shall call
his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1:21 & 23) Jesus is the
Mighty God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and all power on heaven and earth is given to
Water Baptism in Jesus’ name is a Supernatural Necessity!
Jesus very clearly stated that a person must be “born again” of water and of the spirit to enter
the Kingdom of God. (John 3:5-8) Speaking of that water baptism Jesus said, “He that believeth
and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:16) Peter
also advised that baptism is needed for salvation. (1 Pet 3:21) It is during water baptism that
the blood of Jesus is applied to us and our sins are washed away (Heb 9:22, Acts 3:38 & 22:16).
New Testament baptism was always performed by immersion (Rom 6:4, John 3:23, Acts 8:38)
and the name of Jesus was always invoked (Acts 8:16, 10:48, 19:5, 22:16, etc.) Speaking of the
name of Jesus, Peter states, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other
name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
The Gift of the Holy Ghost… “This is That!”
On the day the church started, the Day of Pentecost, God first poured out His spirit on the 120
disciples who waited in an upper room in Jerusalem and Peter declared that this was the
fulfillment of the prophecy spoken by Joel (2:28-29 & Acts 2:16-18). Jesus foretold of this
experience and said it should be expected by those who believe. (John3:37-39) It was described
as the “gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38 & 10:45) indicating the terms under which it is
received (someone else paid for it & is giving it to you) and the “baptism of the Holy Ghost”
(Matt 3:11 & Mark 1:8) indicating the manner or mode by which it is received (a person is
completely immersed by it). In scripture, the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost was
“speaking in tongues as the spirit gave utterance.” (Acts 2:4, 10:46, 19:6, etc.)
Holiness is a LIFESTYLE that makes all the difference in the world!
When a person makes a covenant with God to live for Him they literally become a dwelling
place for Him and this brings certain responsibilities. “What? know ye not that your body is the
temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For
ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are
God's.” (1 Cor 6:19-20) We separate ourselves from all carnal and worldly aspects of life; and,
with God’s help, we live a new life that is pleasing to God. “But as he which hath called you is
holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
(1 Peter 1:15-16) “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the
Lord.” (Heb 12:14)
The Word of God – we can’t live without it!
Jesus declared “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” (Matt 4:4 & Luke
4:4- quoting Deut 8:3) Our initial salvation is a result of our response to the word of God that is
declared to us. “It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” (1
Cor 1:21) We need the word on a regular basis to survive spiritually. “So then faith cometh by
hearing, and hearing by the word of God” and “without faith it is impossible to please” God.
(Rom 10:17 & Heb 11:6)
We are not in this by ourselves!
When a person is born again they become part of the church, the body of Jesus Christ. “…for by
one Spirit are we all baptized into one body. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in
particular. (1 Cor 12:13 & 27) Being part of a local congregation that believes, teaches and
practices the truths found in the Bible is absolutely essential for our spiritual well-being! “Not
forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one
another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Heb 10:25) The Lord is
returning soon for a body of believers who are ready to meet Him! (Eph 5:25-27 & Rev 19:7)
*You can learn more about these great teachings of the Bible by participating in a Home Bible Study
(call 706-738-0919 to schedule) and through the teaching provided during each regular church service.