FLC Presents

Covenant Marriage Retreat 

"A Love To Last"

Make plans to attend now. Here is some important information.

Friday, January 10th - Saturday, January 11th.

Registration is $75 per couple. You are responsible for your room. We have a special rate for that Friday. You have a choice 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Bed Suite.

King Suite- $129

2 Queen Suite- $129

Deadline to book your room at special rate by December 19, 2024.

Contact the hotel Reservations Department at

877-519-1500, stating the date of reservation (Friday Jan.10th) and that your with Family Life Church  Marriage Retreat for special block room rate. Also if you would like to go a day early you can book a room at regular price. If you are interested in spa treatments etc. you must make an appointment in advance.

*If you have any issue with your reservation ask for Melanie Avery.

Note: if you have a food allergy, or need gluten free, or want a vegetarian option let Sis. Chapman know before December 19th.

Below is a link to the resort if you'd like to check it out.

https://www.cypressbend.com

 

Any questions please ask Bro. & Sis. Chapman.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

This question, you could say, has been asked by many who found it important to make things right with God and obtain Biblical salvation. However, the question, depending on who you ask, will be answered in many different ways. The most important question one can ask has been the subject of so many debates and ideas that a person can become quite confused. The devil would like nothing more than for a person hungry for salvation to be misled into believing a lie; therefore, losing their soul and finding in the Judgment that the Lord would say, “Depart from me you workers of iniquity.”

 

It is very important that you understand God is no respecter of persons. If He requires something of one person it is required of all!

 

               

Some may say, “I have been going to this church for years. I know they are teaching the truth.”

 

Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

 

Hebrews 2:3
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

 

1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

 

2 Thessalonians 2:10
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

 

II John 1:9

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

 

Colossians 2:8
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.

 

Galatians 1:8
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.

2 Peter 3:17
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

 

Matthew 24:11
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

 

Matthew 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

 

2 Corinthians 11:13
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

 

2 Peter 2:1
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

 

1 Peter 4:18

And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
 

How can I be sure I know the real truth?

 

2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

 

2 Timothy 3:15
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

 

2 Peter 1:20
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

 

Titus 2:1
But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

 

Acts 17:11
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

 

2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

 

I Timothy 4:13-16

Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

 

Jude3-4

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

John 16:13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

 

Matthew 5:6
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

 

Luke 1:77
To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,

 

1 Corinthians 15:34
Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

 

Ephesians 3:4
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

 

Colossians 1:10
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

 

1 Timothy 2:4
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

 

2 Timothy 3:7
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

 

How am I saved?

 

There are many things in the Bible that speak of how to be saved. The Bible says God is no respecter of persons, so if He tells some that they must do something to be saved then it applies to all. If you read in one place that you have to believe on Jesus to be saved, and in another place you have to be born again of the water and the spirit, then you cannot just say all you have to do is believe. There is one place in the Bible where Peter-who was given the Keys to the Kingdom-was asked the question, “What must we do?” He gave an answer; the words he spoke were to be the same answer to the people who were there and the people who would read those words in the Bible. We must follow those words to be saved, and do many other things also to continue in that salvation.

 

Acts 10:34
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

 

Acts 2:37- 38

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?
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.

 

John 3:5

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

 

Colossians 2:12
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

 

Galatians 3:27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

 

Mark 16:16

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

 

Matthew24:13

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

 

Acts 4:12

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

 

1 John 2:12

 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

 

Hebrews 12:14
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

 

Mark 6:12
And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

 

Luke 13:3
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

 

Acts 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

 

The scriptures above will be in agreement with what Jesus taught. Jesus taught that salvation should be in the Death, Burial, and Resurrection. The message Peter preached in Acts 2:38 says to REPENT – to have the old man die. We must repent, and this is the DEATH.  And be BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF JESUS. When a man is dead we bury him. The Bible says we are buried with Christ in baptism, and this is the BURIAL. And ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Bible says we can take part in the resurrection of Christ if we have His Spirit. This is the RESURRECTION. So if you follow Peter’s answer, you will 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. Then you will have obeyed Jesus and taken part in the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Christ!

 

 

If I have to be baptized, into what name should I be baptized?

 

This question has been one of controversy for many years. To answer it you must open your Bible and see what it says. Do not take anyone’s word for it, but study to shew thyself approved.

 

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

 

This Scripture, no doubt, has been taught as the correct formula for water baptism. There is one problem with the way people look at this verse of Scripture and feel it is the way to baptize. You see, when many churches baptize someone, they repeat the commandment given by Jesus instead of obeying the commandment. Jesus said to go and baptize in the NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. If you look closely at this scripture you will see Jesus said in the NAME of, not the NAMES of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. When people are baptized, they should be baptized in the NAME of Jesus, because JESUS is the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Every time in the Bible after Jesus’ death, you will see that when someone was baptized they did not repeat Jesus’ commandment and say FATHER, SON and HOLY GHOST. They said in the name of JESUS, or in the name of Jesus Christ, etc. Never in the Bible was anyone ever baptized saying, “In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.”

 

If the Father, Son and Holy Ghost were names, Jesus would have said to baptize in the NAMES, not NAME. The same commandment of Matthew 28:19 was recorded by Luke in Luke 24:47 and he said: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Now Luke said in HIS NAME, not THEIR NAMES…if the Father, Son and Holy Ghost were names, he would have said in THEIR NAMES. Now when Luke was talking here he said that this would begin at Jerusalem. The message Peter preached was this message, and it was Acts 2:38. If you will look into the history of the church, you will find that everyone was baptized into the name of JESUS, and it was changed to repeating the words Father, Son and Holy Ghost at a later time by the Catholic Church and a teacher named Tertullian.

 

Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

 

Acts 8:16
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

 

Acts 10:48
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

 

Acts 19:5
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

 

This makes sense since the Bible clearly teaches that whatever we do in word or deed do all in the name of Jesus. Now baptism is certainly a deed and a word.

 

Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

 

Philippians 2:9
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

 

There is only ONE name whereby we must be saved:

 

Acts 4:12

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

 

Again, if the devil could find a way to deceive you it would be in false doctrine and teaching you a lie about salvation. It only makes sense that if he could have the whole world believing in a lie that he would have his way; but God has a people who know the truth and are not scared to follow His Word. You must be BORN AGAIN.

 

To be sure of what truth is, you need to do what the Apostles taught, not what so-called “men of God” teach. If the Apostles taught repentance, baptism and Holy Ghost to be saved, and being baptized into the name of Jesus-not the words Father, Son and Holy Ghost-then you need to do the same.

 

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

 

Baptism Supplemental Material:

 

1. Short Video:  Why We Baptize In Jesus Name: 

 

 http://www.mediafire.com/file/m6ukl9oe8mficsa/Why_We_Baptize_in_Jesus_Name_-_Bernard.mp4/file

 

 

2. Matthew 28:19  Sentence Diagram:

 

https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/c2279/matthew_28_19_sentence_diagram.pdf

 

3. Historical Baptism Information:

 

https://s3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/c2279/historical_jesus_name_baptism_.pdf

 

 

The thief on the cross did not have to be baptized, so why should I?

 

The Bible has different dispensations of salvation. For instance, The Flood – the way to be saved then was by entering the Ark. The Tabernacle – where people were under the law. And finally, the dispensation of Grace – whereby we are saved through the Blood of Christ. At the time of the crucifixion, the Lord had not yet died for the blood to take affect for all repented mankind. The veil of the temple that was ripped when Jesus died signified the dispensation of Grace that started at that moment. The thief on the cross was saved by Jesus through the law. Simply put, the thief was still under the dispensation of the LAW because Jesus had not yet died so the dispensation we're in now, requiring the New Birth experience of John 3:5 / Acts 2:38, had not yet come.

 

Matthew 27:51

And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

 

Mark 15:38

And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

 

Luke 23:45

 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

 

Well, let’s say I die before I get baptized. Will I be lost?

 

The Lord gives every man and woman a chance to repent and obey the scriptures for salvation. Some times we find ourselves trying to work out our own salvation by justifying why we did not do the right thing. If we live to be 20 years old, at some time we had a chance to make a choice to serve God. If we didn’t and waited till the last minute, and we died before we made the right choice, is God at fault? In the flood, surely there were many that when the rains came down, they decided that they should have listened to Noah. But we do not read where God opened the door and allowed them in because they were foolish of the time. If we believe that if a man repents on his death bed, and it is ok that he was not baptized, can we also say, “Well…he was going to repent, but he died before he could,” is he still saved? Certainly not, because the Bible tells us that you must repent.

 

2 Corinthians 6:2

(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

 

1 Peter  3:21

The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

 

1 Peter  3:20

Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

 

 

 

 

Mark 16:16

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

 

John 3:5

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

 

Information from History about baptism:

Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics (1951), II, 384, 389:   "The formula used was "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ" or some synonymous phrase; there is no evidence for the use of the trine name. . . . The earliest form, represented in the Acts, was simple immersion . . . in water, the use of the name of the Lord, and the laying on of hands. To these were added, at various times and places which cannot be safely identified, (a) the trine name (Justin). . ."

Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible (1962), I, 351:  "The evidence . . . suggests that baptism in early Christianity was administered, not in the threefold name, but 'in the name of Jesus Christ' or 'in the name of the Lord Jesus.'" 

Otto Heick, A History of Christian Thought (1965), I, 53:  "At first baptism was administered in the name of Jesus, but gradually in the name of the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."

Hasting’s Dictionary of the Bible (1898) I, 241:  [One explanation is that] the original form of words was 'into the name of Jesus Christ' or 'the Lord Jesus'. Baptism into the name of the Trinity was a later development.

Williston Walker, A History of the Christian Church (1947), page 58: "The trinitarian baptismal formula . . . was displacing the older baptism in the name of Christ."

The New Schaff-Herzog encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge (1957) I, 435:   "The New Testament knows only baptism in the name of Jesus . . ., which still occurs even in the second and third centuries."

Canney’s Encyclopedia of Religions (1970), page 53:  "Persons were baptized at first 'in the name of Jesus Christ' . . .  or 'in the name of the Lord Jesus' . . .  Afterwards, with the development of the doctrine of the Trinity, they were baptized 'in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.'"

Encyclopedia Biblica (1899) I, 473:  "It is natural to conclude that baptism was administered in the earliest times 'in the name of Jesus Christ,' or in that 'of the Lord Jesus."  This view is confirmed by the fact that the earliest forms of the baptismal confession appear to have been single - not triple, as was the later creed."

Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th ed. (1910), II, 365:   "The trinitarian formula and trine immersion were not uniformly used from the beginning....Baptism into the name of the Lord was the normal formula of the New Testament. In the 3rd century baptism in the name of Christ was still so widespread that Pope Stephen, in opposition to Cyprian of Carthage, declared it to be valid."

 

What now? 

 

Many have had to face the truth in their walk with God and make a decision to follow the Bible. So many people have believed so many things concerning the truth of salvation. Many have been taught a certain way all of their lives, but when we see in the Word of God that we have been believing in something that was not exactly the whole truth, we have a responsibility to obey the truth. One of the hardest things a person can do is admitting that they have believed something that was wrong; but we, if we want REAL salvation must humble ourselves and submit to the real truth. If you remember in the Bible you can recall the story of Jesus. The Bible says He came teaching a different doctrine than they had believed. As a matter of fact you can read where He was crucified on the cross because He taught a different doctrine. The Jews, to this day, still do not believe what He taught and who He was.  As you have read in this document, you can recall all of the scriptures that show where the devil would try and deceive even the very elect of God. So it is possible for any to be deceived.  One thing about truth is, there is only ONE truth. There is only one LORD, one FAITH, and one Baptism (Ephesians 4:5). So if we have believed in any other Faith, Lord, or baptism other than the one in the Scriptures we are in error and must do what it takes to follow the truth. There should be only one reason someone goes to church, and that is that they want to be saved. If you read this and have not done what the Bible clearly says is the way to be saved, then do not waste one day making things right. You have to obey the Scripture, or you could be going to church every day, praying every day, reading your Bible every day, paying your tithes, believing in God, loving God and still be lost! If the apostles taught that we have to repent, and be baptized in the name of JESUS and receive the Holy Ghost to be saved (Acts 2:38), then we have to do the same.

 

Acts 10:34
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

God would not allow some be saved one way and us another.

 

Galatians 1:8
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.

 

2 Peter 1:20
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

 

2 Thessalonians 2:10
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

 

Colossians 2:8
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.

 

Some teach you need to only believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you’re saved. Some teach you only need to repeat a so-called “sinners prayer.” Some teach you don’t need to be baptized to be saved. Some teach that you receive the Holy Ghost without an outward sign of speaking in tongues. Some teach that once we have accepted the Lord in our heart we are saved forever and cannot lose salvation. But there is only one plan of salvation that lines up with the Word of God!

 

Acts 2:37- 38

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?
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.

 

The plan of salvation is shown in the Old Testament. It was a foreshadow of the plan of salvation in the New Testament.

 

Therefore, the Tabernacle is a picture, a foreshadow of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the book of Exodus, when God dictates to Moses the detailed design of the Tabernacle (some 1450 years before the birth of Jesus), He speaks forth a description of just who and what the coming Messiah (the Christ) would be.

 

In the Bible you will never see where something was done repeating the term: In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. However, you will find plenty of Scripture for IN THE NAME OF JESUS. Some of those scriptures are listed below:

 

John 20:31
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

 

Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

 

Acts 3:6
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

 

Acts 4:10
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

 

Acts 4:30
By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

 

Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

 

Acts 8:16
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

 

Acts 9:27
But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

 

Acts 9:29
And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

 

 

Acts 15:26
Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 

Acts 16:18
And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

 

 

Acts 19:5
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

 

Acts 19:13
Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the LORD Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

 

Acts 19:17
And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

 

1 Corinthians 1:2
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:

 

 

1 Corinthians 1:10
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

 

1 Corinthians 5:4
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

 

1 Corinthians 6:11
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

 

Philippians 2:10
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

 

Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

 

2 Thessalonians 1:12
That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We urge you to stop and take a moment to pray and ask the Lord to lead you as you walk  "Into His Marvelous Light"

Introduction

When walking out of a dark room into the sunshine, light can be blinding. As our eyes become accustomed to the light, we can see more clearly and enjoy the scenery that surrounds us. Likewise, when we look into the light of the scriptures, the brightness of truth can sometimes hurt. However, as our spiritual eyesight becomes adjusted we can enjoy “walking in the light”.

This Bible study is designed to allow us to “walk” into the marvelous light of the Word of God. We will be journeying into the scriptures by imagining we are back in the days of Jesus and the Apostles, listening to them teach and preach the plan of salvation. In order to do this, we will be careful to “rightly” divide the word of the truth (2 Timothy 2:15) by concentrating on the highlights of the three main divisions of the New Testament in chronological order, including:

1. THE GOSPELS – covering the words and works of Jesus Christ
2. THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES -covering the actions and preaching of the Apostles
3. THE EPISTLES – covering the letters written by the Apostles to the churches they started in the Book of Acts.

We believe the scriptures are divinely inspired and, “of no private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20-21). Therefore, every effort has been made to present the pure Word of God without adding to, or taking away from its teachings (Deuteronomy 4:2, Proverbs 30:5-6).

It is not our intention to diminish any personal relationship you may have with our Lord. Neither do we desire to convince you of our own personal ideas or the creeds of any denomination. We simply desire to share the truth as it is written. Only by claiming the Bible as our sole authority can any of us be confident of our salvation, for it is the Word of God and not the traditions of men that will judge us all in the end.

Let us read 2 Timothy 3:15-16 as we begin our journey into the Word of God…

Into the Gospels…

John 1:1-5 & 14
In the beginning, the Word was God and became flesh. Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God.

John 1:11-13
If we believe in Him and receive Him, Jesus gives us power to become the sons of God by a supernatural birth. He spoke further about this new birth one night to a ruler of the Jews…

John 3:1-8
The Lord told Nicodemus that everyone who wanted to see or enter into the Kingdom of God, must be born again of water and the Spirit.

John 3:16-21
Jesus also told Nicodemus that whosoever believeth in Him should have eternal life. Jesus mentioned two seemingly different requirements for salvation. One is being born again. The other is believing. Yet, this is not a contradiction. The next scripture explains how believing is related to experiencing the birth of the Spirit…

John 7:38-39
Here, we discover that if we believe on Him (according to the Word), we will receive the Spirit. We find that scriptural belief is more than just a change in the way we think. It also results in a scriptural experience.

John 12:35-36 & 42-43
Today, just as in Jesus’ day, many believe on Him. But, they will not confess Him for fear of what others will do or say.

John 12:44
In response to their fearfulness, Jesus warns that His Spirit will judge us, so we must be careful not to reject it. Rather, we should believe and obey it… no matter what others say…

John 17:17-20
In Jesus’ prayer for his disciples, just before His crucifixion, He said God’s Word is truth. He also prayed for us; and for all those who would believe on Him through the Apostles’ word.

To find out what the Apostles’ word was to be, let us read what Jesus told them to proclaim. The setting of the following great commission scripture in Luke 24:45-49 is just after the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection… and just before His ascension into heaven.

“Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

DID THE APOSTLES PREACH THE MESSAGE JESUS COMMANDED THEM TO PROCLAIM?

HOW WAS THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER FULFILLED?

Let us continue our journey into the Word of God by seeing what was preached and what happened at Jerusalem…

Into The Acts of the Apostles…

Acts 1:3-5
As we enter the Book of Acts, we discover almost immediately that the promise of the Father is the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:1-17
When the Apostles were at Jerusalem, they, along with many others, were joyously filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance (ability to speak). The amazed onlookers from many nations who heard them speaking with tongues asked, ‘What meaneth this?” Then Peter explained the promised coming of the Spirit and went on to preach Christ and the original apostolic plan of salvation.

Acts 2:36-38
When the people who heard Peter’s words believed that Jesus Christ was their Lord and Savior, they were sorry for their sins and asked Peter and the Apostles what they should do. Peter replied by preaching the message Jesus commanded to be preached in Luke 24:45-49. In light of this, consider the three elements of the Plan of Salvation that Peter preached in verse 38:

1. REPENTANCE
2. REMISSION OF SINS THROUGH BAPTISM IN JESUS’ NAME
3. RECEIVING THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST

NOTICE: Acts 2:38 is the fulfillment of the birth requirements Jesus mentioned in John 3:5 that were necessary to enter the Kingdom of God!

• water birth = baptism in the name of Jesus Christ!
• spirit birth = infilling of the Holy Ghost!

Now, let’s look at some more examples of people being born again of water and the Spirit as the Word Jesus gave His apostles continued to be preached throughout the Book of Acts…

• Phillip preaching to the Samaritans in Acts 8

NOTICE: Some people say when they experienced joy; or when they believed in Jesus, or when they were baptized, they were automatically filled with the Holy Ghost. But what does the Word say?

Acts 8:5-8
Did they have great joy?

Acts 8:12
Were they baptized in His name?
Did they believe in Jesus Christ?

Acts 8:14-17
Did they receive the Holy Ghost as a separate and distinct experience?

• Peter preaching to the Gentiles in Acts 10

NOTICE: Some people say being religious is enough, or that the Spirit-baptism evidenced by tongues was only for the day of Pentecost. If the Bible says this is true, then it is true. But the Word shows us through Cornelius’ experience that this is not true… then it is not….

Acts 10:1-2
Was Cornelius a religious man?

Acts 10:5-6
Did God have more for him to do?

Acts 10:44-46
Did they receive the Holy Ghost and speak in tongues after the day of Pentecost?

Acts 10:47-48
Did they still have to be baptized in Jesus’ name?

• Paul preaching to John’s disciples in Acts 19

NOTICE: Many people who are believers have not even heard about the Holy Ghost that is promised to them. Also, some people say it is not necessary to be baptized or re-baptize (if you were baptized by John the Baptist, would you think it would be necessary to be re-baptized using a different baptismal formula?) Others say it does not matter what is spoken when you are baptized. If the Bible indicates it does not matter, then it does not matter…but, what if the Bible shows us it DOES matter?

Acts 19:1-2
They were believers, but had they heard of or received the Holy Ghost?

Acts 19:3-5
Did those baptized by John the Baptist have to be rebaptized in Jesus’ name?

Acts 19:6
Was receiving the Holy Ghost accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking in
other tongues?

We have found that the Apostles preached the following message:
…the life of Christ and His death, burial and resurrection
…repentance toward God and belief in Jesus Christ baptism in water by immersion in Jesus’ name
…receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (which was accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking with other tongues)

Now, let us read what the Apostles had to say about the message of salvation they
proclaimed in the Book of Acts. We can do this by reading the epistles (letters) they wrote to their converts.

Into the Epistles

As we read the Epistles, we will notice how strongly the Apostles felt about the gospel (good news) of salvation. This is not because they were being judgmental, it is because they knew the Word Jesus had given them to proclaim was going to judge all men.

What did Peter say?
“Ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth.. being born again.. by the word of God.. and this is the word which by gospel is preached unto you.” (I Peter1:22-25)

Peter Asked A Question:
“…What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (I Peter 4:17-18)

Paul Gave The Answer:
“The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and the obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)

What did Paul say?
“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another, but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 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. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than ye have received, let him be accursed.” (Galations 1:6-9)

What did James say?
“….Receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearer only, (deceiving your own selves). For if any be a hearer of
the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.” (James 1:21-24)

The Word is able to save our souls!

JAMES TELLS US THAT IF WE SEE SOMETHING WE NEED TO DO, AS WE LOOK INTO THE “MIRROR OF THE WORD”, WE SHOULD DO IT. LET US NOW CONSIDER WHAT WE WILL DO WITH WHAT WE HAVE HEARD…

Conclusion

DO YOU BELIEVE the Word of God is true and will judge us?

DO YOU BELIEVE Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior?

DO YOU BELIEVE it is necessary to repent by determining to turn from sin and giving your life to God?

DO YOU BELIEVE water baptism in the same of Jesus Christ is the biblical way to be baptized?

DO YOU BELIEVE the baptism of the Holy Ghost is for you today, and when you receive it you will speak in other tongues, just as they did in the Bible?

IF YOU BELIEVE THESE THINGS, PRAY RIGHT NOW, ASKING GOD TO ALLOW YOU TO EXPERIENCE ALL THAT HE HAS FOR YOU!

Supplemental Study Scriptures:

(1) Matthew 7:13-24

NOTE: God’s warning regarding false prophets and the importance of being a doer and not just a hearer of the Word.

(2) Matthew 16:15-19

NOTE: Peter was given the “keys of the kingdom” because of his revelation of who Jesus Christ was.

(3) Other “Great Commission” scriptures”:

NOTE: In Matthew 28:18-20 the word “name” is singular in this command to baptize. The Apostles obeyed this command when they baptized only in the name of Jesus, and did not use the titles mentioned here. (see Acts 4:12)

Mark 16:15-18. The importance of water baptism and the signs following believers.

(4) Matthew 16:15-19

NOTE: Peter, who was given the “keys of the kingdom”, uses them to open the “kingdom door” by preaching the original apostolic message of salvation for the first time.

(5) Acts 8:35-39

NOTE: Philip must have mentioned baptism when he preached Jesus to the Eunuch, because the Eunuch asked to be baptized in water. The Greek root word for baptize is
“bapto”, which literally means to cover wholly with fluid, to dip. (see also Romans 6:3-4).

(6) Acts 10:34-43

NOTE: Peter preached the life and lordship of Jesus Christ as well as His death, burial and resurrection.

(7) I Peter 3:20-21

NOTE: According to Peter baptism is an essential part of the plan of salvation.

We encourage you to read through the Gospels… in detail… and continue to walk “into His marvelous light”!

If you would like more information on this born again experience, please email to:  pastor@flcworship.com

God bless you!