5-31-2025  What’s in a Name?

What’s in a name?

Do we think our name and birthday have anything to do with who we are?

God changed Jacob’s (son of Isaac) name to Israel.  Jacob means ‘supplanter’ or one who forcibly takes over another’s position and Israel means ‘one who rules as God’.  Meaning Jacob transitioned from one who is not so favorable to one who becomes very favorable (Gen. 32:24-32).  In the passage, Jacob wrestled with a ‘man’ and refused to let go unless the ‘man’ blessed him.  I use man in quotation marks because Jacob came to realize that he had seen God face to face (v30) and lived (Exod. 33:20-23). Perseverance does pay off.

After losing her husband and sons, Naomi says now to call her Mara (Ruth 1:20-21).  Naomi means ‘pleasant’, Mara means ‘bitterness’. And so her countenance went from ‘Pleasant’ to ‘bitterness’.  Naomi was feeling pretty sad about her recent losses and decided to live out her life and go back to her home country, where Father took care of her (read the Book of Ruth).  But note, Naomi changed her name, not God.

Jesus changed ‘Simon’s name to include ‘Peter”.  Simon reflects the Hebrew word Shimown which means ‘hearer’, then Jesus adds ‘Petros’ which is rock or ‘stone’.  Soooo, Simon Peter was a stone who hears.  Because Simon listened to Jesus, Jesus knew that he would stand firm in the ministry and, as we read the book of Acts, Peter seems to have been the ‘head honcho’ in ministering towards the Jews.  People relied on his guidance. 

And, of course, Saul’s name who was changed to Paul.  Saul’s name was changed from one who ‘asked’ to Paul which means ‘little’.  Remember Paul came from one who was a Pharisee of Pharisees and persecuted the Christians (Phil. 3:4-5) to one of Christianity’s biggest advocates. Setting his own ego aside, Saul ‘asked’ Jesus what he should do and Paul became the ‘little’ or humble servant of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 13:9).

So, what’s in a name?  It just might have something to do with our basic nature or calling.  What Father has made us, in ‘birth’, or what we have become in ‘rebirth’.  Our name gives us a hint as to that which Father has intended for us in this life.

Moms and dads, all over, think they named their children but Father has known us from before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:3-4).  Do we suspect that Father knew our names loooong before our mom and dad?  And, He does have plans for us (Jer. 1:5, 29:11, Eph. 2:10).

Father shares with us that He has given us our names for a purpose.  Our name reflects the qualities Father has given us, that is who He has intended for us to be.  Our names reflect the ‘calling’ Father has set before us.  Our name just might give as a clue as to “Why am I here?” Our date of birth furthers the details as to our calling.  Numbers do have biblical references. Example: one 1 =  God; 3 = unity of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, 7 = completeness (Father created all things in 6 days and rested on the 7^th day – all things were completed) so He took a ‘break’; and 8 = new birth or new beginnings ; etc., time for a ‘fresh’ start.

The meaning of our name and birthday gives us insight as to what Father has called us to do or be.  I speak for myself, but I am also convinced this is true for everybody.  Father will give us one scriptural passage (or more) further defining Father’s intents for us.  Yet, we need to ask the Holy Ghost to open up our understanding so we can pull this data together and make reasonable sense rather than just knowing about words and numbers say and not realizing the implication for our own lives.

Father has shared with me that there are three pathways to discover the ‘calling’ He has placed upon our lives, things He wants us to know: Divine revelation through our own spirit (direct communication) that is Father puts something on our hearts and minds or we ask God in prayer to show us by opening up our heart and mind; Divine revelation that is as we read through the scriptures, suddenly a passage just ‘opens’ to us and we feel it in our spirit;  or Divine revelation via another Christian, that is another Christian might say “Father has told me ‘such and such’ about the direction He wants you to take.”  His revelation to us will come, initially, through one of these three paths and confirmed through one or more of the same paths.  Actually, there is a fourth path.  Father can speak to us through nature around us or even man-made things.  We may see something and the ‘feeling’ comes over us as to how or what we see means to ‘me’.  Yet, again, ask for confirmation.  Father will show and confirm what He is trying to tell us.  I say ‘try’.  Are we listening?  Caution, things may or may not happen in rapid succession. It could be hours, days, months or even years before Father pulls it all together for us.  But be like Jacob, hang in there and don’t give up!  Years ago in early spring, Father drew my attention to some birds, across the street, pecking at the ground looking for food.  Father said “My children are hungry.  Feed My children.”  I understood what Father was saying but it was several years after starting my blog before this started to actually become a reality for me

In his book “I Believe in Visions”, Kenneth E. Hagin mentioned that he had pastored for 12 years when God showed him his true ministry of healing and prosperity.

When I was young, I always thought that if one felt a calling to preach he had to be a pastor.  But, as with Paul, some of us ‘little’ guys may have a greater impact than we realize.  D. L. Moody was inspired by his young Sunday School Teacher in 1855.  Moody became one of the most renowned evangelists of His time and founded the Moody Bible Institute in 1901  (https://www.moody.edu/).  Would we even be mentioning Moody if it weren’t for that Sunday School teacher?  Or even Billy Graham who was influenced by Moody.  Moody’s teachings have influenced men of God like Billy Graham and Graham’s ministry has influence church and world leaders.  Our ministry can be small or it can be large.  From being ‘insignificant’ impacting one man who, then impacts another man who then goes on to impact the world.  We may never see the full impact of what we do in our lives.  We just need to do what Father tells us today.

I’ll share the example of how Father brought me to understand the calling He placed upon me. 

In 2014, around Rosh Shoshana, the end of September, as I was in my morning prayer, Father put Ezekiel chapter 37 on my mind.  “Read it.”, He said.  This is the passage about the ‘dry bones’.  Through reading the passage, Father said “Today’s body (the church) is in the same condition. Then He took me to the first chapter in Jeremiah, Jeremiah’s calling.  “Understand that a revelation is for any or all of us.”  He had me type out what He was revealing to me in these passages, then He said call this the ‘Prophecy’ of the Watchman’.  This is also the time When Father had me research my name and birthday and their meaning.  He showed me how the passages and my name and birthday fit together.  My calling?  Did I jump on it right away?  No!  I wasn’t ready!

Later, Father added Ezekiel chapter 33 to the mix (the watchman).  Several years later, I shared the “Watchman Prophecy” with a brother at church.  He said to me “Oh, so God has called you to be a watchman?”  I said no!”  Sometime after that, Father reminded me of that conversation and said to me “Oh yeah?  I ate some humble pie and responded “Oh.” Down deep I think I knew it all along, it just took a while for me to admit it.  

 These past several years since then, I’ve noticed how my learning curve (in the scriptures) has taken a huge upturn.  Where I had been plugging along at what seemed like 1 mile per hour, I’ve sped up to, what feels like, 85 mph – 100 mph.  Things I thought I knew, Father has been taking me to greater depths of understanding.  PTL!

In January 2015. Father had me start a blog (www.homecoming-a-spiritual-re-awakening.net) and He has shown me how more meaningful, especially in recent years, the entries are becoming more pertinent to the condition of today’s Christian Church.  And Father keeps telling me that yet there’s more to come.  PTL

Recently, I’ve been catching up to the meaning of my name and birthday!  Actually, they were there all along.  Father told me that He had to prepare me before He could send me out – Okay, I’m a slow learner.  But recently, Father has sped up the learning process for me.

So, what about you?

Look up the meaning of your name, but don’t rely on just one definition.  Discover the ‘origin, that is ethnic background of your name (French, German, Swahili, Scandinavian etc.).  As example:  My first name is William.  It is of Germanic origin meaning ‘desire’ and ‘protection’ (Will & Liam).  With a little more research, Father showed ‘strong-willed warrior’.  Get the drift?  Many of today’s names are variants of existing names, as example Michael, Miguel, Mikhail or even the feminine name Michelle.  Even today, we get some pretty innovative variants of names.  If need be, ask mom or dad, a trusted friend or (perhaps) even ask the Lord for help.

Be careful in name searches and make sure you have an understanding of its origin.  As example the Hispanic name Diablo is derived from Latin diabolous meaning ‘devil.  Would anyone really want to name their child ‘devil’?  Hans has German or Scandinavian roots meaning ‘God is gracious’ which has a deeper root in the Hebrew Yohanan which means John.  Check it out.

The meaning of our name can be a big help in understanding  ”Why am I here?”

To help your research I’m attaching a list of numbers and their biblically based meaning.  I based the list on several lists professing to be ‘bible based’ so as to keep a reasonable safety net. 

I’ve included a compilation of Christian based lists to help understanding.  I compared two or three more lists but they agreed with what I present here.

 

numbershttps://www.biblestudy.org/

http://www.gods-kingdom-ministries.net/teachings/books/secrets-of-time/appendix-e-the-biblical-meanings-of-numbers/

 

1              Unity; Primacy, New beginnings, oneness of God

2              Union; Division; Witnessing

3              Divine completeness or fullness, perfection

4              Creation; The world; Creative works, earth

5              Grace; Favor; God's goodness; Pentateuch (first five books)

6              Man, Weakness of man; Man’s wisdom & labor, Manifestation of sin ; Evils of Satan

7              Resurrection; Spiritual completeness; Fathers (or Spiritual) perfection

8              New birth; New beginnings, New creation

9              Fruit of the spirit; Divine completeness from the Father, God’s Visitation, Judgment; as 3 x 3, it signifies the Gift and Fruits of the Spirit

10           Testimony; Law and responsibility, Divine Order, completion

11           Disorder and judgement, Imperfection

12           Governmental perfection, God’s power/authority

13           Apostasy; depravity and rebellion, lawlessness

14           Deliverance; Salvation, 2X spirit perfection, Release

15           Rest, New direction

16           Love

17           Victory

18           Grace; Favor, God's goodness; Pentateuch (first five books)

19           Divine completeness or fullness, perfection, extraordinary faith

20           Redemption, perfect waiting period

21           Exceeding sinfulness of sin, wickedness, rebellion, Trouble, Distress

22           Light, Sonship

23           Death

24           The Priesthood

25           Repentance; The forgiveness of sins, grace

26           The Gospel of Christ

27           Preaching of the Gospel

28           Eternal life

29           Departure

30           Blood of Christ; Dedication, Spiritual Maturity,

31           Offspring

32           Covenant

33           Promise

34           Naming of a son

35           Hope

36           Enemy

37           Jesus The word of our Father

38           Slavery

39           Disease, Infirmity, Weakness

40           Trials; Probation; Testing

42           Israel's oppression; First advent, Man’s opposition to God, Antichrist

44           Judgement of the World

45           Preservation

46.          Herod’s Temple, Man without the Holy Spirit

50           Coming of Holy Spirit; Pentecost, Jubilee

55.          Mercy

60           Faith, perfect order

65.          Apostasy

66           Idol worship

70           Punishment and restoration of Israel; Universality, perfect spiritual order, Universality, Restoration of All Things

70.          Universality, Restoration of All Things

76.          Cleansing or Blotting Out

100         Election; Children of the promise, God’s election of grace

119         Spiritual perfection and victory (7*17=119) Divine period of probation

120         Divinely appointed time for waiting, Probationary Period

144         The Spirit guided life

200         Insufficiency

210.        Time of Jacob’s Trouble (see 21)

220.        Light (see 22)

276.        The Flesh, Satan, Babylon

390.        No King in Israel (see 39)

414.        Cursed Time

434.        Judged Time

490.        Blessed Time (see 49)

600         Warfare

666         Antichrist, man’s authority over God’s creation

777         Christ888Holy Spirit; The sum of Tree of Life

888.        Fullness of Christ’s Body

1000       Divine completeness and Fathers glory

4000       Salvation of the world through the blood of the Lamb ( Those who chose between Christ and Antichrist)

4900       Creation’s Jubilee

6000       Deception of Antichrist; Second advent

https://www.gatewaysofhislight.com/20/21/11numerology/7000 Final AI judgment; Zadok /144,000

Those numbered of Israel

 

Overview

In esoteric traditions, the number 11 is often associated with intuition, spiritual insight, and enlightenment, particularly within numerology. It's considered a master number, amplifying the energy of the single digit 1 (representing new beginnings and leadership) with a spiritual depth. The number 11 is seen as a symbol of heightened awareness, prompting individuals to trust their instincts and connect with their higher purpose. 

Again, make sure what you ae looking at and if you aren’t sure of something, ask Father.

Amen

5/3/2025  Jesus is with us

Just a little reminder should we have forgotten.  In today’s world, our enemy is hard at work to get our focus off track and worry about the things round us so that we focus less on our communication with our Lord and Savior.  Yes, we need to read the scriptures referenced to receive the full impact.

Matthew 28:1-9

1           In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher.                                                                   

2            And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.                                             

³            His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:                                     

⁴             And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

Because Jesus’ body had to be buried before 6:00 PM (when the Sabbath started), the two Marys came the day after the Sabbath to anoint His body (Mark 16:1).  Can we even begin to imagine how they felt upon seeing this guy, dressed in white and as bright as a lightening flash, just sitting on the rock he had just rolled away from the tomb. 

⁵             And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

When an angel of the Lord appears, as examples, it seems he always says “Don’t be afraid” (Luke 1:26-30) as with Mary, or as when the angel speaks with Jacob (Isaiah 41:8-10).  Father always calms our fears when He approaches us, through an angel or the Holy Ghost.

⁶             He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

⁷              And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

Today, Jesus’ first choice in speaking with us (Christians) is through the Holy Ghost, as He intercedes for us (Rom. 8:26-27), yet, if we aren’t hearing Him clearly, we may entertain angels without knowing it (Heb. 13:1-2) or speak through a fellow Christian as with Agabus and Paul (Acts 21:10-11).

⁸             And they departed quickly from the sepulcher with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

When we have an encounter with the Lord, do we hide it, or do we share it?  Are we afraid of what people might say if we tell them?  Or are we excited and can’t wait to tell them?

⁹             And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.               

10            Don’t be afraid, Jesus will meet us in His appointed time.

The women had just experienced the worst that could happen in their lives at that time, the death ad burial of Jesus!  Everything was looking its darkest where had their hope gone?  Haven’t we been there at various times in our own lives?

So where is our hope?  Whatever comes our way, our faith needs to stand in the power of Jesus Christ and not the world.  We can attain the glory which God has ordained before the world (1 Corinth. 2:1-7).  Neither has eye seen nor ear heard nor has it entered into the heart of man the things God has prepared for us, who love the Lord.  But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit, even the deep things of God.  How does man know about man except by the spirit of man which is in him?  Likewise, no man knows the things of God except by the Spirit of God (1 Corinth. 2:9-11).  Jesus says that the Holy Ghost shall be in us (John 14:17, Acts 1:8).  He abides in us who know the Lord (Rom. 8:9, 1 John 3:24).  When we encounter Jesus, the 120 in the upper room give us an example of what to expect (Acts 2:1-16).  Something to remember!  Baptism (infilling) in the Holy Ghost is not something that can soon be forgotten.

Jesus will show Himself to us as with Mary Magdalene, who thought He was a gardener, (John 20:11-16) or to the disciples who were fishing (John 21:1-7) or at His ascension (Acts 1:1-9).  In fact, more than 500 disciples saw Jesus after His resurrection (1 Corinth. 15:3-6).  Through Jesus, we have access to the Father through the Spirit (Eph. 4:18).  And even after the ascension, Paul had an encounter with Jesus on the Road to Damascus (Act 9:1-19).  Jesus did not appear ‘in the flesh’ before Paul, but Paul knew he had an encounter with Jesus.

We see the Holy Ghost coming upon Jesus as a dove (Matt. 3:16-17) and Jesus declares that He and the Father are one (John 10:30).  We also note that in the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and the Word was God, His life is the light for man who was made flesh and is the only begotten of the Father (John 1:1-14). 

Jesus desires us to be one with Him as He is one with the Father that we may abide in that love as well  because the Lord is with us (John 17:18-26)!  Take heart because Jesus is always with us (via the Holy Ghost – Heb. 13:5).  After all, is Jesus is for us who can stand against us (Rom. 8:31)?

So when situations come upon us, is Jesus with us?  Through the Holy Ghost in us (John 14:15-18)!

Jesus WILL come to us.  All we have to do is ask and He will be there (John 14:13-14).  He will never leave us nor forsake us.  Again, the Holy Ghost abides in us, always (John 14:16)!

Amen

4-19-2025 Water Baptism & Baptism in the Spirit

Say what?  didn’t he just do this the last time?  Yep.  But I was preparing this for a bible study at the church I attend and as I was double checking things, Father gave me a few more things to consider concerning baptism.  Hopefully, the information He added will help us gain a little more understanding so don’t just assume this is a duplicate of two weeks ago.  It is, but with more info!

Baptism is a symbol of Christ's burial and resurrection. Our entrance into the water during baptism identifies us with Christ's death on the cross, His burial in the tomb and as we rise up, His resurrection from the dead.  It is a symbol of our brand new life as a Christian.  It is an outward ‘cleansing’ of the body reflecting the inward cleansing of the soul.  It is symbolic so we don’t take a bath when being baptized with water (don’t take the soap, lol).

Washing away our sin 

Baptism with water is an outward indication of the cleansing of our soul within.  But before we can be cleansed, we need to acknowledge that all of mankind are sinners and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:19-23), even me.  Then we need to acknowledge that Jesus as the Son of God who came into this world to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and sin (1 John 1:7-10).  Then we need to confess Jesus as Lord of our lives with our mouth and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, then we shall be saved (Romans 10:9).  

God is not bound by ‘human’ protocol but by His Word (Heb. 6:13-20).  So our ‘human order’ of events is not necessarily God’s order. 

      Rom. 6:1-11                Buried with Christ in death but raised to life eternal in Jesus.

The thief on the cross did not receive ‘scriptural’ water baptism.  The Jews did not allow a body to remain on the cross on the Sabbath so the thief’s legs were broken, before sunset.  Thus we know the thief was dead by the time he was taken from the cross (John 19:31-32).  Ergo there was no water baptism for thief.  The Jewish day was (generally) 6PM to 6PM.  In Gen. 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23 & 31 God said the evening and the morning were day #1, etc.

      Luke 23:39-43             This day you will be with me in paradise

When the thief said “Remember me …”, he was acknowledging Jesus as his Savior and Jesus replied “today you will be with Me in paradise”. Jesus acknowledged the thief’s confession unto salvation and gave him the promise of eternal life.

      Rom. 10:9 (again)       Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart ….

This passage is pretty clear – we believe that Jesus is our Savior, confess the same with our mouth and believe, with all our heart) that we will be with Him throughout eternity.  We will!

Rom. 10:13-15      Believing comes by hearing/hearing by a preacher/the preacher is he who was sent

So how do we get the opportunity to make our decision?  Usually, a preacher (or someone other than ourselves) will share Jesus with us, but God has to inspire that someone to come to us so we can hear about the love of Jesus so we can believe and choose.

      Isaiah  38:17                Sin cast behind My back

      Micah 7:19                  Cast our sins into the depth of the sea

So what happens to our sin? God forgets all confessed sin and does as Isaiah and Micah say.  I like to say ”God forgives us our sin, put them behind his back and they slide off into the sea of forgetfulness.”  And that’s the truth!

    Acts 22:16                   Be baptized and wash away your sins

      1 Peter 3:21                Baptism washes our conscience clean

So we are baptized in water as a symbol of our sins being washed away by the blood of the lamb (Jesus) and we are raised a new creature in Christ Jesus.  But more importantly, our conscience is clean.  As we said, God forgets forgiven sins.  So should we! 

      Matt. 3:11-17              Jesus is baptized with water

Jesus had to be baptized by John (the Baptist) indicating that he has washed away the sins of the world so He would be qualified to step in as our savior.  Understand that Jesus’ heart was always right with Father (Matt. 3:17, Math. 17:5).  Yet He gave an outward expression for our benefit and was baptized with water.  He was obedient to that which was necessary.

Acts 8:5-15            In Samaria, Phillip baptized with water but later Peter & John baptized people in the Holy Ghost

Acts 8:28-38          Eunuch baptized by Phillip

Philip expresses the need to continue with water baptism as an expression for our salvation experience.  The eunuch agreed and when they came to some water “what prevents me now?” Yet Peter and John indicate that there is more to come.

Acts 10:34-47        Cornelius and his family baptized in the Holy Ghost then in water

Acts 19:1-6            Paul baptizes twelve disciples in Ephesus.  “Have you received the received the Holy Ghost since you believed?” 

The twelve with Paul clearly understood who God is and had received John’s baptism for repentance but did not necessarily include knowledge of who Jesus nor the Holy Ghost is.   These passages reflects Father’s focus on our heart and not just on what we do.  Note that when the thief on the cross acknowledged who Jesus is, then Jesus acknowledged the change in the thief’s heart and assures him salvation. 

Again, water baptism reflects the cleansing of our heart and soul.  Sometimes, even Christians get hung up on the order of protocol and if things aren’t done in a certain order they are not valid.  I thank God that He judges our actions as He looks at our heart.  But understand, we first have to receive Jesus into our heart before we can receive either baptism with water or the Holy Ghost!

 

1 Corinth. 10:1-2                     Even Israel was baptized in water (as they crossed the Red Sea).

Israel followed the ‘cloud’ (God’s presence (Exod. 13:21) so they passed through the Red Sea under the cloud, thereby receiving their water baptism.

So now let us talk about receiving power. 

John 14:15-17        As we abide in Jesus, the Comforter (HG) shall be in us.

We saw the Holy Ghost come upon Jesus with His baptism by John.  Jesus promises that the Holy Ghost shall abide in us as well.

John 20:22             Jesus commands us to receive the Holy Ghost

Acts 1:4-8              Promise of the Holy Ghost for it is He who brings us power

The Holy Ghost is the breath of God (pneuma G4151) and this is the same Holy Ghost in which Jesus operated.  It is also the same Holt Ghost through wWhom God created all things (Gen.1:1-2).  Jesus gave us the authority (G1849 exsousia (Matt. 10:1, Luke 10:1, 17) but through the Holy Ghost, we gain dunamis power (G1411), violent or explosive power, the ability to get the job done!

Acts 2:1-18            Apostles and disciples receive baptism of the Holy Ghost

Acts 9:17-18          Ananias prays Paul to receive the Holy Ghost

Acts 10:34-47        Cornelius and his household receive the Holy Ghost

Acts 19:1-6            The twelve in Ephesus receive the Holy Ghost

Four New Testament examples of people, other than Jesus, being baptized with the Holy Ghost after Jesus ascension(Actds1:9-11).  Note that both Jews and Gentiles (us non-Jews) are also to receive the Holy Ghost and It is not ‘just’ a suggestion.  A thing is established by two or more witnesses (Matt. 18:16).

Rom. 8:26-27        Holy Ghost helps us to pray, He intercedes for us.

1 Corinth. 14:14-19  Praying in the Spirit edifies us but we don’t understand what is being said. Pray in the Spirit, but also pray with understanding so all may be blessed (even ourselves).

Want a closer relationship with the Lord?  The Holy Ghost helps us to do just that.

1 Corinth. 13:1-2  Love is the foundation of our ‘Spiritual’ speaking with others

Luke 12:11-12       Holy Ghost will give us what we should say

2 Tim. 2:7              Holy Ghost will give us understanding

John 16:13-15        Holy Ghost will guide us into truth and show us things to come

Eph. 6:18               Persevere in all prayer and supplications in the Spirit

The Holy Ghost is He who gives us knowledge, understanding and wisdom so we know how to deal with all situations which come upon us.  He is our strength to persevere.  He will never lie to us and He gives us direction in this life.  So whatsoever we say and do should be in love and done to edify others and the Holy Ghost will give us what we need when we need it.  We need to keep a prayerful attitude.  Obviously we cannot be on our knees 24-7, but the Holy Ghost will help us in all situations!

John 14:10-13        We can do those things which Jesus did and greater.  If we ask anything in His name, He will do it!

The Holy Ghost gives us the power to do that to which Father has called us.  Our job is to believe, receive, then do (Matt. 21:22).

1 John 4:13            We know that God is in us via the indwelling Holy Ghost

Should we doubt, this passage tells us that the Holy Ghost will confirm our salvation.

1 Thess. 4:16-17    We shall be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air

The Holy Ghost in us is who gives us the power to meet Jesus when that time comes.

Many believe that we receive the Holy Ghost when we receive Jesus into our heart. Some of these passages imply that may not necessarily be the case.  Not going to argue here, but consider this:  should we receive the Holy Ghost at the same time we receive Jesus, too many Christians, perhaps without realizing it, immediately put Him (the HG) in a closet and don’t allow Him to operate fully in our lives.  That is we “quench” the Holy Ghost.  And Paul reminds us “not to quench the Spirit (HG)” (1 Thess. 5:19).  As we allow Holy Ghost free reign in our life, we will see these passages and more become manifested in us and through us!  Glory to God!

Again water baptism reflects the heartfelt commitment we’ve made to Jesus and the baptism of the Holy Ghost truly gives us the power, to have a productive life and to live in, for and through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

 

 4-5-2025    Water Baptism & Baptism in the Spirit

  

Baptism is a symbol of Christ's burial and resurrection. Our entrance into the water during baptism identifies us with Christ's death on the cross, His burial in the tomb and as we rise up, His resurrection from the dead.  It is a symbol of our brand new life as a Christian.  It is an outward ‘cleansing’ of the body reflecting the inward cleansing of the soul.  It is symbolic so we don’t take a bath when being baptized with water (don’t take the soap, lol).

Washing away our sin 

Baptism with water is an outward indication of the cleansing of our soul within.  But before we can be cleansed, we need to acknowledge that all of mankind are sinners and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:19-23).  Then we need to acknowledge that Jesus as the Son of God who came into this world to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and sin (1 John 1:7-10).  Then we need to confess Jesus as Lord of our lives with our mouth and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, then we shall be saved (Romans 10:9). 

God is not bound by ‘human’ protocol but by His Word (He. 6:13-20).  So our ‘human order’ of events is not necessarily God’s order. 

      Rom. 6:1-11                Buried with Christ in death but raised to life eternal in Jesus

The thief on the cross did not receive ‘scriptural’ water baptism.  The thief’s legs were broken so we know the thief was dead by the time he was taken from the cross (John 19:31-32) – result was no water baptism for him

      Luke 23:39-43             This day you will be with me in paradise

When the thief said “Remember me …”, he was acknowledging Jesus as his Savior and Jesus replied “today you will be with Me in paradise”. Jesus acknowledged the thief’s confession unto salvation.

      Rom. 10:9                    Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart ….

This passage is pretty clear – we believe that Jesus is our Savior, confess the same with our mouth and believe, with all our heart) that we will be with Him throughout eternity.  We will!

 Rom. 10:13-15      Believing comes by hearing/hearing by a preacher/the preacher is he was sent

So how do we get the opportunity to make our decision?  Usually, a preacher (or someone other than ourselves) will share Jesus with us, but God has to inspire that someone to come to us so we can hear about the love of Jesus so we can believe.

      Isaiah  38:17                Sin cast behind My back

      Micah 7:19                  Cast our sins into the depth of the sea

So what happens to our sin? God forgets all confessed sin and does as Isaiah and Micah say.  I like to say ”God forgives us our sin, put them behind his back and they slide off into the sea of forgetfulness.”

      Acts 22:16                   Be baptized and wash away your sins

      1 Peter 3:21                Baptism washes our conscience clean

So we are baptized in water as a symbol of our sins being washed away by the blood of the lamb (Jesus) and we are raised a new creature in Christ Jesus.  As we said, God forgets forgiven sins.  And so should we! 

      Matt. 3:11-17              Jesus is baptized with water

Jesus had to be baptized by John (the Baptist) indicating that he has washed away the sins of the world so He would be qualified to step in as our savior.  Understand that Jesus’ heart was always right with Father (Matt. 3:17, Math. 17:5).  Yet He gave an outward expression for our benefit.

Acts 8:5-15            In Samaria, Phillip baptized with water but Peter & John baptized them in in the Holy Ghost

Acts8:28-38           Eunuch baptized by Phillip

Philip expresses the need to continue with water baptism as an expression for our salvation experience.  Yet, Peter and John indicate that there is more to come.

Acts 10:34-47        Cornelius and his family baptized in the Holy Ghost then in water

Acts 19:1-6            Paul baptizes twelve disciples in Ephesus.  “Have you received the received the Holy Ghost since you believed?” 

Understand, John’s baptism was for repentance but did not necessarily include knowledge of who Jesus is nor the Holy Ghost.   These passages reflects Father’s focus on our heart and not just on what we do.  Note that with the thief on the cross, the thief acknowledged who Jesus is, then Jesus acknowledged the change in the thief’s heart and assures him of salvation. 

Again, water baptism reflects the cleansing of our heart and soul.  Sometimes, even Christians get hung up on the order of protocol and if things aren’t done in a certain order they are not valid.  I thank God that He judges our actions as He looks at our heart.  But understand, we first have to receive Jesus into our heart before we can receive baptism with water or the Holy Ghost

So now let us talk about receiving power.

 John 14:15-17        As we abide in Jesus, the Comforter (HG) shall be in us

We saw the Holy Ghost come upon Jesus with His baptism by John.  Jesus promises that the Holy Ghost shall abide in us as well.

John 20:22             Jesus commands us to receive the Holy Ghost

Acts 1:4-8              Promise of the Holy Ghost is He who brings us power

The Holy Ghost is the breath of God (pneuma G4151) and this is the same Holy Ghost in which Jesus operated.  Jesus gave us the authority (G1849 exsousia (Matt.:1, Luke 10:1, 17) but through the Holy Ghost, we gain dunamis power (G1411), the ability to get the job done!

 Acts 2:1-18            Apostles and disciples receive baptism of the Holy Ghost

Acts 9:17-18          Ananias prays Paul to receive the Holy Ghost

Acts 10:34-47        Cornelius and his household receive the Holy Ghost

Acts 19:1-6            The twelve in Ephesus receive the Holy Ghost

Four New Testament examples of people, other than Jesus, being baptized with the Holy Ghost.  Note that both Jews and Gentiles (us non-Jews) are also to receive the Holy Ghost and It is not ‘just’ a suggestion.  A thing is established by two or more witnesses (Matt. 18:16).

Rom. 8:26-27        Holy Ghost helps us to pray, He intercedes for us.

1 Corinth. 14:14-19  Praying in the Spirit edifies us but we don’t understand what is being said. Pray in the Spirit, but pray with understanding so all may be blessed.

Want a closer relationship with the Lord?  The Holy Ghost helps us to do just that.

1 Corinth. 13:1-2  Love is the foundation of our ‘Spiritual’ speaking with others

Luke 12:11-12       Holy Ghost will give us what we should say

John 16:13-15        Holy Ghost will guide us into truth and show us things to come

Eph. 6:18               Persevere in all prayer and supplications in the Spirit

The Holy Ghost is He who gives us knowledge and wisdom so we know how to deal with all situations which come upon us.  He will never lie to us and He gives us direction in this life.  So whatsoever we say and do should be in love and done to edify others.

John 14:10-13        We can do those things which Jesus did and greater.  If we ask anything in His name, He will do it!

The Holy Ghost gives us the power to do that to which Father has called us.  Our job is to receive and believe (matt. 21:22).

1 John 4:13            We know that God is in us via the indwelling Holy Ghost

This passage tells us that the Holy Ghost (should we doubt) will confirm our salvation.

1 Thess. 4:16-17    We shall be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air

The Holy Ghost in us is who gives us the power to meet Jesus when that time comes.

Many believe that we receive the Holy Ghost when we receive Jesus into our heart. Some of these passages imply that may not necessarily be the case.  Not going to argue here, but consider this:  should we receive the Holy Ghost at the same time we receive Jesus, too many Christians, perhaps without realizing it, immediately put Him (the HG) in a closet and don’t allow Him to operate fully in our lives.  That is we “quench” the Holy Ghost.  And Paul reminds us “not to quench the Spirit (HG)” (1 Thess. 5:19).  As we allow Holy Ghost free reign in our life, we will see these passages and more become manifested in us and through us!

Again water baptism reflects the heartfelt commitment we’ve made to Jesus and the baptism of the Holy Ghost truly gives us the power, to have a productive life and to live in, for and through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen