Names of Jesus – Jesus Christ the Messiah

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

NAMES OF JESUS – JESUS CHRIST THE MESSIAH

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout [cautiously and carefully observing the divine Law], and looking for the Consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been divinely revealed (communicated) to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). 27 And prompted by the [Holy] Spirit, he came into the temple [enclosure]; and when the parents brought in the little child Jesus to do for Him what was customary according to the Law, 28 [Simeon] took Him up in his arms and praised and thanked God and said, 29 And now, Lord, You are releasing Your servant to depart (leave this world) in peace, according to Your word. 30 For with my [own] eyes I have seen Your Salvation, 31 Which You have ordained and prepared before (in the presence of) all peoples, 32 A Light for revelation to the Gentiles [to disclose what was before unknown] and [to bring] praise and honor and glory to Your people Israel. Luke 2:25-32 AMP

All Jewish baby boys were brought to the priest and dedicated to God as babies. Simeon is the priest who dedicated Jesus. He had a promise from God that he would not die before he saw the Messiah; the Savior Israel was waiting for; the Seed that would bruise the devil’s head as promised in Genesis 3:15. The Messiah’s name is Jesus Christ. Christ means Anointed One or Messiah.

1. Jesus is the Messiah.

– Luke 2:11 AMP- For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!

– Hebrews 5:5-6 AMP – So too Christ (the Messiah) did not exalt Himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed and exalted by Him Who said to Him, You are My Son; today I have begotten You; 6 As He says also in another place, You are a Priest [appointed] forever after the order (with the rank) of Melchizedek.

– John 1:40-41 AMP – One of the two who heard what John said and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first sought out and found his own brother Simon and said to him, We have found (discovered) the Messiah! — which translated is the Christ (the Anointed One).

– Luke 4:41 AMP – And demons even came out of many people, screaming and crying out, You are the Son of God! But He rebuked them and would not permit them to speak, because they knew that He was the Christ (the Messiah).

2. He is the Anointed One – anointed to do good.

– Acts 10:38 AMP – How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the [Holy] Spirit and with strength and ability and power; how He went about doing good and, in particular, curing all who were harassed and oppressed by [the power of] the devil, for God was with Him.

3. The spotless Lamb of God – Christ the Messiah – died and gave His life for us.

– Romans 5:8 AMP – But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.

– 1 Peter 1:19 AMP – But [you were purchased] with the precious blood of Christ (the Messiah), like that of a [sacrificial] lamb without blemish or spot.

– Colossians 1:22 AMP – Yet now has [Christ, the Messiah] reconciled [you to God] in the body of His flesh through death, in order to present you holy and faultless and irreproachable in His [the Father’s] presence.

– Romans 5:17 AMP – For if because of one man’s trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

– 1 Peter 3:18 AMP – For Christ [the Messiah Himself] died for sins once for all, the Righteous for the unrighteous (the Just for the unjust, the Innocent for the guilty), that He might bring us to God. In His human body He was put to death, but He was made alive in the Spirit.

4. There is only One way to God for any man or woman on the earth – it is through Jesus Christ the Messiah.

– Acts 15:8-9 AMP – And God, Who is acquainted with and understands the heart, bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit as He also did to us; 9 And He made no difference between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith (by a strong and welcome conviction that Jesus is the Messiah, through Whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God).

5. There is only one foundation you can lay for your life – Jesus Christ. If you believe in Him you will be born-again.

– 1 Corinthians 3:11 AMP – For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

– 1 John 5:1 AMP – Everyone who believes (adheres to, trusts, and relies on the fact) that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah) is a born-again child of God; and everyone who loves the Father also loves the one born of Him (His offspring).

6. The Word of God calls liars those who refuse to acknowledge Him as the Christ; the Messiah.

– 1 John 2:22 AMP – Who is [such a] liar as he who denies that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah)? He is the antichrist (the antagonist of Christ), who [habitually] denies and refuses to acknowledge the Father and the Son.

7. All heaven declares that He is Lord and Messiah and He shall reign forever.

– Revelation 11:15 AMP – The seventh angel then blew [his] trumpet, and there were mighty voices in heaven, shouting, The dominion (kingdom, sovereignty, rule) of the world has now come into the possession and become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ (the Messiah), and He shall reign forever and ever (for the eternities of the eternities)!

Faith & Praise

[For Abraham, human reason for] hope being gone, hoped in faith that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been promised, So [numberless] shall your descendants be. 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered the [utter] impotence of his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] the barrenness of Sarah’s [deadened] womb. 20 No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, 21 Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised.  Romans 4:18-21 AMP

Faith is defined as: confidence or trust in a person or thing; a belief that is not based on observed proof or evidence. Abraham had no proof – other than God’s promise to him – that he would have a son. According to his and Sarah’s advanced age and her barrenness, it was physically and naturally impossible. However, he still continued to unwaveringly believe and trust in God’s word to him. In fact, with every passing year, his faith grew stronger, rather than weaker! The scripture tells us that Abraham grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God.

Praise and faith go hand in hand!

Abraham praised God and gave Him glory and all the time his faith was also being strengthened. Ephesians 1:12 AMP says, “So that we who first hoped in Christ [who first put our confidence in Him have been destined and appointed to] live for the praise of His glory!” When we put our confidence in Father God and in Jesus Christ, we have a reason to praise and rejoice! At the same time, praising Him and rejoicing in His goodness, strengthens our faith in Him.

For we [Christians] are the true circumcision, who worship God in spirit and by the Spirit of God and exult and glory and pride ourselves in Jesus Christ, and put no confidence or dependence [on what we are] in the flesh and on outward privileges and physical advantages and external appearances
. Philippians 3:3 AMP

But Christ (the Messiah) was faithful over His [own Father’s] house as a Son [and Master of it]. And it is we who are [now members] of this house, if we hold fast and firm to the end our joyful and exultant confidence and sense of triumph in our hope [in Christ].  Hebrews 3:6 AMP

A true follower of Christ puts no confidence in the flesh, but in God’s word alone. A true follower is also a true worshiper. We are indeed members of the household of faith if we hold fast and firm to the end, with a joyful and exultant confidence in our hope, who is Christ. We don’t praise God only because everything is going well for us – we praise Him no matter what the circumstances – we praise Him because He is the answer to our problems and the way out of our predicament. We praise Him for all He has done, for all He is doing and especially for all He is going to do!

I like what it says in Hebrews 3:6 (AMP) also: that we should have a “sense of triumph”! Hallelujah! We can praise and worship God in hope, with a sense that we have already won the battle – and indeed we have for Jesus has already defeated our foe! We WILL triumph – we WILL be victorious – if we keep believing and if we keep praising! If praise and worship – in faith – to God could bring Jericho’s impenetrable walls down, then praise and worship and faith will bring down any walls that the devil has erected against you!

Here are some scriptures that demonstrate faith and worship in action and the wonderful benefits of both:

In the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children shall always have a place of refuge.  Proverbs 14:26 AMP

O God, my heart is fixed (steadfast, in the confidence of faith); I will sing, yes, I will sing praises, even with my glory [all the faculties and powers of one created in Your image]! 
Psalms 108:1 AMP

The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall be glad in the Lord and shall trust and take refuge in Him; and all the upright in heart shall glory and offer praise.  Psalms 64:10 AMP

And He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many shall see and fear (revere and worship) and put their trust and confident reliance in the Lord.
  Psalms 40:3 AMP

But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits.
  Psalms 5:11 AMP

What time I am afraid, I will have confidence in and put my trust and reliance in You. 4 By [the help of] God I will praise His word; on God I lean, rely, and confidently put my trust; I will not fear. What can man, who is flesh, do to me?  Psalms 56:3-4 AMP

For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my trust from my youth and the source of my confidence. 6 Upon You have I leaned and relied from birth; You are He Who took me from my mother’s womb and You have been my benefactor from that day. My praise is continually of You. 7 I am as a wonder and surprise to many, but You are my strong refuge. 8 My mouth shall be filled with Your praise and with Your honor all the day.  Psalms 71:5-8 AMP

 

Heavenly Bread

So the people, finding that neither Jesus nor His disciples were there, themselves got into the small boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. 25 And when they found Him on the other side of the lake, they said to Him, Rabbi! When did You come here? 26 Jesus answered them, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, you have been searching for Me, not because you saw the miracles and signs but because you were fed with the loaves and were filled and satisfied.  John 6:24-26 AMP

Jesus fed the multitude of people because He loved them and cared about them.  When He left the place where they were, they came to look for Him, not because they had a spiritual hunger or because they wanted more of His ministry and His teaching, they just wanted the food! Jesus rebuked them for their carnal motivation. Many people follow Jesus just because of what they can get from Him – they use religion to gain money, positions, prestige, comfort, or even political votes, but those are totally self-centered motives. A true believer will follow Jesus simply because they know He is the Truth, the Way and the Life! Every one of us should do a regular heart-check. Are we following Jesus for what He can give us – or for what we can get out of it – or are we totally committed to Him; even if it costs us; even unto death? There is a price to pay to serve Him.

Stop toiling and doing and producing for the food that perishes and decomposes [in the using], but strive and work and produce rather for the [lasting] food which endures [continually] unto life eternal; the Son of Man will give (furnish) you that, for God the Father has authorized and certified Him and put His seal of endorsement upon Him. 28 They then said, What are we to do, that we may [habitually] be working the works of God? [What are we to do to carry out what God requires?] 29 Jesus replied, This is the work (service) that God asks of you: that you believe in the One Whom He has sent [that you cleave to, trust, rely on, and have faith in His Messenger].  John 6:27-29 AMP

Jesus told them to stop striving and working so hard for the things – and the food – that will perish and pass away. He told them to rather strive for and work for those things that last forever. Jesus – God’s Word – is the source of the food that lasts forever unto eternal life. Many sincere people seek to find a way to please God and to receive a reward for their works, but they don’t know to go about it. All the religions of the world are trying to find the answers. Jesus ’answer is simple: believe on the One whom God has sent. You must believe that Jesus is who He says that He is – that He is the Messiah – the Christ – the Son of the Living God. We must believe in what He said and what He did and who He is. That is the way to please God.

Therefore they said to Him, What sign (miracle, wonderwork) will You perform then, so that we may see it and believe and rely on and adhere to You? What [supernatural] work have You [to show what You can do]? 31 Our forefathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as the Scripture says, He gave them bread out of heaven to eat. 32 Jesus then said to them, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, Moses did not give you the Bread from heaven [what Moses gave you was not the Bread from heaven], but it is My Father Who gives you the true heavenly Bread.

33 For the Bread of God is He Who comes down out of heaven and gives life to the world. 34 Then they said to Him, Lord, give us this bread always (all the time)!

35 Jesus replied, I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry, and he who believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me will never thirst any more (at any time).  John 6:30-35 AMP

Some people are never satisfied with the signs God gives them. They always want yet another sign before they’ll believe, and the signs God gives are never good enough for them. They always have an excuse for their doubt and unbelief and disobedience. Jesus told us about a rich man that ended up in Hades. He begged Abraham to send the beggar Lazarus to warn his brothers not to come to this terrible place of torment, but Abraham said to him: “If they do not hear and listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded and convinced and believe [even] if someone should rise from the dead.” (Luke 16:31 AMP)  God wants us to trust in His Word, because it is His Word, not just because it’s what we wanted to hear. God is not in the business of entertaining us with magic tricks, but He will tell us and show us the truth. We must trust Him and obey Him in faith!

The miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes was not enough for the unbelieving crowds, because, as they put it: “Even Moses fed us with Manna – bread from heaven! What can You do, Jesus, over and above that, to prove to us that we should believe and follow You?” Jesus replied that Moses didn’t give them true bread from heaven; he gave them supernatural bread that only fed their physical bodies, but not their spirits. Jesus said, “I am that Heavenly Bread; I am the Bread of Life!” Then the people said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always – all the time!” They were still focused on the bread they could put in their mouths and their stomachs.

Jesus’ answer to them was, “I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry, and he who believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me will never thirst anymore.” People eat natural bread to satisfy physical hunger and to sustain physical life. We can satisfy spiritual hunger and sustain spiritual life only by having a right relationship with Jesus Christ. We can’t just stare at the heavenly bread, but we must actually eat it. We must receive God’s Word and allow Him into our heart and our daily life.

 

THIRTY THINGS THAT GRACE CANNOT DO – PART X

27. Grace cannot encourage anarchy in God’s government.

 

And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”  Genesis 2:16-17 NKJV

 

If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; 20 But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.  Isaiah 1:19-20 AMP

 

28. Grace cannot force God to be lenient with rebels.

 

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:23 NKJV

 

[Therefore beware] brethren, take care, lest there be in any one of you a wicked, unbelieving heart [which refuses to cleave to, trust in, and rely on Him], leading you to turn away and desert or stand aloof from the living God. 13 But instead warn (admonish, urge, and encourage) one another every day, as long as it is called Today, that none of you may be hardened [into settled rebellion] by the deceitfulness of sin [by the fraudulence, the stratagem, the trickery which the delusive glamor of his sin may play on him].  Hebrews3:12-13 AMP

 

29. Grace cannot give any man a pardon that guarantees him salvation and eternal life regardless of how he lives in sin and rebellion.

 

What shall we say [to all this]? Are we to remain in sin in order that God’s grace (favor and mercy) may multiply and overflow? 2 Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?  Romans 6:1-2 AMP

 

[Live] as free people, [yet] without employing your freedom as a pretext for wickedness; but [live at all times] as servants of God.  1 Peter 2:16 AMP

 

Yet now, if You will forgive their sin — but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.” 33 And the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.  Exodus 32:32-33 NKJV

 

Add iniquity to their iniquity, And let them not come into Your righteousness. 28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, And not be written with the righteous.  Psalms 69:27-28 NKJV

 

He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.  Revelation 3:5 NKJV

 

And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.  Revelation 20:15 NKJV

 

But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.  Revelation 21:27 NKJV

 

30. Grace cannot ever forgive, redeem, or pardon the devil and demons.

 

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while. 4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. 7 Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. 9 They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. 10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. 11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.  Revelation 20:1-15 NKJV

Say Yes and Do Yes

But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. 29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. 30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. 31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.  Matthew 21:28-32 KJV

The father of the two sons asked them to work in his vineyard. One initially said no, but afterwards went and obeyed his father. The other said yes, but then disobeyed him.  Which one of them pleased his father? Obviously, the one who actually obeyed him was the one who pleased him. There are many Christians, who think that mere lip service is enough, but our actions must match our words. There are others, who feel that they have disqualified themselves, because they were disobedient in the past; but it is never too late to obey God’s call.  Of course, the very best is up for us to say yes, and then go and do what we said we would do.  However, if we did initially say no, now is a great time to say yes, and then to actually go do it!

I tell you, for this reason the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce the fruits of it.  Matthew 21:43 AMP

Jesus said that the kingdom of God would be given to a people who will produce the fruits of it.  If we want God’s blessing, favor, power, and anointing to be on us, then we must be faithful to use them to bless people and to extend His kingdom.  We cannot brag about how we have been given the keys to the kingdom, while we either sit on our bottoms and do nothing, or if we run around doing everything except what He specifically told us to do.

Jesus said to them, My food (nourishment) is to do the will (pleasure) of Him Who sent Me and to accomplish and completely finish His work.  John 4:34 AMP

Jesus was a Son who did everything his Father asked him to do.  He is our example of willingness and complete obedience.

For I have come down from heaven not to do My own will and purpose but to do the will and purpose of Him Who sent Me.  John 6:38 AMP

Your highest call is to do the will and purpose of your Heavenly Father, and not your own.

Jesus was still speaking to the people when behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak to Him. 47 Someone said to Him, Listen! Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak to You. 48 But He replied to the man who told Him, Who is My mother, and who are My brothers? 49 And stretching out His hand toward [not only the twelve disciples but all] His adherents, He said, Here are My mother and My brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother!  Matthew 12:46-50 AMP

You did not have to be born into Jesus blood family to be his brother or sister or mother.  All you have to do is the will of your Father in Heaven.  That means that any one of us can consider ourselves the immediate family of Jesus, if we are a doer of the Word of God.

Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name? 23 And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]. 24 So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock. 25 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man who built his house upon the sand. 27 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell — and great and complete was the fall of it.  Matthew 7:21-27 AMP

Not everyone who calls Jesus his or her Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the person who does the will of His Father Who is in heaven.  That is a scary thought! Even if people prophesied and cast out demons and did many mighty works, in Jesus’ name, if they personally disobeyed His word, He will not acknowledge them as His own on the day they stand before Him.  Do not say that you are a servant of God if you are not a doer of His Word.  It is vitally important that you take stock of your life and that you make sure that you do highly respect God’s word and that you faithfully apply His word to every aspect of your life. Say YES today to the Father, Son and Holy Ghost – with your words, and in your actions!

RUN TO THE WATER

Foundation Scriptures:

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 .They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.  Mark 16:15-20 KJV

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 2:38 KJV

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  Romans 6:3-6 KJV

 

1.   Baptize 

a.    The word “baptize” means to immerse or submerge; to bury.

b.    To go under.

c.    Not just sprinkled.

d.    If something dies, you do not sprinkle dirt on it; you dig a hole and bury it.

e.    Babies are not baptized – they are dedicated.

 

2.   Types of Baptisms in Scripture

a.    Naaman the leper – dipped 7 times

b.    John the Baptist – baptism unto repentance.

i.        Not a New Testament baptism.

ii.        Jesus had not died and risen yet.

iii.        It was a baptism of obedience, signifying repentance.

c.    Jesus set the example for us in His baptism of obedience.

 

3.   Ours is a New Testament Baptism.

a.    There are three kinds of baptism:

i.              Baptism into the body of Christ at the New Birth – accomplished by the Holy Spirit – Ephesians 2:18; Titus 3:5.

ii.             Baptism with water – man baptizes you in water – Matthew 3:11.

iii.            Baptism in the Holy Spirit – Jesus is the Baptizer in the Holy Ghost – Mark 1:8; Acts 1:5.

 

4.   Salvation, Baptism in Water, and Baptism in the Holy Spirit

a.    Sometimes people pray a salvation prayer, but don’t let go of the past.

b.    Baptism in water is a break with the past.

c.    The devil does not want people baptized in water any more than he wants them saved or filled with the Holy Ghost. He will try to fight it or water it down with religion.

d.    Christians, like the Anabaptists, paid a price for the restoration of the truth of water-baptism to the Body of Christ. They preached against baby “baptism” or sprinkling. They preached that baptism was only for a professed believer in Jesus Christ.

e.    Some were drowned in their own baptismal waters by their enemies.

f.      In Africa, you can pray with people for salvation, but when you begin to water-baptize them, all hell breaks loose. Witchdoctors don’t like it, because they will lose all their customers.

g.    In religious churches, they preach a watered down Gospel and if you start water-baptizing, know that you will see the religious spirits manifesting.

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 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. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.  Colossians 2:11-15 KJV

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. 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 3:20-21 KJV

 

5.   Water Baptism Doesn’t Save You, the Word of God Does

a.    You must realize – grasp and understand clearly – what you are doing.

b.    Mix faith with your action of baptism.

c.    It is the beginning of the process of renewing the mind.

d.    When people have backslidden, it is a point of contact for a new beginning.

e.    A burial of the Old Man and a resurrection of the New Man.

f.      Water baptism provides you with the answer of a good, clean conscience.

g.    Stripping away the old carnal nature with its passions and lusts.

h.    Circumcision of the soul.

 

6.   It’s Time to Run to the Waters

NO FEAR LIVES HERE

Foundation scriptures:
1 Peter 5:7-10 (AMPC)
Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

8 Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.

9 Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world.

10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you.

The Word of God is final authority in your life.
• What dominates you: fear or faith? Choose faith.
• Anxiety and worries are fear motivated. Cast your cares on the Lord.
• Faith and fear are polar opposites.

2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

1 John 4:18 (KJV) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Job 3:25 (KJV) For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.
• Fear is the message of the devil. Faith is the message of Christ.
• Fear is an enemy of faith.
• Fear is a spirit.
• Fear is yielding to the lies of the devil. Faith is yielding to the Word of God.
• Fear causes torment and brings bondage.
• Fear is often based on unreal things (fear of death, future, etc.).
• F.E.A.R. False Evidence Appearing Real
• Fear is one of the biggest hindrances to people receiving from God.
• Fear questions God’s Word.
• Fear paralyzes. Faith energizes.
• Fear opens the door to the devil. Faith closes it.
DECLARE: NO FEAR LIVES HERE!

2 Kings 17:38-39 (AMPC) And the covenant that I have made with you you shall not forget; you shall not fear other gods. 39 But the Lord your God you shall [reverently] fear; then He will deliver you out of the hands of all your enemies.
• The only One Who we are to fear is God and even then, it is not a fear of fright. It is a reverential fear.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV) Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Joshua 10:25 (AMPC) Joshua said to them, Fear not nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage. For thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom you fight.

FAITH –

Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
• Faith begins where the will of God is known.
• Faith refuses doubt.
• Godly boldness is fearless.
• The devil is a hope thief.
• The devil cannot steal your hope without your permission!
• Circumstances in life can become hope thieves if you allow them to.

Romans 8:24-25 (KJV) For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
• God makes a promise. Faith believes it. Hope anticipates it. Patience quietly awaits it.

Proverbs 13:12 (KJV) Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
• Hope is putting faith to work when doubt is knocking at the door.
• Faith or fear – Which one are you speaking?

John 4:35 (KJV) Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

John 10:10 (AMPC) The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

James 2:20 (KJV) But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
• When you desire something, move in that direction and God will do the rest.
• Moses didn’t see miracles until he obeyed and confronted Pharaoh.
• Joshua didn’t see the walls of Jericho fall down till they marched around it seven times and then shouted praises to God; it was the shout that took it out.
• Are you faithful or faith empty?
DECLARE: NO FEAR LIVES HERE!

Romans 12:3 (KJV) … God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
• There are a thousand ways of pleasing God, but not one without faith.

John 15:7 (KJV) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
• Feed your faith and starve your doubts.

DECLARE: NO FEAR LIVES HERE!

Luke 1:37 (KJV) For with God nothing shall be impossible.

PROCLAIM JOY TO THE WORLD

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”  Luke 2:8-14 NKJV

At Jesus’ birth, the angels announced good news to the shepherds and told them that it was a message of joy to ALL people – ALL nations! Jesus was born to bring salvation, deliverance, healing, peace and joy to ALL people, from every nation – no one is excluded – anyone who believes in Him will experience this salvation and JOY! Before the Lord does anything, He announces it – He might send angels, but usually He prophesies it through people, who are anointed by the Holy Spirit.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the unborn baby inside her jumped, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she said to Mary, “God has blessed you more than any other woman. And God has blessed the baby you will have. 43 You are the mother of my Lord, and you have come to me! Why has something so good happened to me? 44 When I heard your voice, the baby inside me jumped with joy. 45 Great blessings are yours because you believed what the Lord said to you! You believed this would happen.”  Luke 1:41-45 ERV

Jesus Christ was still a baby in His mother’s womb when John – himself still in his mother’s belly – leaped for joy in His presence. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit – she knew that there was a special baby in her cousin’s womb and she prophesied over Mary.

Then Mary said, 47 “I praise the Lord with all my heart. I am very happy because God is my Savior. 48 I am not important, but he has shown his care for me, his lowly servant. From now until the end of time, people will remember how much God blessed me. 49 Yes, the Powerful One has done great things for me. His name is very holy. 50 He always gives mercy to those who worship him. 51 He reached out his arm and showed his power. He scattered those who are proud and think great things about themselves. 52 He brought down rulers from their thrones and raised up the humble people. 53 He filled the hungry with good things, but he sent the rich away with nothing. 54 God has helped Israel—the people he chose to serve him. He did not forget his promise to give us his mercy. 55 He has done what he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”  
Luke 1:46-55 ERV

Mary was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied herself of the great things God had done and the great things He was about to do!

Then Zechariah, John’s father, was filled with the Holy Spirit and told the people a message from God: 68 “Praise to the Lord God of Israel. He has come to help his people and has given them freedom. 69 He has given us a powerful Savior from the family of his servant David. 70 This is what he promised through his holy prophets long ago. 71 He will save us from our enemies and from the power of all those who hate us. 72 God said he would show mercy to our fathers, and he remembered his holy agreement. 73 This was the promise he made to our father Abraham, 74 a promise to free us from the power of our enemies, so that we could serve him without fear 75 in a way that is holy and right for as long as we live. 76 “Now you, little boy, will be called a prophet of the Most High God. You will go first before the Lord to prepare the way for him. 77 You will make his people understand that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven. 78 “With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will shine on us. 79 It will bring light to those who live in darkness, in the fear of death. It will guide us into the way that brings peace.”  Luke 1:67-79 ERV

Zechariah did not believe the angel that God would give him and Elizabeth a son called John, so he was unable to utter a word, until John was born and he wrote on a tablet, “His name is John.” Suddenly his tongue was loosed, he was anointed by the Holy Spirit, and he prophesied about the Messiah and about John, who was anointed to go before the Messiah and proclaim His coming.

A man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem. He was a good man who was devoted to God. He was waiting for the time when God would come to help Israel. The Holy Spirit was with him. 26 The Holy Spirit told him that he would not die before he saw the Christ from the Lord. 27 The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. So he was there when Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to do what the Jewish law said they must do. 28 Simeon took the baby in his arms and thanked God: 29 “Now, Lord, you can let me, your servant, die in peace as you said. 30 I have seen with my own eyes how you will save your people. 31 Now all people can see your plan. 32 He is a light to show your way to the other nations. And he will bring honor to your people Israel.”
Luke 2:25-32 ERV

Simeon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, recognized the Messiah when he saw Him and prophesied of the Lord’s salvation to all nations. This was his life’s calling!

In this day and hour, you and I have the privilege to join all these illustrious people – and even the very angels of God – to proclaim God’s goodness and mercy – to proclaim that the Messiah has come to every heart and nation and that His salvation and free favors profusely abound to anyone who will believe and call out to Him in faith!

Let Your Light Shine Pt. 2

SEVEN COMMANDS FOR CHRISTIANS

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls. I Peter 1:6-9 NKJV

Since Jesus is coming back soon, that should strongly motivate us to live for Him.

1. Gird up the loins of your mind:

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus  Christ. 1 Peter 1:13 NKJV

Gird up the loins of your mind: strengthen or put protection around your mind; brace up; take courage. You have the mind of Christ!

2. Be sober:

Be sober: Greek: nepho: to live soberly and righteously. Be watchful, mentally alert, disciplined and/or focused. Don’t just muddle through your    life. Deliberately live for God every day.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live  soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. Titus 2:11-12 NKJV

3. Hope to the end for the fullness of grace and salvation that are to be brought at the coming of Christ:

Rest your hope fully on the grace of God, which is being progressively revealed unto you as you grow in His Word.

For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do  not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Romans 8:24-25 NKJV

4. Do not pattern your new life after your former life of sin:

As obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance.  1 Peter1:14 NKJV

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the  prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the  lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

Ephesians 2:1-3  NKJV

You are a new creature and you must live a new life.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of  God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:17-18 NKJV

5. Be holy in all your manner of life:

But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 NKJV

You are to pattern your life after God in all things.

6. Pass the remaining time of your journey here in the fear of God:

And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay  here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition  from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before  the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and  gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:17-21 NKJV

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is  faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may  be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 NKJV

Don’t put any confidence in yourself or your abilities – they will fail you. Do put all your confidence in your Father – He will never fail you. Even  when temptation comes, He has a plan to deliver and protect you, if you will trust and obey Him.

7. See that you love one another with a pure heart fervently:

Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure  heart. 1 Peter 1:22 NKJV

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  35 By this all will know that  you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:34-35 NKJV

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.  13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for  his friends. John 15:12-13 NKJV

God has shown His love for you through Jesus Christ. Love one another sincerely and earnestly, with no ulterior motives.

Faith Facts

Faith is persistent

Luke 11:9-10 AMP
So I say to you, Ask and keep on asking and it shall be given you; seek and keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks and keeps on asking receives; and he who seeks and keeps on seeking finds; and to him who knocks and keeps on knocking, the door shall be opened.

John 16:24 AMP
Up to this time you have not asked a [single] thing in My Name [as presenting all that I AM]; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and complete.

Faith is single-minded

James 1:5-8 AMP
If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. 6 Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind. 7 For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord, 8 [For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides].

Faith believes God’s promises

Matthew 21:22 KJV
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Matthew 21:22 AMP
And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive.

Mark 11:24 AMP
For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].

Romans 4:17-21 NIV
As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed — the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were. 18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”  19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead — since he was about a hundred years old — and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.

Faith believes without seeing

2 Corinthians 5:6-7 KJV
Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight).

Hebrews 11:1 KJV
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1 AMP
Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].

Galatians 2:20 KJV
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Hebrews 4:2 NKJV
For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 AMP
And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit and power [a proof by the Spirit and power of God, operating on me and stirring in the minds of my hearers the most holy emotions and thus persuading them], 5 So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men (human philosophy), but in the power of God.

Faith never quits

Luke 18:1-8 NKJV
Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man.  3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’  4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man,  5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’” 6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said.  7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?  8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

Faith works through love

Galatians 5:6 AMP
For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love.

Christian television with Rodney Howard Browne

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