Articles
TO SERVE THE LIVING GOD
We need to ask a simple question: WHAT DOES GOD REQUIRE OF YOU, AND ME?? This question was presented long ago to a large group of Jews in Jerusalem.
Their response was, WHAT SHALL WE DO? This was in response to Peter and the Apostles preaching to them the gospel of Christ. (Acts 2:22-36) What do we find the answer given in clear and simple terms: "REPENT AND LET EACH OF YOU BE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF YOUR SINS; AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT." (Acts 2:38)
Let us consider some Scriptures that may shed some light which shows why this was so important, and is still today. They had listened and heard the Gospel of Christ. In the Roman letter we find these words in the First chapter:
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, FOR IT IS THE POWER OF GOD FOR SALVATION TO EVERY ONE WHO BELIEVES, TO THE JEW FIRST AND ALSO TO THE GREEK" (Romans 1:16)
So, we can clearly understand God has given us a plan to be saved from sin. That plan is the Gospel of Christ, and Jesus the very centerpiece for its power. When He was raised from the dead He had victory over death. (1 Corinthians 15:56,57) God, the Father, has given all authority to His Son, Jesus the Christ. So the first step in our obedience to the Gospel is to submit to the AUTHORITY OF JESUS. (Matthew 28:18, Hebrews 1:2)
We are also to realize (as did the Jews on the Day of Pentecost, Acts 2:37) we are all sinners, and in need of a Savior (Acts 2:36; Romans 3:23,24)
"For we all sin and fall short of the glory of God"
After hearing the Word of God, the Gospel of Christ, we need to respond as they did in Jerusalem that day long ago. God is the same today, yesterday, and always. (1 Peter 1:25)
"So then, those WHO HAD RECEIVED THE WORD WERE BAPTIZED, AND THERE WERE ADDED THAT DAY ABOUT THREE THOUSAND SOULS." (Acts 2:41)
After hearing and believing (faith), they were baptized for remission (taking away) of their sins. (Romans 6:3-6; Galatians 3:26,27) They were now part of the body (they were added by God), the church of Christ. This is the church Jesus promised to build in Matthew 16:18. The church Jeus built by shedding His own blood. (Acts 20:28f) (Ephesians 1:22,23; Colossians 1:18) The one which had been prophesized hundreds of years earlier built by Jesus, and now had its beginning in Acts chapter 2.
Can we now conclude Jesus built ONE CHURCH -- the one He sacrificed his very life and blood for? Is this not the one God has chosen, by sending His own Son to put in place?
In this plan and example we find only the blood of Jesus has the power to relieve us of our sins. (1 Peter 1:18; Romans 6:4-7; Hebrews 9:13,14)
"For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctified for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ , who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, CLEANSE YOUR CONSCIENCE FROM DEAD WORKS TO SERVE THE LIVING GOD?" (Hebrews 9:13,14)
How thankful we all should be for this wonderful sacrifice, every day of our lives. God designed and implemented a wonderful plan of salvation, out of His love for us -- a plan that will save us from our sins. However, our part is to receive His Word, and obey that plan so we can look forward with a living hope to being with Him in eternity. God has given us time to make changes necessary to be in that relationship in this life. Unless we repent and are baptized we fail to get started. Then, our part is to be obedient to Christ' teachings to the end. (Revelation 2:10) Are we taking His Words seriously? Thank you for a bit of your day. God be with us.
Ross
