The Apostles' Doctrine UPCI Tract

The Bible

The Bible is the inspired Word of God, giving a true history of the creation of heaven, earth, and humanity and containing a correct prophecy of the ages to come regarding heaven, earth, and the destiny of humanity. Moreover, there is no salvation outside of what is taught in its pages.

God

There is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). He is the Creator of heaven and earth, and of all living beings. He has revealed Himself to humanity as the Father (Creator), in the Son (Savior), and as the Holy Ghost (indwelling Spirit).

Father

God is a Spirit (John 4:24). He is the Eternal One, the Creator of all things, and the Father of all humanity by creation.

He is the First and the Last, and beside Him there is no God (Isaiah 44:6).

There was no God formed before Him; neither shall there be after Him (Isaiah 43:10).

Son

Jesus is the Son of God according to the flesh (Romans 1:3) and the very God Himself according to the Spirit (Matthew 1 :23). Jesus is the Christ (Matthew 16:16); the Creator of all things (Colossians 1:16-17); God with us (Matthew 1:23); God made flesh (John 1:1-14); God manifested in the flesh (I Timothy 3:16; He which was, which is, and which is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8); the mighty God, everlasting Father, and Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Jesus Himself testified of His identity as God when He said, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:7-11) and "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30).

It took shedding of blood for the remission of the sins of the world (Hebrews 9:22), but God the Father was a Spirit and had no blood to shed. Thus He prepared a body of flesh and blood (Hebrews 10:5) and came to earth as a man in order to save us for in Isaiah 43:11 He said, "Beside me there is no Saviour." When He came in flesh the angels sang, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11).

Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost is not a third person in the Godhead, but rather the Spirit of God (the Creator), the Spirit of the resurrected Christ. The Holy Ghost comes to dwell in the hearts and lives of everyone who believes and obeys the gospel, as the Comforter, Sustainer, and Keeper (John 14:16-26; Romans 8:9-11).

Sin

Sin is the transgression of the law, or commandments of God (I John 3:4). The guilt of sin has fallen upon all humanity from Adam until now (Romans 3:23). The wages of sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:14) to all those who refuse to accept salvation as set forth in the Word of God.

Salvation

Salvation consists of deliverance from all sin and unrighteousness through the blood of Jesus Christ. The New Testament experience of salvation consists of repentance from sin, water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost, after which the Christian is to live a godly life (Acts 2:36-41).

Water Baptism

Water baptism is an essential part of New Testament salvation and not merely a symbolic ritual. It is part of entering into the kingdom of God (God’s church, the bride of Christ), and therefore, it is not merely a part of local church membership. (See John 3:5; Galatians 3:27.)

Mode of Baptism

Water baptism is to be administered only by immersion. Paul said, "We are buried with him [Jesus Christ] by baptism (Romans 6:4 see Colossians 2:12), Jesus came up "out of the water" (Mark1:10), and Philip and the eunuch went down "into the water" and came up "out of the water" (Acts 8:38-39).

Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection are applied to our lives when we experience New Testament salvation: "Repent [death to sin], and be baptized [burial] 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 [resurrection]." (See Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-7; 8:2.)

Sprinkling, pouring, or infant baptism of any kind cannot be substantiated by the Word of God, but are only human traditions.

Formula for Water Baptism

The name in which baptism is administered is vitally important, and this name is Jesus.

Jesus’ last command to His disciples was, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19). We should notice that He said name (singular) not names’,. As previously explained, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not names of separate persons, but titles of positions held by God. An angelic announcement revealed God’s saving name in the New Testament: "She shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins" (Matthew1:21).

The apostles understood that Jesus was the name to use at baptism, and from the day that the church of God was established (the Day of Pentecost) until the end of their ministry, they baptized all nations (Jews-Acts 2:38-41; Samaritans-Acts 8:16 Gentiles-Acts 19:5) in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In fact, Jesus is the only name given for our salvation. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

Baptism of the Holy Ghost

The baptism of the Holy Ghost is the birth of the Spirit (John 3:5). This spiritual baptism is necessary to put someone into the kingdom of God (God’s church, the bride of Christ) and is evidenced by speaking in other tongues (other languages) as the Spirit of God give utterance.

It was prophesied by Joel (Joel 2:28-29) and Isaiah (Isaiah 28:11), foretold by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:11), purchased by the blood of Jesus, and promised by Him to His disciples (John 14:26; 15:26). The Holy Ghost was first poured out on the Day of Pentecost upon the Jews (Acts 2:1-4), then upon the Samaritans (Acts 8:17), and later upon the Gentiles (Acts 10:44-46;19:6). "The promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:39).

Tongues

Speaking in tongues means speaking miraculously in a language unknown to the speaker, as the Spirit gives utterance. Tongues can be classified in two ways, according to function:

(1) speaking in other tongues as the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost and (2) the gift of tongues as mentioned in I Corinthians.

1. Speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance is the manifestation God has given as the definite, indisputable, supernatural witness or sign of the baptism of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6).

It was prophesied by the prophet Isaiah as the rest and the refreshing (Isaiah 28:11-12), foretold by Jesus as a sign that would follow believers of the gospel (Mark 16:17), and experienced by Jews and Gentiles alike.

2. The gift of "divers kinds of tongues," mentioned by Paul in I Corinthians 12:1-10 and concerning which he gave regulations in I Corinthians 14:1-40, is given both for self-edification (I Corinthians 14:4) and for the edification of the church (I Corinthians 14:27-28).

In church meetings the gift of tongues is used to give a public message, and it is to be interpreted. Since this gift can be misused in public, it needs proper regulation (I Corinthians 14:23-28). Not all believers exercise the gift of tongues, which is different in function from tongues given by God as the initial witness of the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

Paul said, "Forbid not to speak with tongues" (I Corinthians 14:39) and "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all" (I Corinthians 14:18). Who dares to teach or preach to the contrary?

Holiness

After we are saved from sin, we are commanded, "Go, and sin no more (John 8:11).

We are commanded to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12) and warned that without holiness no one shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

We must present ourselves as holy unto God (Romans 12:1), cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit (II Corinthians 7:1), and separate ourselves from all worldliness (James 4:4).

If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? (I Peter 4:18).

No one can live a holy life by his own power, but only through the Holy Spirit. "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you" (Acts 1:8).

Divine Healing

God has made Himself known through the ages by miraculous healings and has made special provisions in the age of grace to heal all who will come to Him in faith and obedience. Divine healing was purchased for us by the blood of Jesus Christ, especially by His stripes (Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:16-17; I Peter 2:24).

Jesus went everywhere healing those who were sick (Matthew 4:23-24), and He commanded His disciples to do the same (Matthew 10:8). He said concerning those who believe the gospel, "They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:18). Mighty healings and miracles followed the disciples where ever the gospel was preached.

There is no sickness or disease too hard for God. Any of us, our children, or our friends can he healed by the power of God.

"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders (if the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up): and if he have committed sins they shall he forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed" (‘James 5:14-16).

Second Coming of Christ

Jesus Christ is coming back to earth in bodily form, just as He went away (Acts 1:11). He will catch away a holy people (His bride, His church) who have accepted redemption through His blood, by birth of water and of the Spirit, and who are found faithful when He comes.

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever he with the Lord" (I Thessalonians 4:16-17).

"One shall be taken and the other left" (Luke I 7:36). Will we be ready?

The signs of His coming are everywhere. The days of peril are here indeed, with forms of godliness void of the power of God; society and politics corrupted; and people’s hearts filled with pride, blasphemies, unholiness, love of evil, and love of pleasures (II Timothy 3:1-13). These things, together with multitudes running to and fro, the increase of knowledge (Daniel 12:4), the persecution of the Jews and their return to Palestine (Luke 21:24), and scores of other things are startling signs that Jesus’ coming is drawing near.

Wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, storms, floods, distress of nations, perplexity, and people’s hearts failing them for fear are sounding the solemn alarm that Jesus’ coming is at hand (Matthew 24:6; Luke 21:25-28).

"Prepare to meet thy God" (Amos 4:12).

Resurrection

There will be a resurrection of all the dead, both just and unjust.

"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation" (John 5:28-29).

"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God ....and the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them" (Revelation 20:12-13). (See also Daniel 12:2; I Corinthians 15:13-23.)

Judgment

"It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). For this reason there will be a resurrection for everyone. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (II Corinthians 5:10).

The eternal destiny of every soul shall be determined by a just God who knows the secrets of everyone’s heart. "And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. . . .Then shall he also say unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. .

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal" (Matthew 25:32-34, 41, 46).

The law-the Word of God

The judge- the righteous God

To be judged-our souls

What will the sentence be?

Life's opportunities past!

Reaping day at last!

Two verdicts pend:

Life or death!

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve" (Joshua 24:15).

The following references show plainly that speaking in tongues as the evidence of the Holy Ghost has been given by God to earnest, God-fearing people down through the years.

Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, vol.3, page 2369, "Tongues, Gift of": "A phenomenon of the Apostolic age, technically known as the ‘glossolalia.’ In later time analogies have been found for it in the ‘speaking in tongues’ of the Camisards, Prophets of the Cevennes, Early Quakers and Methodists, ‘Lasare’ in Sweden (1841-1843), converts in the Irish revival of 1859, and particularly in the Catholic Apostolic (Irv-ingite) Church."

Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, vol.2, page 1119, "Irving, Edward": "In 1830 the news was spread abroad of the strange speaking with tongues which occurred in widely separated parts of Scotland. In 1831 prophecy and tongues appeared in Irving’s church and Irving fell in with the movement, heartily convinced of its spiritual basis and divine authority."

Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, vol.1, page 422,’ ‘Catholic Apostolic Church": ‘Pious Presbyterian men and women believed that their organs of speech were used by the Holy Spirit for the utterance of His thoughts and attentions.’’

Encyclopedia Britannica, New Werner Edition, vol.4, page 749, "Camisards": "Speaking in tongues, accompanied by all kinds of miracles, was common among the Camisards and Cevennes of Southern France in the 18th century. Children, under the influence of supernatural power, spoke and prophesied in languages unknown to them."

Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics, edited by James Hastings, vol.7, page 424: "In 1831 the gift of tongues and prophecy appeared, it was believed in answer to fervent prayer, among the members of Irving’s congregation."

Butler, Christian Denominations of the World, "Edward Irving (1792-1834)": "He proclaimed his conviction that the gifts of the Holy Ghost, such as tongues, healing, etc., were withheld only because of the want of faith, and ere long there were several persons in his church who claimed the gift of tongues."

Abingdon Bible Commentary, page ~ 190:" Scottish peasants spoke in tongues."

Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd edition, page 1056, "Gift of Tongues": "A phenomenon experienced by some of the Christians of New Testament times, the nature of which seems to have been a kind of ecstatic utterance usually unintelligible to the hearers and even to the speakers, therefore requiring interpretation; glossolalia. Similar phenomena have in modern times been experienced by some of the early Friends, Jansenists, Methodists, etc."

WHAT THEN?

By J. Whitfield Green (John 3:16; Malachi 4:1)

When the great plants of our cities Have turned out their last finished work;

When our merchants have sold their last yard of silk And dismissed the last tired clerk;

When our banks have raked in their last dollar And paid the last dividend;

When the Judge of the earth says, "Close for the night," And asks for a balance-WHAT THEN?

When the choir has sung its last anthem, And the preacher has made his last prayer;

When the people have heard their last sermon, And the sound has died out on the air;

When the Bible lies closed on the altar, And the pews are all empty of men;

And each one stands facing his record, And the great Book is opened-WHAT THEN?

When the actors have played their last drama, And the mimic has made his last fun;

When the film has flashed its last picture, And the billboard displayed its last run;

When the crowds seeking pleasure have vanished And gone out in the darkness again;

When the trumpet of ages is sounded, And we stand up before Him-WHAT THEN?

When the bugle’s call sinks into silence, And the long marching columns stand still;

When the captain repeats his last orders, And they’ve captured the last fort and hill;

And the flag has been hauled from the masthead, And the wounded afield checked in;

And a world that rejected its Savior; Is asked for a reason-WHAT THEN?

But though we or an angel from heaven; preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed" (Galations 1:8).

Last Updated (Friday, 09 October 2009 01:14)

Found at: http://www.apostolic.net/articles/tracts/44-oldies-but-goodies/84-the-apostles-doctrine-concerning

'After Death...What?' UPCI Bible Tract

Can anyone think of a more relevant question? All of us pass through the narrow passageway leading from thins life to the next-- the passageway we call death. We shall all experience the transition into a new realm, another existence beyond this life and world we know today.

Let us for a moment consider the personal experience we shall have with death. One day our hands will be folded across our lifeless breast and our eyes will be closed as our body takes its last ride to the cemetery. The purple curtains will be drawn. "The black camel of death," said one, "will kneel for each of us at our door, and we shall have no choice but to mount and ride off into the desert of darkness." Death is no respecter of persons.

Beyond life what?

We may only speculate on certain aspects of the future, not knowing much that it holds, bet we do know the One who holds the future in His hands. And it is He who has revealed much of the future to us. He who knows the end from the beginning, the future as well as the past. Reveals in His Word that at death the body returns to the earth, while the soul goes to a temporary destination to await final judgment. Each of us determines in this life what our destiny will be; it will depend upon our response to redemptive plan that God designed for the sinner's deliverance from eternal doom.

We may ascend to a place of peace in the presence of God, as Paul declared in II Corinthians 5:8. It is possible for us to dwell eternally in a place of happiness, bliss and contentment, knowing that our redemption has been completed, that we have finished our course in faith, and that we are being rewarded. Or we may descent into a place of suffering, there to be detained until the final judgment and then to be sentenced to the everlasting punishment of the lake of fire. (See Matthew 25:46; Luke 16:22-26; Revelation 20:11-15).

Both places are, in a sense, temporary, for we shall wait until our souls are reunited with our bodies in the resurrection. Jesus described the resurrection in John 5:28-29, and Paul spoke in detail of the first resurrection in I Thessalonians 4:16-17.

The resurrection of the just and the resurrection of the ungodly are separated by one thousand years of peace on earth (Revelation 20:2-7). The just of the present age will be those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb-baptized in His name and filled with His Spirit; the ungodly will be those who have reused to surrender to the terms of the gospel.

Final Reward of the Righteous

For those who are saved, there will be the city not made with hands- the new Jerusalem. This city is described in Revelation 21 as the eternal home of the redeemed.

Missing in this city will be the evil things that are found in every large earthly city. Gone will be all crime an violence. God's people will walk the golden streets without fear of molestation.

Revelation 21:18 describes the wall of this city as jasper and the city itself as pure gold. There will be no need for the sun or moon there, for the Lamb will be the light of the city (Revelation 21:23).

And, wonder of wonders, the redeemed will enjoy the blessings of this city eternally. The poet exulted:

When we've been there ten thousand years,

Bright shining as the sun,

We've no less days to sing God's praise

Than when we'd first begun.

The Fate of the Wicked

In contradistinction, for unbelievers there is 'the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone" (Revelation 21:8). The only emotions there will be agony and regret, and from that place there will be no escape.

The Present Determines the Future

Eternity-never-ending ages! A person's state there is totally dependent upon the present-what he does during time. His eternal destiny will be decided by whether or not he trusts in the redeeming blood of Christ and avails himself of its merits through faith and obedience.

Let us consider today the nearness of our souls to the rendezvous with death. David solemnly declared, "There is but a step between me and death" (I Samuel 20:3). Death is a certain step, and yet it is an uncertain step as to time, place, and manner. It is, further, a solitary step so far as other human beings are concerned. Only Christ can go with us through that dark valley.

Are you ready for that moment and for the eternity to follow?

The Bible proclaims how to prepare for eternity and enjoy eternal life with Christ: "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall received the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38).

UPCI Bible Tract

According to both the Bible and history, the New Testament church invoked the name of Jesus at water baptism. Its baptismal formula was "in the name of Jesus Christ" or "Lord Jesus," not "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."

The Scriptural Record

Every time the Bible records the name or formula associated with an actual baptism in the New Testament church, it describes the name Jesus. All five such accounts occur in the Book of Acts, the history book of the early church. It records that the following people were baptized in Jesus' name.

The Jews, "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).

The Samaritans. "They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus' (Acts 8:16).

The Gentiles. "And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord" (Acts 10:48). (The earliest Greek manuscripts that we have say, "In the name of Jesus Christ," as do most versions today.)

The disciples of John (rebaptized). "They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 19:5).

The Apostles Paul. "Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16).

Moreover, the Epistles contain a number of references or allusions to baptism in Jesus' name. See Romans 6:3-4; I Corinthians 1:13; 6:11; Galatians 3:27 ; Colossians 2:12; James 2:7.

The only verse of Scripture that anyone could appeal to in support of a threefold baptismal formula is Matthew 28:19, in which Jesus commanded baptism "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." The word name in this verse is singular, however, indicating that the phrase describes on supreme name by which the one God is revealed, not three names of three distinct persons.

The apostles understood Christ's words as a description of His own name, for they fulfilled His command by baptizing in the name of Jesus. There is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4), and He has one supreme name today (Zechariah 14:9). Jesus is the incarnation of all the fullness of the Godhead (Colossians 2:9). Jesus is the name of the Son (Matthew 1:21), Jesus is the name by which the Father is revealed to us (John 5:43; 10:30; 14:9-11), and Jesus is the name in which the Holy Spirit comes (John 14:16-18, 26).

Luke 24:47 is a parallel verse to Matthew 28:19, and describes Jesus as saying that repentance and remission of sins-and baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)-would be preached "in his name." Jesus is the only saving name, the name in which we receive remission of sins, the highest name made known to us, and the name which we are to say and do all things (Acts 4:12; 10:43; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 3:17).

Thus the one supreme, saving name of Matthew 28:19 is Jesus. We are to fulfill the command of that verse as the early church did, by invoking the name of Jesus at baptism.

The Historical Record

Respected historical sources verify that the early Christian church did not use a threefold baptismal formula but invoked the name of Jesus in baptism well into the second and third centuries.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th ed. (1920), II 365: "The trinitarian formula and triune immersion were not uniformly used from the beginning… Baptism into the name of the Lord [was] the normal formula of the New Testament. In the 3rd century baptism in the name of Christ was still so widespread that Pope Stephen, in opposition to Cyprian of Carthage, declared it to be valid."

Christians today should use the biblical baptismal formula as found in the New Testament. Everyone should be baptized by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.

English to Spanish by Computer Translation

Hello Friends,

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In Jesus,
Bruce

Plan of Salvation in Spanish

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Good morning everyone. The following is the Biblical plan of Salvation in the Spanish language. Feel free to print it down and share it. More helps and information including radio programs and web sites in Spanish can be found at http://www.ipuic.org PLAN DE SALVACION Predicamos el plan de salvación neotestamentario, basados en Hechos 2:38, es decir arrepentimiento, bautismo en agua en el nombre de Jesús, y la llenura del Espíritu Santo con la evidencia de hablar en nuevas lenguas. El arrepentimiento, el bautismo en agua en el nombre de Jesús, y la llenura del Espíritu Santo, es lo que le permite al hombre vivir una verdadera vida de santidad. Tras la primera predicación de la iglesia apostólica, algunos de los oyentes se conmovieron de corazón y preguntaron a los apóstoles que era lo que tenían que hacer para ser salvos. Entonces "Pedro les dijo: Arrepentíos, y bautícese cada uno de vosotros en el nombre de Jesucristo para perdón de los pecados; y recibiréis el don del Espíritu Santo" (Hechos 2:38). La declaración del apóstol Pedro, reflejaba las palabras dichas por el Señor Jesucristo, acerca del plan de salvación que Dios tenía en mente para el periodo de la gracia (o de la Iglesia). "Respondió Jesús: De cierto, de cierto te digo, que el que no naciere del agua de agua y del Espíritu, no puede entrar en el reino de Dios" (Juan 3:5). Para cumplir el plan Bíblico de salvación, una persona debe nacer de nuevo sintiendo dolor por su pecado a través del arrepentimiento (Proverbios 28:13, Hechos 22:16, 2. Corintios 7:10), siendo sepultado juntamente con Cristo por el bautismo en el nombre de Jesús (Romanos 6:4-6), y resucitándo a una nueva vida recibiendo el regalo del Espíritu Santo (Romanos 8:9) con la evidencia de hablar en otras lenguas como el Espíritu de Dios le de que hable (Hechos 2:3-4). Arrepentimiento: Los Pentecostales Apostólicos, creemos que el arrepentimiento es esencial para la salvación (Lucas 13:5). Definimos el arrepentimiento como apartarse del pecado y volverse hacia Dios. El verdadero arrepentimiento requiere que el hombre reconozca que es un pecador, haciendo una confesión de sus pecados a Dios, creyendo que Dios le puede perdonar y limpiar de todos ellos (1 Juan 1:9). Creemos que el arrepentimiento está acompañado por un dolor piadoso, que es el motivador del verdadero arrepentimiento (2. Corintios 2:10). El arrepentimiento también es un requisito previo para recibir el Espíritu Santo (Juan 14:17; Hechos 2:38). Por último, la habilidad de arrepentirse es temporal y sólo puede lograrse mientras uno está vivo (Hebreos 9:27). Bautismo en el Nombre de Jesús: Para los Pentecostales Apostólicos, El bautismo es otro componente esencial para la salvación. Aafirmamos la necesidad del bautismo como es mostrado en Mateo 28:19, Marcos 16:16, Hechos 2:38, 1. Pedro 3:21, etc. El modo de bautismo es por inmersión completa en el agua, invocando el nombre de Jesucristo. Los Pentecostales Apostólicos creemos que la salvación no se puede recibir sin el bautismo, específicamente sin la invocación del nombre de Jesús. Para hacer esta afirmación, Nosotros nos apoyamos en Hechos 2:38, Hechos 8:16, Hechos 10:48, y Hechos 19:5. Además recalcamos que estas son las únicas escrituras que muestran lo que se hizo en la iglesia primitiva. Bautismo del Espíritu Santo: Los Pentecostales Apostólicos confiesamos que el bautismo del Espíritu Santo es parte del plan de salvación, y que hablar en lenguas (es decir, hablando en idiomas que uno nunca ha aprendido anteriormente) por el poder de Dios, es la evidencia inmediata, exterior, notable, y audible de ser bautizado con el Espíritu Santo. Ellos creen que el don del Espíritu Santo es una promesa para todos los que crean en el evangelio, sin tener en cuenta raza, cultura o idioma (Hechos 2:4, 2:17, 2:38-39, 10:46, 19:6, 1. Corintios 12:13). La lengua se convierte en el vehículo de expresión del Espíritu Santo (Santiago 3), y Dios toma el mando de la vida del creyente. Enseñamos que el fruto del Espíritu (Gálatas 5:22-23), no debe confundirse con la señal inicial de recibir el Espíritu Santo, pues el fruto del Espíritu es la señal permanente del Espíritu Santo. El fruto del Espíritu toma tiempo para desarrollarse o cultivarse, por consiguiente no calificaría como una señal inmediata, exterior e identificable de recibir el Espíritu Santo. En el libro de los Hechos, las lenguas son diferentes en funcionamiento y propósito a las lenguas de 1. Corintios 12-14. Ambas citas no mencionan la misma experiencia. En los Hechos de los Apóstoles, las lenguas sirven como la señal firme de recibir el Espíritu santo; mientras que en 1. Corintios 12-14 el apóstol Pablo está haciendo una exposición del don de lenguas que era administrado por algunos creyentes. Uno recibe a Cristo cuando recibe el Espíritu Santo (Romanos 8:9). Santidad Los pentecostales del nombre de Jesucristo, creemos que la salvación se obtiene por gracia a través de la fe en Jesucristo, y no por las obras (Tito 3:5), pero la fe sin obras está muerta (Santiago 2:24-26). Definitivamente ningún ser humano en esta tierra, podrá "ganar" su salvación por tratar de "vivir" el evangelio, sin OBEDECER primero la salvación que está ordenada para todos los hombres, debajo del cielo. La santidad es y debe ser resultado de la obediencia inicial a la salvación y no producto de practicar "normas" de estilos de vida, como el vestirse, peinarse, alimentarse, etc. La santidad que vive el creyente se debe reflejar interior y exteriormente, pues todo nuestro ser, espíritu, almacomo la santidad, caracterizan al verdadero pueblo de Dios: “Ten cuidado de ti mismo y de la doctrina; persiste en ello, pues haciendo esto, te salvarás a ti mismo y a los que te oyeren.” (1 Timoteo 4:16). y cuerpo, debe ser guardado irreprensible para la venida de nuestro Señor Jesucristo (1. Tesalonicenses 5:23). La verdadera doctrina, así Dios nos ha mandado a abstenernos de toda especie de mal (1. Tesalonicenses 5:22). También la Biblia nos insta a acatar los mandamientos de Dios (1. Juan 2:4). Es aquí precisamente que todo aquel que haya obedecido la salvación que anuncia el evangelio de la gracia y la bondad de Cristo podrá definitivamente amar y obedecer los mandamientos originales de la ley de Dios, que estuvieron basados antiguamente en la ley de Moisés, bajo la ley de la "espada del juicio divino" de que el que no los hiciera ciertamente moriría; mandamientos que ahora obedecemos bajo la ley de Cristo, la ley del amor y del cumplimiento, los cuales por la obra redentora y reconciliadora del Señor Jesús en el calvario, fueron elevados a un nivel en que la justicia divina los ve y considera a través de la obra expiatoria de Cristo, y por lo tanto toda obediencia a ellos, es resultado primero de la obra que hizo el Señor. Cuando nosotros obedecemos sus mandamientos, alcanzamos la garantía de los beneficios de la redención alcanzada por Cristo, por eso la salvación nunca ha sido lograda por ningún mérito personal de los creyentes, pues todo el mérito pertenece a Cristo. La santidad del creyente está unida al acontecimiento maravilloso de la promesa del Señor Jesús, de que un día vendrá por su iglesia."Seguid la paz con todos, y la santidad, sin la cual, nadie verá al Señor..." (Santiago 12. 14). In Jesus, Dana Klein

Sound the Alarm!

The following joke was shared by one of my Louisiana friends.
It is very funny but really got me thinking today.There are so many messages out there that claim truth yet they are shady when compared to the Bible. We need to make it simple so even the hardest of understanding can be saved. How we
present truth is very important. Our attitude must personify the love of Jesus. We cannot be prideful about knowledge that is given to us freely from Jesus. It is the duty of those who teach the Bible to communicate it to those who are seeking direction so that they can clearly see the path laid out before them.It is easy to get frustrated when someone you teach does not seem to see the simplest things. That is where patience comes in.We need to present the truth in love. Paul told Timothy to study. We need to study the Bible if we are to communicate it to others. We cannot just study the night before or thirty minutes before we stand in the pulpit or arrive to teach Bible study. A true workman prepares for his job and is skilled. Words are important. Teaching the Bible is very different from preaching evangelistically. Have patience and keep teaching!

Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:


Reverend Boudreaux was the part-time pastor of the local Cajun Baptist
Church and Pastor Thibodaux was the minister of the Covenant
Church across the road.

They were both standing by the road, pounding a sign into the ground, that read:

'Da End is Near
Turn Yo Sef 'Roun Now
Afore It Be Too Late!'


As a car sped past them, the driver leaned out his window and
yelled, 'You religious nuts!'


From the curve they heard screeching tires, and a big splash...


Boudreaux turns to Thibodaux and asks, 'Do ya tink maybe da sign
should jussay.....'Bridge Out?'

In Jesus,
Dana Klein

Spanish Language Helps

Hello Friends,

The internet links below are to Spanish language teaching websites:

http://www.theinternetresource.info/Spanish.htm

http://www.studyspanish.com

http://www.spaleon.com/index.php

http://www.spanishprograms.com/

http://www.spanishunlimited.com/


In Jesus,
Bruce

Keep Studying!

Php 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Php 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Php 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Php 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Php 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
(Php 2:13) For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Php 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

Have you ever thought something meant one thing and it actually meant another?
I used to believe some things that were not Biblical, because I allowed the world around me to educate me about Jesus. I also have been a Christian for
over twenty years and have heard a lot of preaching and teaching. Some good
and some lacking but a lot of preaching and teaching nevertheless.
I used to believe that the three wise men were really at the manger scene when Jesus was born. One time in a live nativity I put on a costume and helped reenact that scene but it was not truly done Biblically.

The Bible says they came to a house.
Mat 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Herod actually had baby boys killed ages two and younger when the wise
men did not return. He based his reasoning on the amount of time that
the men had related the star had been sighted.

Matthew 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

When he set out to kill Jesus he used this information.

Mat 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.

I also thought that the Bible said Adam and Eve ate an apple when in fact
the Bible says its fruit. It never describes an apple at all. The pictures
we see in childhood books show an apple usually. Apples have never given
me discernment.

Gen 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

The story of Jonah usually shows a whale swallowing Jonah. The book of Jonah
says a great fish. The book of Matthew however does say whale.

Mat 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

I recently read a chapter of a book by a well known Apostolic author. He used
one of the above scriptures in Philippians to support a theory that he was trying to express. He misunderstood the text though, and honestly we can do the same unless we
really read it and comprehend what we read. He penned the words that one
day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is
Lord. He then on went to describe how even old knees are going to be made
to bend to revere that name. He is wrong in his theology. This is not what the
Bible says. How many times have we all been guilty of this? I am not just typing this to insult the man for misquoting the Scripture. I have heard it preached in various assemblies among various denominations just as he stated it. It does not
though mean its Biblical. When studying the chapter you come to understand that its
talking about how He did not come to earth giving himself honor but took on the
form of a man. The Bible says that all things 'SHOULD'bow the knee in honor and respect to His Name. He came and showed us that it can be done. We can live for Jesus
without sin and walk in obedience by His example, and being filled with His
Spirit. He gives us the overcoming power.
We need to be careful with the Scriptures, and make sure we are not using them
to support our theories. The Bible says only what it says. We cannot over spiritualize it nor can we deny truth. We have to rightly divide the Word.
I have many times heard that same passage of Scripture used to prove that
at the end of all time the devil and his evil angels and all the enemies of
mankind are going to bow and say, Jesus is Lord! I don't see where it says
that in Philippians. It does say however to work out your own salvation with
fear and trembling. It speaks of having a right spirit and right attitude
not seeking glory or self, just as Jesus did.
I hope today this has helped someone to really look at the Bible. I don't
claim to know it all but do claim to be trying to better understand
the Bible. I have to stand before Jesus one day and give an account for my life.
I don't want to be trying to use excuses with the Lord but want to hear well
done my good and faithful servant. Today I challenge you to really read a chapter of the Bible in its context and consider how to apply those passages to your life.
You will be better for having done so.
In Jesus,
Dana Klein

We are going to Mexico!

The atmosphere in our home is great. We are all so excited and trying to learn
new words in Spanish. Over the Thanksgiving holidays we will be ministering and
preaching the Gospel message in Mexico. Everyone says don't drink the water. I
am not so concerned about the water we drink but more that they drink the Living
Water that they will never thirst again.
The Bible says this:
Joh 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
Blessing people with food, clothes and material things is a good thing but not the greatest thing we could do for them. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the greatest
gift you can share with anyone.
Please keep us in prayer.
In Jesus,
Dana Klein

Christians Should NOT Die of Sickness or Diseases

As a Christian, I will not die of sickness or disease.

I may die of old age.

I may die as a martyr.

If the rapture comes first, I will be going to Heaven raptured to be with the true Jesus!

Abraham

“And these are the days of the years of Abraham's life which he lived, an hundred threescore and fifteen years. 8 Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.” Genesis 25:7-8

Moses

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thy days approach that thou must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge. And Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the tabernacle of the congregation.” Deuteronomy 31:14

“So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.” Deuteronomy 34:5

“And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.” Deuteronomy 34:7

Job

“So Job died, being old and full of days.” Job 42:17

David

“Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,” 1 Kings 2:1

“So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.” 1 Kings 2:10

When Christians obeys Jesus, they will be blessed! Disease and sickness are not blessings!

“Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.” Deuteronomy 28:6

When Christians disobey Jesus, they will be cursed! Disease and sickness are curses!

“Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out.” Deuteronomy 28:19

“The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it. 22 The LORD shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish.” Deuteronomy 28:21-22

“The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed. 28 The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart:” Deuteronomy 28:27

“The LORD shall smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head.” Deuteronomy 28:35

“Then the LORD will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance. 60 Moreover he will bring upon thee all the diseases of Egypt, which thou wast afraid of; and they shall cleave unto thee. 61 Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will the LORD bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed.” Deuteronomy 28:59-61

“I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.” Leviticus 26:16

A Christian living under the blessing of Jesus should never be sick or diseased!

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

Jesus’ atonement removed all sickness and disease from Christians. If you are sick or diseased, why?

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4

“Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” 1 John 3:6

“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” 1 John 3:8-9

“We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.” 1 John 5:18

Sinless Perfection – you probably don’t have it!

You probably don’t know how to receive it.

If you sin, expect to be sick and diseased!

Expect to die of these diseases!

How does one arrive at 'sinless perfection'?

“John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the

latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:”

Luke 3:16

Very briefly, fire baptism is a part of a Christian receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The problem is fire baptism is not taught as part of Holy Spirit baptism. So, Christians don't know they are being fire baptized. They don't know their need, so they can't accept fire baptism by faith as a part of Holy Spirit baptism. All who have been Holy Spirit baptized have been fire baptized!

You need to accept your fire baptism by faith then rely on Jesus whose power provides you with 'sinless perfection'.

Now, walk out your salvation living a sinless life.

If you were to sin:
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

You must be HOLY.
"Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:16

You must be PERFECT

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48

Dr. Bruce Klein, ThD
Bibleteach@hotmail.com

Apostolic Theological Seminary
www.acseminary.webs.com

A Time and A Season

Last Saturday my husband drove me back to the town where I grew up. We traveled
down tree lined lanes and looked at beautiful historic homes. I can see why as a child
I thought I lived in paradise on Earth. Huge Live Oak trees speckled with lazy Spanish Moss gracefully sat sleeping on lawns freshly cut by its human servants. The chocolate milk Bayou Teche rolling along as it has for centuries just as when early settlers and Native Americans used it for travel. We saw lilac colored Water Hyacinths in bloom with lilly pads big enough for the largest bullfrog to rest on. These are my childhood memories. I attended many festivals on the Bayou's murky banks. Fourth of July fireworks exploded in my mind as I looked at the tree line near the waters edge. Nothing can bring you back to childhood like a trip home. Catfish cooking over outdoor fires and grilled hot dogs along with the sound of music playing from hometown bands is like no other memory. The sights, smells and sounds that came from Savoie Domicile's Store on the corner near Willow Street rang back through my mind. I would play with his grandson while mom or dad enjoyed a visit with my cousins or "Mr. Savoie" as we all affectionately called him. It seems like yesterday that Clarence Granger would get on his delivery bike and bring groceries over to my
Mama. The smells of Italian Sausage can not be beat. I hope "Mr. Savoie" gave that recipe to someone and did not bring it to the grave with him. He made the absolute best sausage in the world and I loved having it for dinner. What a protected life I lived in that beautiful city on the banks of the Bayou. How great it would be to keep all those memories in one place and be able to take them out one by one and reminisce about days gone by. Today is the end of one season and tomorrow the beginning of another. I am so thankful for the seasons around us and the seasons of life. I cannot go back and relive the Spring but I can remember in Fall that
new memories will replace the old ones that are falling down around us and new life will replace the old because the Bible promises us seasons and in Genesis it states :

Gen 1:14 And God said,Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

Ecc 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

He gave us seasons for a reason. They are a gift to us. I am very thankful today for all the good and perfect gifts Jesus has given me.

Even when we fail Jesus is merciful and we may in fact reap what we sow just as Adam did when he fell into disobedience in the garden and reaped a hard life for mankind.

Gen 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

There was in due season a redemption from this curse when Noah was born : Gen 5:29 And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands,because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.
The Name Noah means Rest or Comfort.

When someone lives a disobedient life and is reaping the benefits of that life the Bible says the way of the transgressor is hard such as the life Adam lived and all of mankind after he sinned the sin of disobedience. The Prophet Isaiah spoke to Israel concerning the promise of rest to come but the Bible says they would not hear. It is recorded by Historians that the Prophet Isaiah was cut in half by a saw. Some say he was placed inside a tree and cut in half and then burned. The Bible does not say how he died but we no longer see him prophesying after the reign of Manasseh who was a very evil ruler. How sad when people don't want to hear what their very own Creator has to say. Read the beautiful words of Isaiah


Isa 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.

Isa 28:12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

The Prophet Jeremiah was ordered by the Lord to rewrite the scrolls after King
burned them in Jeremiah 36 verse 27. The Lord then added to His words even more
judgement. How sad when men do not want to hear the words of the Lord.

If you today are reading this then you can repent and obey the words of Jesus and still receive comfort and have the curses on your life removed and blessing to replace them:

The Holy Ghost is called the Comforter but in order for you to receive it and continue
to have it dwell inside of you you must become obedient to the Word of the Lord:

Joh 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Joh 14:16 And will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

Joh 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Joh 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Jesus said these things concerning who and what the Holy Ghost is and what it takes to receive the lifting of the curse of sin from your life. We don't have to continue to live
a life of disobedience and curse but can enter into that rest and refreshing in this
life. We don't have to wait until the waters recede from the earth. We can have it
now.

We can rest from our earthly labors and hopeless lives and drink from heavenly water which will restore our souls. Adam did not have the drink to restore his soul and neither did Noah but Jesus does as He said in Matthew:

Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.


Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

No, the chocolate colored milky water from that old Bayou cannot give me life but only serves as a reminder of what life was like when I was a child. The water that Jesus gave me on the day that He fulfilled the promise of the Comforter in my life is what is going to last.
Memories are only captured thoughts of bygone days that are either written down or recalled in books or articles like this one. My concern is not living in the past but living for all
eternity. I am so glad that life gives us seasons just as the earth rotates through them. If it were always winter in my life then I would be concerned because coldness and bitterness can destroy things. Things cannot be planted in the ice and snow. If it were always spring and I never grew to maturity in the areas that are meant to grow and bear fruit then others would not be able to share in the ministry that Jesus has placed in my hands.
1Co 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
I cannot return to childhood but have to keep maturing to be all I can be for Jesus.
I am very thankful for all of life's seasons as well as those around us. All are a blessing.
In Jesus,
Dana Klein

Really know your Bible!

What a day we live in. I am so astounded at the number of Apostolic preachers who do not know their Bible. It is sad in our day and time. We have the true plan of Salvation so we should of all people regard the Apostle Paul's admonition to Timothy and study to show ourselves approved. We can use many excuses but to enter the pulpit of a church when people are taking time to come and hear what we have to share and not preparing something worth learning
is outrageous and lazy. The Bible speaks of the sluggard and the sloth and what Jesus thinks of them. We should never be slothful in Jesus' business. To teach or preach the Word is a divinely appointed ministry. We need to always be ready to give an answer to all men of the hope that is within us. If we are to give an answer it cannot be from our own fleshly philosophies or the philosophies of men but divinely inspired from the Words of Jesus. Shame on us when we trust in the arm of the flesh and only study when we have a sermon or Bible study to teach.
We traveled over four hours to a church meeting someplace between the North and South Pole. When we arrived the Pastor was on a trip. He had another minister come and fill in
for him. The Minister was a really nice guy. He began to preach that the reason it was
so hard to work for Jesus was because the ground was still cursed from the days of Adam and Eve and the fall. He failed to study the rest of the chapter and sadly folks came up short. That is what happens to us when we try to preach a message off of old stale bread we preached years ago or on recollection. We need to be prepared to give Jesus' people fresh bread. If the young man with the loaves and fishes were not prepared he would not have been part of the miracle that fed the five thousand and preached all over the world two thousand years later.
I don't care if you work two jobs. If Jesus gave you a place to teach then he should come first not mammon. We so many times remember the scripture not to give place to the devil but forget the one that says seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. We cannot love this present world more than Jesus. He does not play second fiddle to anyone. Either He is your first love or you have no love at all.
He does not play the mind games that man plays. We so often love to equate Him with the
God who bends low for little children but forget He is also the one who made the mountains tremble so much that the children of Israel would rather that Moses approached Him than do it themselves. We cannot fit Him into the religious mold of today that makes Him a
god who you can use when you want to. He is not the make a wish coordinator. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, The First and the Last, He who came and is and is to come. He is the only Savior. We need to rethink our position in the Kingdom.
Read your Bible for your own self. Don't go by what you hear over every pulpit.
The truth of the matter is that Noah's own Dad prophesied over him. He was a descendant of Enoch. The Word says that La'mech in Genesis 5:29 spoke of Noah saying, This same shall comfort us concerning the work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord hath cursed. In Genesis chapter 8 verse 21 it says this, "The Lord smelled a sweet savour, and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake: for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will i again smite any more every thing living as I have done. 22 While the earth remaineth seed time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and the day and night shall not cease."
Noah was a deliverer in his time. He was a child born with a destiny to fulfill and he fulfilled it. If we are to fulfill our own destiny then we need to obey Jesus' words to us. Thankfully Noah obeyed or there would not have been left a man or woman upon the earth and the curse would not have been lifted. If you want the curse lifted off of your family that has plagued them for centuries then obey and lead them out of sin into the safety of the ark of Jesus Christ. Noah's obedience is again mentioned in the New Testament when it is spoken of that eight were saved by water concerning salvation and the necessity for water baptism for salvation. How anyone can read these verses and say Baptism is just a type and an outward sign is a sure indicator that they do not study and read to get either just enough for a sermon or did not read the whole chapter or study the verses. They are like the man who preached that the earth is still cursed and that man still toils in the same manner. Sorry folks it just isn't so. The earth is back in order thanks to Noah and Jesus lifted the curse. I am so glad I know who Jesus is. May I encourage you today to read the whole story and preach the whole message because if you do not you will be left behind. Those movies called left behind have nothing on what is going to really happen. Read the book for yourself.
In Jesus,
Dana Klein