♦(AA) True Christian
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Key Verse: Acts 11:26
“The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”
Introduction: Being a Christian is not an identity, but a real life transformation.
Today, many people claim to be Christians. But according to the strict standards of the Bible, not everyone who identifies as a Christian is truly a disciple of the Lord Jesus. A Christian is not merely someone who
believes in Jesus [YESU], but someone who follows Him as a true disciple—born again through water and the Holy Spirit, walking in obedience, and holding fast to the truth until the end.
1. A Christian Is a Disciple of the Lord Jesus (Acts 11:26)
The term “Christian” originated in Antioch and was used to describe the disciples of the Lord Jesus. This means a true Christian must first be a disciple—one who follows Jesus in life, action, and truth.
2. The Process of Becoming a Disciple (Acts 2:36–41)
a) Believe that Jesus is Lord and Christ
Acts 2:36 – “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
b) Be convicted and repent
Acts 2:37 – “They were cut to the heart.”
c) Be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus
Acts 2:38 – “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”
d) Receive the Holy Spirit
Acts 2:38 – “And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
e) Be saved from this corrupt generation
Acts 2:40 – “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”
Only then were they added as disciples (v.41). Baptism, repentance, and receiving the Holy Spirit are essential steps.
3. John’s Baptism Is Not Enough – Must Be in the Name of Jesus (Acts 19:1–7)
Paul met some disciples in Ephesus who had received John’s baptism but had not heard of the Holy Spirit. Upon learning the truth, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, and after Paul laid hands on them, they received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues.
This confirms:
• Baptism must be in the correct name: the Lord Jesus
• The Holy Spirit comes with evidence—speaking in tongues
4. Jesus and Paul Confirm: One Must Be Born of Water and the Spirit
John 3:5 – “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
Titus 3:5 – “He saved us… through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
Not by our own righteousness, but by God’s mercy—through the baptism of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.
5. After Salvation, Walk in Obedience and Fear of the Lord (Philippians 2:12)
True Christians are not passive. They work out their salvation with fear and trembling:
Philippians 2:12 – “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”
Hebrews 10:26 – “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left.”
Hebrews 6:6 – “To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again.”
6. “I Didn’t Mean To Sin” Is No Excuse
Many say, “I didn’t sin on purpose, I was just weak.” But true repentance recognizes that any delay in fleeing temptation is already compromise. Joseph immediately fled from sin, saying, “How could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9)
Deliberate or not, continued sin without true transformation is unacceptable for a true Christian.
7. The Full Path of Salvation
True believers:
• Accept the full truth of the gospel
• Receive proper baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus [YESU] with head bowed
• Receive the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues
• Participate in the footwashing (John 13) to have a part with the Lord
• Partake of the Holy Communion—unleavened bread and grape juice, which spiritually become the Lord’s flesh and blood
• Live a Spirit-led life, daily renewed, pursuing holiness, and pressing on toward the heavenly city
The true gospel is always confirmed with miraculous signs and wonders, just like in the early church (Mark 16:20).
Conclusion and Call to Action
If you are willing to receive the full truth of salvation, we invite you to contact us. We will prayerfully arrange for Spirit-filled preachers to travel to your city or town, to share the true gospel,
and—if the Lord wills—to administer baptism, footwashing, Holy Communion according to the biblical pattern, and laying on of hands helps to receive the Holy Spirit.
May the Lord Yesu Christ guide and bless you. To Him be all the glory.
May everyone honor His holy name. Amen.
Please Contact us, thank you!
♦(AB) Will the Heavenly Father Not Give the Holy Spirit to Those Who Ask Him?
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Main Text: Luke 11:8–13
1. Jesus Taught Us to Pray Persistently for the Holy Spirit
In Luke 11, Jesus told a parable to emphasize the power of persistent prayer:
“Though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.” (Luke 11:8)
He then gave a strong promise:
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (v.9)
And finally concluded:
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (v.13)
This clearly shows: the Holy Spirit is not received automatically, but must be asked for in persistent prayer.
2. Being Moved by the Holy Spirit Is Not the Same as Receiving the Holy Spirit
Many think that believing in Jesus automatically means they’ve received the Holy Spirit. But Scripture makes a distinction:
Being moved by the Spirit enables one to confess Jesus as Lord (1 Cor 12:3).
But receiving the Holy Spirit is a separate, deeper experience of being indwelt and born again from above.
Examples from the Old Testament:
Numbers 11:25: The seventy elders “prophesied when the Spirit rested upon them, but they never did so again.”
(1 Samuel 16:13–14): “The Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David,” but “the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul.”
This shows that in the Old Testament, the Spirit came temporarily, and could depart.
3. In the New Testament, Receiving the Holy Spirit Is Evident and Audible
Jesus promised His disciples:
“I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth…” (John 14:16–17)
Yet this Helper—the Holy Spirit—was not received automatically. The disciples had to pray, wait, and obey Jesus’ command.
In the book of Acts:
(Acts 10:44–46): While Peter was speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on the household of Cornelius.
“They heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.”
Peter said: “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” (Acts 10:47)
This proves that speaking in tongues is a visible and audible sign of receiving the Holy Spirit. It is not merely a silent feeling in the heart.
4. Receiving the Holy Spirit Is Not Automatically Linked to Baptism
Though baptism is essential for the forgiveness of sins, it does not automatically guarantee the Holy Spirit.
“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)
The apostle Peter declared:
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
So the full process of salvation includes:
Repentance → Baptism → Praying for the Holy Spirit → Receiving the Spirit and being born again
5. We Must Not Grieve the Holy Spirit but Remain in God’s Love
Although Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would abide with us forever (John 14:16), this promise is conditional upon walking in truth and love.
The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth (John 16:13).
But sin, rebellion, and disobedience can grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30), and if not repented of, the Spirit may depart.
We are called to keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 1:21) and walk by the Spirit.
Conclusion
Jesus said:
“If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone?…
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” (Luke 11:11–13)
Since the Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance and the seal of salvation, we should earnestly and persistently pray until we receive the power from above and are truly born of the Spirit.
♦(AC) One True God with Three Roles – Not Trinity, but Triune Identity
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1. Man’s Composition Reveals God’s Nature
The Bible says that man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). This gives us profound insight into God’s nature. Every human is composed of spirit, soul, and body—three parts, yet one person. Likewise, God is one—not three persons, but one being with three roles.
The spirit comes from God. When God formed Adam from the dust and breathed into his nostrils, he became a living being (Genesis 2:7).
The soul represents thought, mind, will and emotion.
The body is our visible form, through which we interact with the physical world - sense, speech and action.
God’s essence is Spirit (John 4:24). Because He is holy, we call Him the Holy Spirit. But this is not a separate being—this is who God is.
2. God’s Salvation Plan and the Word Made Flesh
Though God is Spirit, He chose to reveal Himself to humanity through His redemption plan. He created the spiritual heavens and the physical universe. He appointed angels to serve those who would inherit salvation. But He Himself became flesh to become the Lamb of God, shedding His precious blood for the forgiveness of sins, dying on the cross, and rising on the third day to defeat death.
The Word (Logos) is God’s will and wisdom—the very expression of God, made flesh.
The body of Jesus was prepared by God as the sacrificial Lamb (Hebrews 10:5).
The Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit are not three gods, but one God fulfilling three roles: Creator (Father), Savior (Word/Son), and Indwelling Spirit (Holy Spirit).
3. Satan’s Fall and Humanity’s Fall
Satan was originally a glorious angel, created with free will just like man. But he became proud and desired to be equal with God. He was cast down, along with one-third of the angels who followed him. In Eden, he disguised himself through the serpent and tempted Eve with beauty and lies. As a result, humanity fell into sin and was cast out of paradise.
At that time, Satan was not yet judged. In the book of Job, he still appeared among the sons of God (angels), traveling between heaven and earth. In King Saul’s time, an evil spirit from God troubled him. In Ahab’s time, a lying spirit was permitted to deceive the king. Only when Satan’s evil was complete was he cast down from heaven.
Jesus said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:18), which likely took place during the spiritual shifts of the Persian, Greek, and Roman eras.
4. The Name of God Revealed through YESU
When Moses asked God for His name, God said, “I AM WHO I AM”—YHWH, which expresses God’s eternal and self-existent nature, but is not a personal name. God’s true name was fully revealed only when the Word became flesh.
The angel said, “You shall call His name Jesus (YESU), for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
The name YESU means “YHWH saves.”
It is the name above all names, the name that reveals that God is with us and God is our Savior.
Jesus said, “I have revealed Your name to those You gave Me” (John 17:6). Therefore, the commandment “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God” now directly applies to the name YESU, the holy name of our Lord and Savior.
Shall we still dare to call upon God using manmade or altered names?
5. Not Three Persons, but One God with Three Roles
Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). He said, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father… I am in the Father and the Father is in Me” (John 14:9-10). The Father gave His name to the Son. Jesus showed us the Father because He Himself is the express image of His being.
While on earth, Jesus prayed to the Father because He took on human limitations. He said, “The Son does not know the hour—only the Father knows,” yet He also said, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” He is the eternal God, yet fully man in the flesh.
God is not a “Trinity” of three persons. The Bible does not use the word “Trinity.” Instead, it reveals one true God, fulfilling three roles:
Father (in heaven, Creator)
Word/Son (made flesh, Savior)
Holy Spirit (indwelling, Comforter)
Just as man’s spirit and soul are hard to separate, so too the Father and the Holy Spirit are inseparable—they are one God.
6. The Final Judgment and the Urgency of Repentance
When our physical body dies, our soul and spirit await judgment. In the end, we will be raised with spiritual bodies and be judged—either to eternal life in God’s kingdom or to eternal fire and suffering.
This is why repentance is urgent.
Repentance is not just changing bad behavior. True repentance includes turning away from false religion, manmade traditions, and misunderstood doctrines, and returning to the one true God, embracing the full salvation of YESU:
Repent and be baptized in His name.
Receive the Holy Spirit.
Obey God’s commandments and love others.
Live a life on earth as it is in heaven—awaiting the eternal rest of the Kingdom.
7. Beyond the Superficial Celebration of Easter
Many people celebrate Easter outwardly, yet they never truly understand the power of the resurrection. Jesus rose again to bring us eternal life, not temporary ritual.
The resurrected Christ ascended into heaven, intercedes for us as our High Priest, and will return in glory. If we do not believe in His name, are not baptized in water and Spirit, and do not obey the will of the Father, we cannot enter the Kingdom of God.
Conclusion: Return to the One True God
Let us no longer say “three persons in one God.”
Let us declare with understanding and reverence:
God is one being with three roles—Father, Son (Word became Flesh), and Spirit.
His name is YESU, the only name under heaven by which we must be saved.
Now is the time to repent and return to the true God.
Receive His full salvation.
Be baptized in His name.
Be filled with His Spirit.
And walk faithfully until we enter His everlasting rest.
HalleluYah! Praise YESU! Yes! YESU!
♦(AD) Repentance: The First Step Toward the Kingdom of Heaven
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Changing one’s thoughts, words, and actions is extremely difficult. That’s why the very first message preached by both John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus was:
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near!” (Matthew 3:2; 4:17)
This opening statement carries two important truths:
The kingdom of heaven is near – A spiritual kingdom, unlike this material world, is about to come.
You must repent – In order to enter this kingdom, a person must first repent, which means recognizing that their current way of thinking, speaking, and living is wrong and needs to change.
However, people often assume:
What I think is obviously right.
What I say is justified.
What I do is certainly correct.
Why, then, do I need to change?
Based on what should I know what to change?
This touches the core of human pride, knowledge, and wisdom:
Pride makes people self-satisfied: “I’m fine—why should I listen to you?”
Knowledge makes people believe they understand, when they may actually be ignorant.
Wisdom, if it lacks the fear of God, will only follow worldly values and not lead to true repentance.
The Bible says:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Psalm 111:10)
When a person truly fears God, their conscience will show them which actions are evil and must be corrected.
The knowledge of God comes from His Word—the Bible. When we humbly and carefully study the Scriptures, we can discern which teachings are true and which are false. If we read the Bible thoughtfully and with an open heart, we may suddenly realize:
“What I’ve always believed, said, and done—is wrong!”
This moment of realization is true repentance.
Only through genuine repentance can we take the first step toward the true path.
God said:
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6)
So we must fear God and search His Word with humility. Only then can we escape destruction.
This warning applies to everyone—even those who have preached for decades. Reflect on Jesus’ solemn warning:
“I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:23)
Lawlessness doesn’t just refer to immoral deeds—it also includes spreading false teachings that lead others to perish.
Examples include:
“If you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth, you’re saved forever.”
“You don’t need to be baptized.”
“You already have the Holy Spirit.”
“There’s no need to keep the Sabbath.”
“It doesn’t matter how you call on God’s name—He sees your heart.”
“Following how the world addresses God’s name isn’t wrong.”
“Respecting LGBTQ rights isn’t sinful.”
These are all common but unbiblical teachings. If not corrected, they will mislead others—and bring judgment on the one who teaches them.
♦(AE) Clinging to Tradition Hinders Repentance
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Jesus once rebuked the Pharisees, saying,
“Why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matthew 15:3)
Today, many churches emphasize “tradition”, but if what is passed down is not from God, not established by the apostles, then such tradition is not a blessing—it becomes a stumbling block. It prevents people from repenting and returning to the true way of God.
The Bible clearly teaches that the Sabbath is the seventh day, which God Himself blessed and sanctified. Yet around A.D. 100, heretical ideas crept into the church, gradually replacing Sabbath observance with Sunday worship. By the time of the early 4th century, political powers intervened, officially declaring Sunday as a legal day of rest—thus, God’s commandment was replaced by human law.
Consider also the change in the holy name of the Savior.
The name given by the angel—meaning “He shall save His people from their sins”—was originally written in Greek as Iēsous (Ιησους), and in Latin as Iesu. Early English Bibles, such as the King James Version, also used Iesu, which was pronounced close to “YESU.”
However, around 400 years ago, the letter J was introduced and began to replace the letter I in English print. Iesu was then printed as Jesus. Although it was still pronounced like “YESU” at first, about 200 years ago the pronunciation shifted to the modern “Jee-zus,” a sound foreign to the name originally given by God.
The apostle Paul issued a solemn warning about changing the gospel message:
“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.”
(Galatians 1:8)
And again:
“If someone comes and preaches another Jesus than the one we preached… you put up with it easily enough!”
(2 Corinthians 11:4)
So, which name did Paul preach?
It was the name Iēsous in Greek, Iesu in Latin—pronounced YESU. This is the name that carries the meaning “YHWH saves.” It was given from heaven, declared by angels, preached by apostles, and honored by those who were persecuted and martyred for it.
Now we must ask:
Shall we continue to abolish God’s commandments for the sake of 1,700 years of human tradition?
Shall we deny the true name of God because of 200 years of linguistic change?
Is it really that hard to repent from the errors of tradition?
Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is near. Repent!”
Repentance is not just about personal morality; it includes turning away from false teachings and inherited errors. Only by returning fully to the Bible and walking according to the truth can we truly enter the kingdom of God.
♦(AF) Another Jesus, Another Gospel — Paul’s Solemn Warning
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In 2 Corinthians 11:4, Paul writes:
“For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.”
At first glance, this may seem like permission. But in fact, it is a stern rebuke—full of grief and concern.
In verse 1 of the same chapter, Paul begins, “I hope you will put up with me in a little foolishness.”
Then he exposes how the Corinthian believers were being too tolerant toward false apostles who preached a distorted gospel, a different Jesus, and a different spirit. Yet they questioned Paul, the true apostle who loved them dearly.
So when Paul said, “You put up with it easily enough,” he meant, “You tolerate false teachers so easily—but show doubt toward me, who brought you the true gospel?” This is not approval—it’s a sorrowful warning.
Paul also writes in 1 Corinthians 1:14–17:
“I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,
… For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel,
not with words of eloquent wisdom,
lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”
This does not mean that Paul disrespected baptism.
Rather, his calling was to preach, while fellow workers handled the baptism duties.
Why?
To prevent people from boasting in human names:
If Paul baptized many, some might claim they were baptized “in Paul’s name,” creating factions and pride.
Because of wise division of labor:
Like in Acts 6, where deacons were appointed so that apostles could “devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word,” Paul focused on evangelism while his coworkers performed baptisms and pastoral care.
This reminds us that what matters is not who performs the act, but whether it is done in the true name of the Lord, and whether the gospel we receive matches the one preached by the apostles.
Today, we must be vigilant:
Are we following the same Jesus Paul preached—YESU, not a redefined version shaped by tradition?
Are we embracing the same gospel—centered on repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit, and obedience to God’s commandments?
Let us heed Paul’s warning:
There is only one true Jesus, only one true gospel. Any other is a deception—and Paul says, let such a one be accursed.
♦(AG) The Humble Path to Salvation
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I. Introduction: The Story of Naaman the Leper
(2 Kings 5)
Naaman was a commander of the army of the king of Aram—powerful, respected, and victorious.
But he suffered from an incurable disease: leprosy.
A young servant girl from Israel told Naaman’s household that there was a prophet in Samaria who could heal him.
Naaman went, bringing riches and status—but the prophet Elisha didn’t even meet him, only sent a message:
“Go wash in the Jordan seven times.”
At first, Naaman was angry and proud. He expected something more “honorable.”
But after listening to his servants, he humbled himself and obeyed.
He dipped in the Jordan seven times—and was completely healed.
This story teaches us: Salvation does not come by status or wealth, but through humility and obedience.
II. Other Biblical Examples of Humility Leading to Salvation
1.
Noah
– Obeyed God’s Word and Built the Ark (Genesis 6:22)
“Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.”
He humbled himself to God’s warning, even when the world mocked him—and he and his family were saved.
2.
Moses
– Called the Most Humble Man on Earth (Numbers 12:3)
Because of his humility, God chose him to deliver Israel and reveal the Law.
3.
The Tax Collector’s Prayer
(Luke 18:13-14)
“God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”
He dared not lift his eyes to heaven. Jesus said he went home justified—not the self-righteous Pharisee.
4.
The Canaanite Woman
(Matthew 15:21–28)
She said, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”
Because of her humility and faith, her daughter was healed.
III. Humility Leads to Obedience, and Obedience Leads to Salvation
1. Faith Must Be Paired with Action
(Hebrews 11:7)
“By faith Noah… condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”
2. The Steps of Salvation Require Humble Obedience
(Acts 2:38)
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of YESU Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
– Each step requires us to lay down our pride and follow God’s instructions exactly.
IV. Truly Humble People Honor God’s Holy Name and His Holy Day
1.
Reverence for God’s Holy Name – YESU
(Philippians 2:10)
“That at the name of YESU every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,”
– Humble hearts will admit when they’ve misused God’s name and will call on the true name.
2.
Reverence for God’s Holy Day – The Seventh Day Sabbath
– Humble people do not rely on man’s traditions but return to what God originally commanded.
– God blessed and sanctified the seventh day, not Sunday. People wrongly called it Lord's day, the Lord's day should be Sabbath Day. YESU is the Lord of the Sabbath.
– Just as Naaman could not wash in his own rivers but had to obey God’s instruction,
we must also worship on the day God chose, not the day men replaced it with.
V. Conclusion: Humility Is the Door to Salvation
Humility is not just an attitude—it is the foundation of obedience.
Like Naaman, we must let go of our own opinions, pride, and expectations.
We must be willing to follow God’s instructions, step by step.
Today, God still calls us to repent, to be baptized in the name of YESU, to receive the Holy Spirit, and to keep His commandments.
Are you willing to humble yourself and obey, so you may be cleansed—not only of sin, but of every false tradition?
♦(AH) The Teachings of New Testament Writers Were Primarily for Believers — But There Are Also Messages for Unbelievers; We Must Not Take Verses Out of Context
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Introduction
The New Testament—including the writings of Paul, Peter, James, John, Jude, Luke, and others—
is largely composed of teachings directed toward those who had already believed, been baptized, and become part of the Church.
These teachings aim to encourage believers to hold firmly to the faith, live a sanctified life, and endure until the end.
However, within the New Testament, there are also portions addressed to unbelievers,
calling them to repentance, faith, and acceptance of salvation.
Thus, when we read, teach, or evangelize with the Scriptures,
we must carefully distinguish the intended audience of each passage.
We must not randomly apply any verse to ourselves or others, nor should we take passages out of context.
I. Most New Testament Teachings Were Written for Believers
Many New Testament letters clearly indicate that they were addressed to those who had already repented, been baptized, and become members of Christ:
Romans 1:7 (Paul)
“To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints.”
1 Corinthians 1:2 (Paul)
“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints.”
1 Peter 1:1-2 (Peter)
“To those who are elect exiles… according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit.”
1 John 5:13 (John)
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”
From these openings, it is clear:
Most teachings in the New Testament are directed toward believers who have already entered the covenant of salvation,
instructing them how to maintain their faith and live a holy life.
II. There Are Also Passages Directed Toward Unbelievers
At the same time, the New Testament also contains many urgent calls for unbelievers to repent and believe the gospel, such as:
Mark 1:15 (Jesus)
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Acts 2:38 (Peter)
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 17:30 (Paul)
“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.”
These passages are directed toward those who have not yet turned to the Lord,
inviting them to enter the path of salvation.
III. The Danger of Taking Verses Out of Context
Many people today wrongly extract isolated verses from the New Testament, such as:
Romans 10:9 (Paul)
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
They assume from this one verse that a mere verbal confession and mental belief are enough for salvation,
ignoring the full biblical teaching about repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit, and living a transformed life.
Similarly, some people quote:
John 3:16 (John)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Yet they ignore Jesus’ direct teaching in the same chapter:
John 3:5 (Jesus)
“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
Each passage must be interpreted according to its original audience and context.
It is dangerous to randomly apply promises or assurances that were meant specifically for baptized believers to oneself or others who have not yet entered into the covenant.
IV. The Consistent Testimony of the New Testament Writers Regarding Salvation
Throughout the New Testament, the true path to salvation is consistently taught as:
Repentance
Baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus [YESU]
Receiving the promised Holy Spirit
Living a life of holiness and obedience
For example:
Acts 2:38 (Peter)
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Galatians 3:27 (Paul)
“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
James 2:17 (James)
“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
The genuine faith that saves is an active faith, demonstrated by repentance, obedience, and transformation—not by words alone.
V. Vigilance and Perseverance
The New Testament repeatedly warns believers to remain vigilant and to continue working out their salvation:
Philippians 2:12 (Paul)
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
1 Peter 4:18 (Peter)
“If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
Thus, the journey of salvation is not a one-time event but a lifelong path of abiding in Christ,
from repentance and baptism to enduring in faith until the day of the Lord.
Conclusion
The teachings of the New Testament writers were primarily addressed to those who had already believed, been baptized, and received salvation,
encouraging them to hold firmly to their faith and live in holiness.
At the same time, there are also urgent calls directed toward unbelievers, inviting them to repent and believe.
When quoting the Scriptures, we must carefully distinguish the audience and background of each passage,
and must not take verses out of context or apply them recklessly.
The true path of salvation, as consistently taught throughout the New Testament, is:
Repent, be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus [YESU] Christ, receive the Holy Spirit, and remain faithful until the end!
♦(AI) New Testament Believers Are the Spiritual Israelites
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Introduction
The Bible repeatedly reveals that New Testament believers, whether of Jewish or Gentile background, through faith in Jesus Christ, have become “spiritual Israelites.”
Although the Bible does not explicitly use the phrase “spiritual Israelites,” this concept is clearly taught throughout the New Testament.
Today, let us study this important truth together.
I. Biblical Revelation about Spiritual Israelites
First, let us look at several key passages:
Galatians 6:15-16
“For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.”
Here it is stated that what matters is not outward identity, but becoming a “new creation.” Those who are a new creation are called “the Israel of God.”
Romans 2:28-29
“For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter.”
True Israelites are those inwardly transformed by the Spirit, not merely by outward rituals.
Romans 9:6-8
“For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel… It is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.”
Thus, spiritual Israelites are those who are born through faith in God’s promise, not merely by natural descent.
Ephesians 2:19
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”
Believers are no longer outsiders but citizens of God’s kingdom.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession.”
These glorious titles, once reserved for Israel, are now given to all believers in Christ.
II. Common Misunderstandings and Correct Teachings
When learning about the truth of spiritual Israelites, we must be aware of several common misunderstandings:
1. Misunderstanding: Only ethnic Jews can be Israelites
Correct Teaching:
Everyone who believes in Jesus, whether Jew or Gentile, becomes part of God’s Israel through faith. The key is becoming a “new creation” (Galatians 6:15-16).
2. Misunderstanding: The Church has replaced Israel
Correct Teaching:
The Church has not replaced Israel. God’s promises to ethnic Israel remain, and a future salvation for Israel is prophesied (Romans 11:1-2, 25-26).
Becoming a spiritual Israelite means sharing in God’s kingdom, not replacing Israel.
3. Misunderstanding: Having the name “spiritual Israelite” is enough without life change
Correct Teaching:
Spiritual Israelites must live a renewed life of obedience, holiness, and love for God and others (1 Peter 2:9).
Faith must bear the fruit of transformation.
4. Misunderstanding: Spiritual Israelites is just a metaphor without real meaning
Correct Teaching:
The identity of a spiritual Israelite is real. Believers truly become citizens of God’s kingdom and members of His household (Ephesians 2:19, Hebrews 12:22-23).
III. The Mission of Spiritual Israelites
Becoming a spiritual Israelite is not just an honor, but also a calling:
Proclaim God’s virtues
“That you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
Live in holiness and faith
As a “holy nation,” we must live as light and salt in the world (Matthew 5:13-16).
Await the Lord’s return and inherit the eternal kingdom
“Who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:5)
Conclusion
New Testament believers, regardless of their background, have through faith been reborn in Christ and have become spiritual Israelites, citizens of God’s kingdom.
This identity is a grace, a calling, and a responsibility.
Let us cherish this holy identity, hold firmly to the faith, live in holiness, and await the return of the Lord Jesus [YESU]!
♦(AJ) God’s Love: From Eternity to the Call for Repentance
Table of Contents
I. God’s Love Chose Us Before the Foundation of the World
Scripture:
Ephesians 1:4
“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.”
Message:
God’s love for us did not begin at our birth; it began even before the creation of the world.
His choice is not based on our merit but on His pure grace and sovereign will.
God’s purpose is to make us holy and blameless before Him through Christ.
Reminder:
Whenever we feel weak or unworthy, remember: God already chose us in love long before we ever knew Him.
II. The True Nature of Love: God’s Perfect Love
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
Message:
This passage describes the true nature of love, which perfectly reflects God’s love.
God is patient and kind; He does not keep a record of our wrongs but rejoices in our return to truth.
His love is sacrificial and enduring — a love that went to the cross for our salvation.
Reminder:
As recipients of such love, we must also learn to love with patience, kindness, and a commitment to truth.
III. God’s Love Leads Us to Repentance