The Kingdom Of God (Audio Message)

Listen in to the good news of the Kingdom of God as I witness about the way to see and enter into God's kingdom. May you be blessed and edified in your soul!

In Jesus Name,
Tyrone

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/tyroneandcynthiapalmer/2011/12/11/the-kingdom-of-god

The Wages Of Sin Is Death (Original Sin?)

Romans 6:20-23

"For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I have been struggling for months to understand what really happened in the garden of Eden and what actually passed to us because of the sin of Adam and Eve. My problem was with the doctrine of "Original Sin", stating that the SIN of Adam and Eve passed to us and all mankind is BORN IN SIN, meaning every baby that's born into this world is utterly depraved, sinful, and wicked.

There is no scripture that tells us this and I asked myself if this is true then the millions of babies that are aborted, still born, or die after a few months of life ect.... should go to Hell and be eternally separated from God, children who die should go to Hell as well according to the original sin doctrine. But don't we see Jesus saying, "suffer not the children to come unto me, for theirs IS the kingdom?" There has to be an explanation for the state we are born in, so what is it according to scripture?

I have begun to understand that because of Adam and Eve's sin, each soul that enters the body of a fetus inside the mothers womb is spiritually dead, because this is what happened to Adam and Eve AFTER the fall, their spirits were separated from God. Even though they were still physically alive, their souls were cut off from the Holy Spirit and life of God, and they died spiritually. When Adam and Eve gave birth to Cain and Abel this spiritual death and separation of the soul from God was passed on to them, but NOT the sin Adam and Eve committed themselves. Cain committed his own sin when he killed his brother Abel, and the curse of death spread to him because of his sin.

Ezekiel 18:20

"The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself."

We can understand from these scriptures that we did not inherit the original sin of Adam and Eve,  but we suffer the consequences of their sin.

Romans 5:12-14

"Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—  (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come."

What is sin? 1st John 3:4

"Everyone practicing sin also practices lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness."

Sin is something that you practice, commit, or do according to the scriptures, and this means that an infant cannot sin because it's an action not an inherited substance. If we were born in sin, then we could not commit, or practice sin, because we would already be sinners and would have no choice to obey the laws of God.

I can understand that even though an infant has not committed any sin, done good or evil, their soul is still spiritually dead and born under the law of sin and death. At some point this infant will grow up and commit a sin, then the curse of death will spread to them. If they die in their sins without being born again or receiving the free gift of salvation, their soul will be sent to Hell where they will await the judgement of the Lord and if their name is not found written in the Lamb's Book of Life they will be cast into the lake of fire and eternally separated from God, (the second death).

1st Corinthians 15:20-22

"But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive."

 If we remain in Adam our souls will die, but if we are baptized into Christ our souls will be made alive through the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit as He comes to indwell our bodies.

Romans 8:11

"But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you."

Romans 5:18-19

"Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous."

I have learned that every soul born on the face of this earth needs Jesus, must be born again, and needs to be regenerated by the Holy Spirit. The only way we can be reconciled back to God is to accept His free gift of salvation, and understand that God sent His Son Jesus to set us free from the law of sin and death that came into this world through Adam and Eve.

I welcome any additions, revelations, questions, or insights to this message because I am still learning, praying, and fasting about this very deep spiritual subject, which has been hard to understand.

Abiding In His Love,
Tyrone

What does it mean to be born again?

The first thing we need to do to answer this question is look at the words of God in the flesh, the Word Himself, Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God.

Jesus said that heaven and earth would pass away but His words would never pass away. He said in John 12:49-50 "For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”

I lay this foundation because Jesus IS the way, the truth, and the life, what He spoke IS absolute truth. What He spoke He received directly from the Father and this is what He taught His disciples and they accepted His word.

In John 3:1-7 Jesus tells the Pharisee Nicodemus a ruler of Jews what one MUST do in order to be born again. Let's take a look at what Jesus said:

"There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’"

In these scriptures Jesus tells us plainly what it means to be born again. Unless we are born again we CANNOT see the kingdom of God. And unless one is born of water AND the Spirit he CANNOT enter the kingdom of God. Then He goes on to say that we MUST be born again, not should be, or need to be, or maybe, but MUST be.

Now let's look at what born of water and the Spirit is according to the scriptures. Many have a problem with the word 'water' here and say that it's the birth water, or the water of the word, but that's error and when we look at the Greek word for water in John it's the same word that's used in Matthew 3:13-17

"Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

In these scriptures Jesus is giving us an example of what it means to be born again, He gets baptized by John and immediately He comes up from the water and John was able to see a supernatural manifestation of the Spirit of God descending from heaven LIKE a dove and landing upon Jesus. (Like the tongues of fire on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:3)

The word 'water' here is the Greek word: Hudor

5204. hudor hoo'-dore, and genitive case, hudatos hoo'-dat-os, etc. from the base of 5205; water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively:--water. (Strong's Greek Lexicon)

This is the same word used in John 3:5

The word Spirit is also the same in Matthew and John:

4151. pneuma pnyoo'-mah from 4154; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze (Strong's Greek Lexicon)

Now going back to John 3:5 we can understand clearly that what Jesus said to Nicodemus is that one must be born of water (hudor-baptism) and the Spirit (pneuma-Holy Spirit)

Without these two things as Jesus said, we cannot see or enter the kingdom of God.

This is what it means to be 'born again'. Water + Spirit = Born Again!

We can read of the culmination of this teaching of Jesus in the book of Acts when the Holy Spirit was ushered in with power on the day of Pentecost and 3000 new converts to Christ heard the gospel message preached by Peter and were born of water and the Spirit.

Acts 1:4-5

"And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

Acts 2:1-4

"When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

The initial evidence of receiving or being filled with the Holy Spirit is speaking in other languages!

Mark 16:17

"And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;"

Acts 2:36-39

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “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. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

Acts 2:40-42

^"And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly  received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."

In The Love Of Christ,
Tyrone

The True And Pure Gospel

Matthew 24:14

"And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come."

What does the word gospel mean?

2098. euaggelion yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on from the same as 2097; a good message, to announce good news (Strong's Greek Lexicon)

What is this good message or good news of?

The Kingdom of God
 
When Jesus started His earthly ministry in the city of Galilee He announced that the kingdom of God was at hand, and He told the masses what they should do.
 
Mark 1:14-15
 
^"Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,  and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
 
This is the true and pure gospel that Jesus received from the Father and preached to the world. The good news of the kingdom of God, and God's kingdom is now, in those who are born again. Jesus said to repent, (which means to think differently) and believe (to have faith) in the gospel (good message).
 
Luke 17:20-21
 
"Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation;  nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

So what must we do to enter into God's kingdom now? Jesus answered this question in John 3:1-7
 
"There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’"

Jesus said that unless one is born again they can't see the kingdom of God, and unless one is born of water AND the Holy Spirit they cannot enter the kingdom of God. Then He says we MUST be born again, He didn't say we should, we need to be, or it's a good idea, He said we MUST be born again. Are you born again?

The gospel of the kingdom of God is not about the messenger, but the message! God sent His only Son to pay the penalty of sin so that we could be reconciled back to Him and have a relationship with Him IN His kingdom now by His Spirit! This is truly good news!

There are so many sheep being led astray by a myriad of false gospels that will not lead them into the kingdom of God or save their soul. If you are one of those who believe in and follow the teachings of man and not the teachings of Christ, I pray that you will repent, believe, and obey, the true and pure gospel.

With Love In Christ,
Tyrone

We Must Be Baptized

Did you know that baptism is more than just a symbolic ritual?

In this study we will take a look at why we must be baptized in water and what baptism really means for new followers of Christ.

The Greek word for baptism is baptizo and it means:

“To immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism:--Baptist, baptize, wash.” (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

Matthew 28:18-20

“And Jesus came and spoke to them (apostles), saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Jesus), teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”

Question: Did Jesus command His apostles to make new disciples and baptize them or did He leave it up to the new converts to decide how they would be saved?

Mark 16:14-18

“Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Jesus tells His apostles again to baptize the ones who believe the gospel message of the kingdom of God. Jesus makes it clear that baptism in water is a part of God’s plan of salvation for the soul.

Acts 2:36-41

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “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. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.”

Here we see Peter doing what Jesus had commanded him and the rest of the apostles to do; baptize new converts in water in the name of Jesus. They never changed their gospel message as long as they lived and they never allowed any believer to go without being baptized or receive the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:14-17

"Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit."

Romans 6:1-7

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin.”

Paul tells the Roman saints that baptism is far more that a symbolic ritual, but a participation in the likeness of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. When we go into the watery grave we are putting to death the old man of sin, crucifying the flesh and being raised from the water a new creation in Christ. By this act of faith and confession, we come into spiritual contact with the blood of Jesus that washes away all our sins.

Galatians 3:26-28

“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 2:11-12

“In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.”

1st Corinthians 12:12-14

“For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many.”

When we are baptized in water and receive the Holy Spirit we are spiritually placed into the body of Christ, this is not a separate baptism but part of the one baptism that all converts to Christ are to receive.

Ephesians 4:4-6

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

Jesus commanded His disciples to be baptized in His name for the forgiveness of their sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who will empower them to live the rest of their lives in obedience to God and dead to sin. He who believes and is baptized WILL be saved!

In Christ,
Tyrone

Does God Really Love Me?

How many times have you said to yourself that God doesn't love me? How many times have you seen the violence and death that goes on in this world everyday and said, ‘if God really loves the world why does He allow all these things to happen? And how many times have you said, ‘I've done to much wrong in my life, God can't love me?

In this bible study we will take a look at how much God does love each and every one of us, and He sent His only Son into the world to show us exactly how much He loves us. And how He reconciled us through the death of His Son so that we could have a relationship with Him that will lead us from this life on earth, to eternal life with Him in His Kingdom.

1st John 4:9-10 (KJV)

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Verse 9: This scripture means that God made His love clear and evident to us by sending Jesus Christ into this dark world that we might live through Him, not by ourselves or through our own efforts, knowledge, power, or works, but through Jesus.

Question: Have you been trying to live life your way and not God's?

Thought: We often hear about many parents who try to live their lives and their dreams through their children, the outcome of this living can bring many hardships to the parent and the child. Think about how God wants you to live your life through His Son and what the outcome of this lifestyle will bring.

Verse 10: This scripture tells us what kind of love God has for His creation, we did not love Him first, but He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Propitiation means - atonement. Atonement means - satisfaction or reparation for a wrong or injury; amends. Jesus willingly sacrificed His perfect sinless body on the cross as an unblemished and spotless lamb, paying the penalty for our sins so that we could be reconciled (restored, to set at one again) to God.

Paul wrote that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. And we are in need of salvation and deliverance from sin, the bondage of Satan, and our fallen state. We can only experience reconciliation with God IF we believe (trust) in the testimony that God gave to us about Jesus Christ, repent (change your mind, think differently) confess your sins, and obey the command of Jesus to be born of water and Spirit. When we accept the free gift of salvation that God offers to each one of us, we will be willing to 'do' what Jesus says we need to do in order to have our soul's brought into a saving relationship or covenant with God.

Question: How has God shown you He loves you?

Thought: We can see an example of this kind of love in the life of Abraham who obeyed God's voice and was willing to sacrifice his only son that God Himself promised He would give him. Think about how great a sacrifice this was for God, and how hard it would be for us to sacrifice one of our own children.

Romans 5:7-8 (KJV)

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure (perhaps) for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth (presents) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Verse 7: This scripture is saying that it's very rare for someone to sacrifice their life for a righteous man, and how hard it would be for us to die for a good man, a stranger, a family member or someone that we love.

Verse 8: But God presents His love to us through Christ, who died for the sins of the whole world. Even though we were still in our sins, unclean, and ungodly, God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die for us inspite of our sins.

Question: Are you willing to lay down your life for your fellow man?

Thought: We can see an example of physical sacrifice in soldiers who go to war and die for the freedom of their country or a cause that they believe in. But God sent His Son and Jesus willingly died for all of us, so that we could have spiritual freedom and everlasting life with Him in heaven. Think about How much greater the sacrifice of Jesus that bought our souls with His death and the shedding of His blood that cleanses all our sins.

Revelation 1:4-6 (KJV)

John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Verse 5: Jesus is the first born who was raised from the dead and glorified by God, those who have died in Christ and those who believe in His name today, enduring until the end will also be raised and glorified. The Lord shows us His love by washing away our sins in His blood when we accept the free gift of salvation.

Question: Do you believe God loves you? Why or why not?

Thought: God has shown the world how much He loves each and every soul that is born into this world because He sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins so that we may live on this earth in His peace, His love, and His salvation. The greatest gift and love that we could ever receive is the salvation of our soul and the eternal joy that awaits those who believe in Jesus Christ. God is love, and He doesn't wish that any should perish without knowing Him or His truth, but we all have free will, and He does not force anyone to accept His free gift, it's a choice each person must make on their own.

God Bless You,
Tyrone D. Palmer, servant and apostle of Jesus

Born Again

What does it really mean to be born again? Why must we be born again in order to enter the kingdom of God? Is there a clear understanding of this truth in the bible?

In this bible study we will take a fresh look at being born again, and what Jesus said we must all do in order to enter the kingdom of God.

I will start this study by quoting 1st Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine (teaching), for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

If you believe this scripture to be true then you believe that every scripture from Genesis to Revelation was given to the writer by inspiration of God and the teachings that are contained in the bible will profit you. You will be open and willing to be reproved, corrected, and instructed, by the Word of God. You may disagree with the interpretation of the scripture, but to disagree with the scriptures would mean you don’t believe 1st Timothy 3:16-17.

John 3:1-8

“There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

First we see the Pharisee Nicodemus coming to Jesus in the night, afraid to be seen talking to Jesus openly for fear of his religious peers. We also learn that the Pharisee’s knew that Jesus was a teacher who was sent by God because they could not deny the miracles that God did through Him to confirm His ministry and to show the world that He was approved of God.

Notice that Jesus didn’t speak about the miracles that were being done; He instead chose to tell Nicodemus what was more important than the signs and wonders. Jesus was concerned about the soul of Nicodemus and every other soul that would desire to enter into the kingdom of God. He said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”. Jesus was so adamant about this He said it three times! He told Nicodemus, and He tells us today we MUST be born again.

Do you believe the words of Jesus? Do you think He was just saying that to Nicodemus?

We can also see from the scriptures that Nicodemus did not understand the words of Jesus because his mind was not spiritual, but carnal, and of course Jesus knew that. The words Jesus spoke were spiritual, as given from above by the Father, and He only spoke what He heard from heaven. (John 12:48-50)
Jesus tells Nicodemus you need two things in order to be born again; water AND Spirit. You cannot have one without the other; you must have both to enter into the kingdom of God. How was Jesus able to tell this truth to Nicodemus? Because He did it Himself and knew exactly what one had to do in order to please the Father.

Look at Matthew 3:13-17

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Jesus was immersed in the Jordan River by John the Baptist and when He came up from the water the Spirit of God came upon Him. This righteous act pleased the Father and Jesus went on to start His ministry now empowered by the Holy Spirit. This was the precursor for the day of Pentecost when the Spirit would be poured out upon the apostles and disciples in the upper room.

God also gave this vision and physical manifestation of the Spirit to John so that He would know that Jesus was the Son of God. He set the example that we are to follow today in order to be born again.

John 1:32-34

“And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”

Jesus also spoke to His apostles about this after His resurrection from the dead. The apostles and disciples had already been baptized in water by John but they were missing the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:4-5
“And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

Then we see the fulfillment of this prophetic word days later in Acts 2:1-4
“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

Like John saw the physical manifestation of the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus, so did all the believer’s on the day of Pentecost. How else would they have known they were being baptized with the Holy Spirit if they did not have any evidence?

It is no different for us today, we will KNOW that we have received the Holy Spirit of God because there will be some kind of physical manifestation. Whether it’s tongues, prophesying, or magnifying God; when the Spirit of God is poured out upon our flesh there will be evidence that we have been clothed with power from on high.

This is how the apostles themselves were able to know if a believer received the Holy Spirit. Look at Acts 10:44-47
“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” (Day of Pentecost)

Now we know what it means to be born of water and Spirit! Now we know what it means to be Born Again!

Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? (Acts 19:1-7) If not, ask the Lord to baptize you with the Holy Spirit and He will.

God Bless You,
Tyrone D Palmer, your servant and apostle of Christ