The Bible and Life

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Things To Know About Your Pastor

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is an article from an unknown author that I wanted to share.

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THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR PASTOR

1. He loves God and you a lot.

(Be mindful.)

2. He is a painfully limited human being.

(Be realistic.)

3. He probably has a pretty low view of his “performance”.

(Be kind.)

4. He wishes he were a better preacher.

(Be awake.)

5. He really does want God’s best for you and your family.

(Be open-hearted.)

6. His work knows no time or locational boundaries.

(Be patient.)

7. He hears much more negative information than positive.

(Be encouraging.)

8. He has chosen a vocation in which few remain.

(Be praying.)

9. He has chosen a highly leadership-intensive call.

(Be lead-able.)

10. He needs help.

(Be available.)

11. His God-given vision is bigger than himself and the church.

(Be faith-filled.)

12. He wants to personally meet all the needs, but knows he can’t.

(Be understanding.)

13. He’s going to say some dumb things every now and then.

(Be forgiving.)

14. His family is patient with you, so be patient with them.

(Be conscientious.)

15. He is greatly encouraged by your faithfulness.

(Be there.)

16. He is passionate for God’s Word to be made practical to you.

(Be hungry.)

17. He longs for church to be your spiritual oasis.

(Be loving.)

18. He dreams for your and your family’s spiritual health.

(Be receptive.)

19. He needs to hear that you prayed for him.

(Be interceding.)

20. He’s just a regular guy.

(Be real.)

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William James Roop

Monday, November 20, 2023

Baptism In Jesus' Name

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is an article by an unknown author that I wanted to share.

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BAPTISM in JESUS NAME - the verses containing every tense of the word baptize are listed below.

Four-hundred years of silence was broken when Gabriel announced the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ. Six months after John the Baptist was born Jesus would be born. The entire Old Testament foretold of Jesus Christ the Savoir of the World. The Lamb slain from the foundation of the World would soon die on the cross for all of humanity.

The Last Words of Jesus - post resurrection- as recorded in the Book of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Acts.

Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name "OF" the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Mark 16:16 He that believeth AND IS baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Between Mark 16:19 and 16:20 The Day of Pentecost took place!

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Luke 24:47 And that repentance and REMISSION of sins should be preached in HIS NAME among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Act 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Notice in verse 37 that EVERY APOSTLE WAS ASKED WHAT SHALL WE DO? BUT only Peter lifted up his voice.

Act 2:37-38 Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the REST of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the NAME of JESUS CHRIST for the REMISSION (JESUS said in Luke 24:47 that repentance and remission of sins would be preached in His NAME) of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

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Act 10:46-48 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the NAME OF THE LORD Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the KEYS of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Please note that it was Peter that first preached salvation to the Jews in Acts chapter 2 and It was Peter who preached it first to the Gentiles in Acts Chapter 10. He was given the KEYS to the kingdom of Heaven. Countless Others would preach the same message but he was the first.

Act 19:3-5 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard [this], they were baptized in THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS.

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Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] ALL in the NAME of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

In Acts 18 Apostle Paul Says Apollos only knew the baptism of John. In Acts 19 having met disciples of John. Paul "re-baptized" them in the Name of Jesus Christ.

Jesus said "He that Believeth and is baptized shall be saved"

Acts 8:12 When they believed they were baptized

Acts 18:8 When they believed they were baptized

Acts 16:14 When Lydia attended to the things spoken by Paul she and her household were baptized

Paul said I am willing to die for the NAME of Jesus

Act 21:13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

We are washed, sanctified, justified by the NAME

1Co 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

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The Name of the Father is Jesus. Jesus said I come in my father's name. He said he was given his name by inheritance.

John 5:43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

Heb 1:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost baptism is a powerless tradition. Casting out devils must be done in the name of Jesus Christ. You cannot cast out devils in the name of the Father, Son, Holy Ghost nor can you wash away sins by those titles. Remission of sins only takes place by the Name of Jesus Christ.

Act 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus

Christ - Study to show thyself approved unto God ‬

‪100x in 88 verses ‬

‪Baptize - 9x in 7 verses‬

‪Baptized - 61x in 51 verses‬

‪Baptizes - 1x in 1 verse‬

‪Baptizeth - 2x in 2 verses‬

‪Baptizing - 4x in 4 verses‬

‪Baptism - 22x in 22 verses‬

‪Baptisms - 1x in 1 verse‬

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BAPTIZE Occurs 9x in 7 VERSES

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire: - Matthew 3:11 KJV

John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. - Mark 1:4 KJV

I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. - Mark 1:8 KJV

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 KJV

John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; - John 1:26 KJV

And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. - John 1:33 KJV

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. - 1 Corinthians 1:17 KJV.

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BAPTIZED Occurs 61x in 51 VERSES

And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. - Matthew 3:6 KJV.

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. - Matthew 3:13 KJV.

But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? - Matthew 3:14 KJV.

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: - Matthew 3:16 KJV.

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. - Matthew 20:22 KJV.

And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but [it shall be given to them] for whom it is prepared of my Father. - Matthew 20:23 KJV.

And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. - Mark 1:5 KJV.

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I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. - Mark 1:8 KJV

And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. - Mark 1:9 KJV

But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? - Mark 10:38 KJV

And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: - Mark 10:39 KJV

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. - Mark 16:16 KJV

Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? - Luke 3:7 KJV

Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? - Luke 3:12 KJV

Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, - Luke 3:21 KJV.

And all the people that heard [him], and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. - Luke 7:29 KJV.

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But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. - Luke 7:30 KJV

But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! - Luke 12:50 KJV

After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. - John 3:22 KJV

And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. - John 3:23 KJV

When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, - John 4:1 KJV

(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) - John 4:2 KJV

And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. - John 10:40 KJV

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. - Acts 1:5 KJV.

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Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. - Acts 2:38 KJV

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls. - Acts 2:41 KJV

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. - Acts 8:12 KJV

Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. - Acts 8:13 KJV

(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) - Acts 8:16 KJV

And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? - Acts 8:36 KJV

And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. - Acts 8:38 KJV

And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. - Acts 9:18 KJV

Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? - Acts 10:47 KJV

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. - Acts 10:48 KJV

Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. - Acts 11:16 KJV

And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought [us], saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide [there]. And she constrained us. - Acts 16:15 KJV

And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed [their] stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. - Acts 16:33 KJV

And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. - Acts 18:8 KJV

And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. - Acts 19:3 KJV

Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. - Acts 19:4 KJV

When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. - Acts 19:5 KJV

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. - Acts 22:16 KJV.

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Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? - Romans 6:3 KJV

Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? - 1 Corinthians 1:13 KJV

I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; - 1 Corinthians 1:14 KJV

Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. - 1 Corinthians 1:15 KJV

And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. - 1 Corinthians 1:16 KJV

And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; - 1 Corinthians 10:2 KJV

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. - 1 Corinthians 12:13 KJV

Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? - 1 Corinthians 15:29 KJV

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. - Galatians 3:27 KJV.

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BAPTIZEST Occurs 1x in 1 VERSE

And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? - John 1:25 KJV

BAPTIZETH occurs 2x in 2 VERSES

And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all [men] come to him. - John 3:26 KJV

BAPTIZING occurs 4x in 4 VERSES

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 KJV

These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. - John 1:28 KJV

And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. - John 1:31 KJV

And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. - John 3:23 KJV.

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BAPTISM occurs 22x in 22 VERSES

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? - Matthew 3:7 KJV

The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? - Matthew 21:25 KJV

John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. - Mark 1:4 KJV

But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? - Mark 10:38 KJV

And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: - Mark 10:39 KJV

The baptism of John, was [it] from heaven, or of men? answer me. - Mark 11:30 KJV

And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; - Luke 3:3 KJV

And all the people that heard [him], and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. - Luke 7:29 KJV

But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! - Luke 12:50 KJV.

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The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? - Luke 20:4 KJV

Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. - Acts 1:22 KJV

That word, [I say], ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; - Acts 10:37 KJV

When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. - Acts 13:24 KJV

This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. - Acts 18:25 KJV

And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. - Acts 19:3 KJV

Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. - Acts 19:4 KJV

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. - Romans 6:4 KJV

One Lord, one faith, one baptism, - Ephesians 4:5 KJV

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. - Colossians 2:12 KJV

The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: - 1 Peter 3:21 KJV

BAPTISMS occurs 1x in 1 VERSE

[Heb 6:2 KJV] 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

William James Roop

Saturday, November 18, 2023

Acres of Diamonds

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

From the book, "Acres of diamonds."

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In the year 1843, a man was born who was to have a profound effect upon millions of people. His name was Russell Herman Conwell. He became a lawyer, then a newspaper editor, and finally a minister. It was during his church career that an incident occurred that was to change his life and the lives of countless others.

One day a group of young people came to Dr. Conwell at his church and asked him if he’d be willing to instruct them in college courses; they all wanted a college education but lacked the money to pay for it. He told them to let him think about it and come back in a few days.

After they left, an idea began to form in Dr. Conwell’s mind. He asked himself, "Why couldn’t there be a college for poor but deserving young people?" And before very long the idea consumed him. Why not, indeed. It was a project worthy of 100% dedication, complete commitment.

And almost single-handedly, Dr. Conwell raised several million dollars, with which he founded Temple University, today one of the country’s leading schools.

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He raised the money by giving more than 6000 lectures all over the country, and in each one of them he told a story which he called "Acres of Diamonds." It was true story which had affected him very deeply and had the same effect on his audiences. The money he needed to build the college came pouring in.

The story was of an African farmer who heard tales of other farmers who had made millions discovering diamond mines. These tales so excited the farmer that he could hardly wait to sell his farm and go prospecting for diamonds himself. So he sold the farm and spent the rest of his life wandering the African continent searching unsuccessfully for the gleaming gems which brought such high prices in the markets of the world. Finally, the story goes, worn out and in a fit of despondency he threw himself into a river and drowned.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch – or farm in this case – the man who had bought his farm happened to be crossing the small stream on the property when suddenly there was a bright flash of blue and red light from the stream bottom. He bent down, picked up the stone – it was a good-sized stone – and, admiring it, later he put it on his fireplace mantle as an interesting curiosity.

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Several weeks later a visitor picked up the stone, looked closely at it, hefted it in his hand, and nearly fainted. He asked the farmer if he knew what he’d found. When the farmer said no, that he thought it was a piece of crystal, the visitor told him he had found one of the largest diamonds ever discovered.

Well, the farmer had trouble believing that. He told the man that his creek was full of such stones, not as large perhaps as the one on the mantle but, well, they were sprinkled generously throughout the creek bottom.

Needless to say, the farm that the first farmer had sold so that he might find a diamond mine turned out to be the most productive diamond mine on the entire African continent.

The first farmer had owned, free and clear, acres of diamonds, but had sold them for practically nothing in order to look for them elsewhere.

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Well, the moral is clear. If the first farmer had only taken the time to study and prepare himself to learn what diamonds looked like in their rough state and, since he already owned a piece of the African continent, to thoroughly explore the property he had before looking elsewhere all of his wildest dreams would have come true.

Now the thing about this story that so profoundly affected Dr. Conwell and subsequently millions of others, was the idea that each of us is at this moment standing in the middle of his or her own acres of diamonds.

If we only had the wisdom and patience to intelligently and effectively explore the work in which we are now engaged, to explore ourselves, we’d usually find the riches we seek, whether they be financial or intangible or both.

Before we go running off to what we think are greener pastures, let’s make sure that our own is not just as green or perhaps even greener. It’s been said that if the other guy’s pasture appears to be greener than ours, it’s quite possible that it’s getting better care. Besides, while we’re looking at other pastures, other people are looking at ours.

The book "Acres of Diamonds" can be read online PDF

William James Roop

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Jesus In The Storm

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is an article from an unknown author that I wanted to share.

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This photograph is believed to be a picture of Jesus. A lady took the picture from an airplane window during an intense electrical storm. The plane started shaking violently and people started screaming, thinking the plane might go down. The lady and her friend decided to pray, saying “Jesus, you calmed a storm 2000 years ago, do it again for us today.” Within 2 minutes, the plane leveled off, and the Holy Spirit told her to press her camera against the window of the plane and take a picture. She was unprepared for what she would see next.

She took the film to get developed, but when her pictures were ready, the man who developed the film said, “Where did you get this photograph?” She said that she took it from her airplane window during an electrical storm. He showed her the picture and there was a man in a white robe standing in the middle of the photograph, in the middle of the storm. She was in shock. The man who developed the picture and his whole family decided to give their lives to Jesus Christ that afternoon, after seeing what they believed was solid evidence that Jesus Christ was real.

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Jesus IS real, and he is with you in the middle of any storm you might be facing right now. He’s with you. He loves you. He has a good plan and purpose for your life! The best decision you can ever make is when you invite Jesus to come into your life. If you’ve never invited Jesus into your life, pray with me… Dear Jesus, come into my life. Forgive me of my sins. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and your love. I believe you died for my sins and rose again so I could be in Heaven with you someday. Thank you for making me a part of your family. In Jesus’ name I pray… Amen.

William James Roop

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Questions For A Pastors Search

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is a list of questions to ask an aspiring minister.

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Spiritual leadership in a church and in our country should not be something left up to a guessing game!

Wondering… “Am I called into ministry?”

Here are some questions to ask yourself or a Pastoral candidate…

1. Will you choose Jesus Christ over money?

2. Will you practice honesty, sincerity, in your faith?

3. Will you preach God’s Word and not your opinion?

4. Will you trust God over man?

5. Will you be able to handle constructive criticism?

6. Will you allow your Theological Training to be used?

7. Will you allow Biblical Doctrine to be swayed?

8. Will you preach the counsel of God against sin?

9. Will you observe the true Ordinances of the Church?

10. Will you consider the advice of other disciplined, seasoned, and mature Pastors?

William James Roop

Sunday, November 12, 2023

Baptism In The Name Of Jesus

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is an article from an unknown author that I wanted to share.

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To all ministers, saints, Christian’s, and aspiring Christian’s of all religions and denominations. There are many reasons the Apostolic church baptizes in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We have all learned the Word of God through the discipline of study and revelation by God. No one living today or in any generation to come will add to the Word of God. It is written, and it is complete, and it is more than sufficient to save us and the world.

The 63 books of the Bible contain recorded history of people and events. Some writers recorded events passed down by written records and even oral tradition.

Every New Testament book, from Romans' to Revelation was inspired writing from a reed pen or quill pen onto papyrus or parchment. These were all letters inspired by God and written by man.

However, the book of Acts is unlike those letters written to individuals or churches. Paul wrote the book of Romans as he was inspired by the Holy Ghost. Luke when writing the book of Acts didn’t write down what he thought. He wrote down what he saw and heard.

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When Peter spoke up on the day of Pentecost, after those present ask all of the Apostles what they should do. Peter lifted up his voice.

Please understand he didn’t have a bible to consult. He didn’t ask those present to turn to Acts and read along. He spoke as the Holy Ghost moved on Him, a short seven days after Jesus ascended.

He said “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

He didn’t read the book of Romans to come to that conclusion. He didn’t read the book of Matthew or any Old Testament book. He preached the message of Pentecost after the Holy Ghost fell.

He spoke as he was inspired by God to speak. Romans wouldn’t be written for another 30 years. Nothing written later would contradict what Peter preached, it only affirms what he preached.

Peter preached and Luke recorded what he preached. Nothing that would be written later had the authority to contradict anything Peter preached. And nothing did. What would be written later only affirmed and confirmed Peter’s message.

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Peter couldn’t have confused anything written in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Romans or more because these books were not yet written.

Peter preached that day as the Holy Ghost inspired him to. Every Word written after that could only confirm those words preached by Peter, and confirm they do.

When you baptize someone in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, you are repeating what Jesus said instead of obeying what He said.

When you baptize in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ you can fulfill Matthew 28:19. If you baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost you leave Acts 2:38 unfulfilled.

Peter didn’t know anything about do all in the name of the Lord Jesus because Colossians would not be written until 60 AD or later.

In short, nothing written in the New Testament contradicts what Peter preached on the day of Pentecost.

William James Roop

Friday, November 10, 2023

No Turning Back

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is an interesting article that I wanted to share.

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The Story behind the Song

"I have decided to follow Jesus"

By the Grace of Our Lord Jesus

In 1904 a Welshman ventured halfway across the world to India and he trekked up the mountains towards a remote village in the east.

He was told

"Go back! The tribe in that village are famously

violent"

But the Welshman ignored the warnings because even these savage headhunters should have the opportunity to hear about the mercy of God.

One Garo tribesman from the tribe Meghalaya named 'Nokseng' and his family heard the Gospel and received Jesus as their Savior. The good news was too good to keep to themselves and they shared the Gospel with others in the tribe.

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The chief was very angry and he had the tribesman and his family dragged before the village.

"Stop following Jesus!" the chief demanded.

The tribesman replied "No I have decided to follow Jesus I am not turning back"

The chief was furious and killed the tribes man's children.

"Stop following Jesus!" the chief insisted.

The tribesman replied

"Though none go with me

I still will follow no turning back."

The chief showed no mercy and he killed the tribes man's wife.

"Now you will stop following this Jesus!" the chief said.

The tribesman looked the chief in the eyes and replied "The cross before me the world behind me no turning back."

The chief could not believe his ears and he killed the tribesman.

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Jesus said if a grain of wheat dies it bears much fruit and that day many of the villagers who witnessed the persecution of that tribesman and his family also decided to follow Jesus - even the chief himself became a follower of Jesus Christ.

The tribes man's last words became the song of the village and today it is sung all around the world.

A hundred years later, you still sing this song to church.

"I have decided to follow Jesus.

No turning back, no turning back."

Do you know that you are singing the words of a dead man who lost his children, lost his wife, and eventually lost his own life for Jesus?

How many people have you lost? Some of you might have, but the fact you are reading this means you still have your own life. Why falter in faith when you lose the little things you value on this Earth? Why do you threaten yourself to stop following Jesus when hardships come? Why do you deny Christ’s Lordship over your life when your friends are around?

You can lose your job.

Lose a loved one.

Lose all your friends.

Lose an exam.

Lose a great opportunity.

Lose a romantic interest.

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You can lose literally EVERYTHING here on Earth, but remember Nokseng and the words he said when he lost everything:

"The Cross before me, the world behind me. No turning back."

Friends, whether you have decided to follow Jesus this week, last month, last year, or many years ago...

Remember,

N O T U R N I N G B A C K

Credit to The Imperial Patriarch

William James Roop

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Is Speaking In Tongues For You?

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is an article by an unknown author that I would like to share.

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Is speaking in tongues for you?

One answer to that question is this, tongues is not the Holy Ghost, it’s only the evidence of it. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of God. Christ in you, the Hope of Glory. A resounding yes! It is for you!

Factually and without argument, it is for every man, woman, boy, and girl on earth. It is for Methodists, Episcopalians, Mormons, Muslims, Buddhists, Baptists, Pentecostals, Nazarenes, Catholics and more. In short, it is for you.

To those who say it was for the Apostles only, on the day of Pentecost the Holy Ghost fell on 120 men and women. To those who say it was only for the Apostles, the Apostles only represented 12 of the 120 that were present.

Twenty five years after the day of Pentecost Apostle Paul addresses speaking in tongues to the Corinthian church in 55AD. Many churches, and many organizations teach that speaking in tongues was only for the Apostles. Paul’s writing to the Corinthian church clearly, and completely refutes that. Simply put, why would he give instructions to a church regarding it if it had ceased?

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What is tongues? Tongues are languages not unlike English, Spanish or French. Tongues are not unintelligible, rather every utterance is a word. There are tongues of men, and tongues of Angels. Every tongue (language) is understood by God, and there is a language(s) that is/are only and exclusively understood by God alone.

Tongues can be understood by the speaker if they pray for understanding. Tongues can also be understood by those listening if it is a language they know. And finally tongues can be a conversation exclusively between you and God.

Some point to the scripture that says do all speak with tongues? This is found in 1 Corinthians chapter 12. However, this reference to tongues is referring to the gift of tongues. The gift of tongues only works in relation to another gift of the spirit; the gift of interpretation of tongues. What Paul is asking is do all have the gift of tongues. The answer is no they do not. Neither does everyone work miracles. However, the Holy Ghost is promised to all.

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On the day of Pentecost, the gift of tongues was not in operation, the gift of the Holy Ghost was. When the 120 men and women came out of the upper room, they were speaking in the languages of those present. Consequently, no interpretation was needed. If I speak in Spanish and you understood Spanish, no interpreter is needed. The gift of tongues only operates in concert with the gift of interpretation.

Tongues is nothing to fear. It is simply a language. When we yield ourselves to God, He will speak through us. God gives the Holy Ghost to those who obey Him. It is a promise to everyone on earth. To everyone from the day of Pentecost until this day, the Holy Ghost is for you.

Apostle Peter knew that the house of Cornelius received the Holy Ghost, for they heard them speak with tongues. The house of Cornelius was comprised of Gentiles and this took place eight years after the day of Pentecost. This refutes the belief that the Holy Ghost was only for the Apostles.

The reason Baptists, Methodists and every other religion does not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost is because they don’t seek for it. If you repent of your sins you can receive the Holy Ghost. If you repent of your sins and are baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ, receiving the Holy Ghost then becomes a promise to you.

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The gift of the Holy Ghost is not the same as the gift of tongues. The gift of tongues needs the gift of interpretation to work properly. On the day of Pentecost they spoke in the languages of those who heard. An interpreter, as happens with the gift of tongues, was not present. The gift of the Holy Ghost is for everyone.

William James Roop

Monday, November 6, 2023

Holy Ghost Fire

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is an article from an unknown author that I wanted to share.

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8 Truths About the Fire

God’s presence is like a fire (Heb 12:29).

God’s Word is like a fire (Jer 23:29)

The Holy Spirit is like a fire (Mt 3:11; Acts 2:3).

1. Fire brings light -

How can we be the world’s light without a flame?

2. Fire brings heat -

God wants you to live radiating His love.

3. Fire purges -

God’s fire purifies your heart.

4. Fire needs fuel -

God may start the fire within you, but you must keep it going by your habits.

5. Fire spreads -

When you catch on fire for Jesus, those around you get affected.

6. Fire can be extinguished -

Bad habits and wrong people can put out God's fire within you.

7. Fire produces smoke -

When you get on fire for God, it can produce criticism and attract opposition.

8. Fire leaves ashes -

Ashes are a sign that your fire is no longer there, and only the memories of how you once loved God remain.

William James Roop

Saturday, November 4, 2023

In The Beginning, The Son?

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is an article by an unknown author I would like to share.

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In the beginning what form was the Son in? There was no heaven. He wasn’t sitting next to the Father. There wasn’t a place to sit. Nothing visible or invisible had been created. There were no angels. What form was God manifested in? None. There were no manifestations. There was nothing except the Word. And that Word was in the form of an invisible Spirit- and still is. Logos is the mind and thoughts of God.

People have for centuries conjured up images of things that are not accurate or true. Please understand heaven was “created.” It has not always been there. The one throne in heaven wasn’t always there.

All things that were created? They were created by Jesus Christ. Who is Jesus Christ? God manifest in the flesh.

The Bible doesn’t teach the Trinity in any measure, -the Bible teaches about one God. Some say these three are one. That’s not true. Three are not one, but one God is manifested in three.

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In the beginning then, what form or essence was the Father? The Son? The Holy Ghost. Three Spirit forms? The Son was an invisible Spirit? Three minds? You can’t say three minds are one mind.

God is a singular Spirit. Just one. John 4:24. The Holy one of Israel. The Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit is simply the name of God’s Spirit in us. It is a designation.

The Holy Spirit doesn’t think anything God doesn’t think. Two minds would be two Gods. Three minds would be three Gods. It’s unlearned to believe the Holy Ghost is a separate Spirit.

We are made in God’s image and likeness. Body, Soul, Spirit. We are for sure one being.

Jesus is the image of the invisible God. God was in Christ. There are not three persons in the Godhead.

It’s against what the Bible teaches.

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The Father and the Holy Spirit are one and the same.

The Father is a Holy Spirit. There is only one Spirit. That Spirit is God. That Spirit took on the form of man.

Heaven was created. In the beginning was the Word.

Nothing else.

That Word was God. The Word was the only thing. The mind of God, the thoughts of God. What form? The same as today.

God is an invisible Spirit. He has always been an invisible Spirit, and always will be. You cannot see God and you never will see God.

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The imaginations of the Father sitting on the throne are just that- imagined. God is an invisible Spirit who no man has ever seen nor can see. He is light that cannot be seen.

“which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of Lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” 1 Tim ‬ ‭6:15-16‬ ‭

“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Tim‬ ‭1:17‬ ‭

“Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:” Colossians‬ ‭1:15‬ ‭

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Stephen did not see God when he looked into heaven. The Bible says he saw the glory “of” God. Hebrews 1:3 says that Jesus is the brightness of His Glory. It all points to Jesus Christ. In Him - not them - dwells all the fulness of the Godhead Bodily.

That invisible singular Spirit overshadowed Mary and was born of woman.

He was then in the world and the world was made by Him. That’s simple. It says it was made by Jesus Christ in more than one place.

Some Christian leaders get angry when someone gets baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. They will cast you out because you baptize in the only name that can cast out devils. They choose to be baptized - I can’t say in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, because they don’t. They get baptized by simply repeating the command of Jesus Christ instead of obeying it.

They say, “I now baptize you in the name of the Father, and the name of the Son, and the Name of the Holy Ghost.” Only they don’t - they don’t say one name. They don’t say the only name. Jesus Christ. Seven days after Jesus ascended Peter said to be baptized in that NAME.

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Baptism is in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ

NAME of The Father, Son, Holy Ghost Mt‬ ‭28:19‬

NAME of Jesus Christ Acts‬ ‭2:38‬

‭NAME no other name than Jesus Christ Acts‬ ‭4:12‬

NAME of the Lord Jesus Acts‬ ‭8:16‬ ‭

NAME of the Lord Acts‬ ‭10:48‬ ‭

NAME of Lord Jesus Acts‬ ‭19:5‬ ‭

‭NAME all in the name of Lord Jesus Col 3:17

William James Roop