The Real Great Commission

Hello everyone.  Praise the Lord!

Here is the real great commission.

Jesus made a very bold statement that many Christians today do not believe. But there’s truly no other way around it… and it has to do with an essential piece of salvation. It has everything to do with salvation. It has to do with faith, baptism, and obedience. 

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Look carefully at the structure of this verse… this is the Great Commission as recorded by the disciple Mark. This is what Jesus said…

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:15-16

I hope you see the imperative in Jesus’ words… he tied salvation inseparably to both belief and baptism. He implies that if a person does not believe, nothing else will save him. But if he does believe, he will be baptized to be saved. 

Some believe that “belief” in Jesus causes a person to be saved (John 3:16). Some even go so far as to say that belief combined with confessing with your mouth saves you (Romans 10:10). Both of those statements are important parts of salvation, but they are not all of salvation. And an honest examination of scripture proves this out. 

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Mark 16:16 is just as much part of the salvation package as the other verses referenced. 

So, either these verses are in contradiction to one another, or they are in perfect harmony. 

Notice that in Acts 2 when the first gospel message was preached by Peter, the gathered crowd asked with directness in response to that preaching, “men and brothers, what shall we do?” in verse 37.

Peter’s response was emphatic. He didn’t even reference belief or confession, because it was obvious that they believed what he just preached and it was implied. If that were all that were necessary, surely he would have just congratulated them for their salvation. But he didn’t, did he?

What did he do? He gave them further instruction in the next verse and said, “Repent, and each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

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There’s just no biblical way around this. We either take all of scripture together, or we take none of it. We cannot choose the scriptures that agree with our philosophies and neglect the ones that don’t. True belief is accomplished by obedience, or that faith is dead (James 2:26).

An honest view of this encounter would never arrive at telling someone that belief alone would save them. Or that raising one’s hand in a church service, or reciting “the sinner’s prayer”, or merely inviting Jesus into one’s heart would save them. 

Peter was very clear in his response to their question…

Repent. 

Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. 

Receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

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Peter would only say this if it were true, and it was true. Not only did Jesus say it in Mark 16:16, but he also said it to Nicodemus in John 3:5. Being born of water (this is undeniably speaking of water baptism) and born of Spirit (also undeniably speaking of Spirit baptism) were inseparably connected to salvation or, as Jesus put it “seeing/entering the kingdom of God”. Jesus emphatically stated that without being born again of water and Spirit, a person “cannot” enter heaven, let alone see it. 

Why? Why didn’t Jesus just say “believe and confess”? Because belief alone is not enough. James put it like this, “You believe that God is one; well and good. Even the demons believe that—and tremble with fear. But would you like evidence, you empty fellow, that faith without works is useless?” (James 2:19-20)

One might ask, “I thought we are saved by grace, through faith?”

Excellent, and true! Notice those words, “by” and “through”. “By” implies that salvation is predicated on, and offered only by and because of, the existence of the grace of God. In other words, there is no salvation outside of God’s extended grace. 

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And then “through” declares that salvation is obtained within an active, obedient expression of our belief in Him, not merely a passive belief. The actual Greek definition is, “a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act”. Paul said it is “through faith”, not “by faith”. “Through” denotes a channel, or process, or activity. What is that process or activity? It’s what Jesus previously demanded. It’s what Peter preached. It’s what Paul experienced. It’s what new disciples in the book of Acts obeyed. 

In Acts 2, 8, 10, and 19 they believed. They were baptized in the name of the Lord. They were filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. Every time. 

Must we believe? Yes, it’s essential. 

Must we repent? Yes, it’s essential. 

Must we confess Jesus with our mouth? Yes, it’s essential.

Must we be baptized under water in the name of Jesus? Yes, it’s essential. 

Must we receive the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in other tongues? Yes, it’s essential. 

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It’s also essential that we regularly repent and confess our sins (1 John 1:9), live holy unto the Lord as He transforms us (Hebrews 12:14, Roman’s 12:1-2), and continue in the faith (John 9:62).

Salvation is a free gift offered by grace, through faith. 

It’s easily obtained, but comes with an exchange of our life for His. 

There’s no other way… and that’s okay, because this way is available to all without reserve. 

It begins by believing, but doesn’t end there. 

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One might ask, “but isn’t salvation ‘not of works’?” Yes! Notice this… forgiveness is not a work of ours, it’s a work of God. Spirit infilling is not a work of ours, it’s a work of His. We’re not working to obtain salvation when we believe.. or when we confess… or when we repent… or when we’re baptized… or when we’re filled with the Holy Spirit. All the work is His! We are merely surrendering through obedience, and the work of salvation is enacted by Him alone, by His grace!

When you honestly ask the question, “what must I do?” and then honestly obey the scriptural answer through faith-filled action, you will indeed be saved. 

William James Roop

Roop-Crappell Ministries

Hospice Care and Dying

The Trucking Tango

Believing Produces Repentance

Hello everyone.  Praise the Lord!

Repent - Be baptized - Be filled with the Holy Ghost.

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

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Believing produces obedience:

Jesus said he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. We must conclude that believing produces obedience which leads to repentance in response to the Word of God. You must believe that you need to repent. 

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? Rom‬ ‭10:16‬ ‭From this verse we see that believing produces obedience. If you believe, you’ll obey. 

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Obedience leads to repentance and baptism:

Jesus said he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Believing produces obedience which leads to repentance in response to the Word of God. John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, Apostles Peter and Paul all preached first to repent - believing comes first of course because the hearer had to believe before they could obey the need to repent. 

Believing is powerful, setting in motion a chain of events that leads to salvation. Believing activates faith. Believing opens up revelation. When you believe, you’ll obey. 

The only prerequisite it seems to be baptized is to believe with all of your heart. But that’s not just a believing heart, but a repentant heart. The eunuch asked If he could be baptized, Phillip responded, “if you believe with all of your heart you may.” Believe what? What Phillip just explained to him. He preached unto him Jesus. When you preach Jesus, you preach repentance, you preach baptism, and you preach being filled with the Holy Ghost. Faith without works is dead. 

We are begotten by the Word and repentance is the first response after believing. Repentance is powerful, but not complete without being baptized, yet powerful enough to prepare one to receive the Holy Ghost. 

Part of the response to the gospel is this: Jesus now commands all men everywhere to repent. I believe when men believe and obey that command, which is inextricably linked with baptism, revelation and real change takes place. 

Repentance is a commandment to be obeyed as well as a response to the Gospel. Conversion is repentance and baptism. While one can receive the Holy Ghost before baptism, but not the Holy Ghost before repentance, baptism is the NT circumcision which completes the conversion that began with repentance.

Repentance begins the process that isn’t completed until one is baptized - putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by being buried with Jesus Christ in baptism - yet one can receive the Holy Ghost before this takes place - which to me is a beautiful picture of grace - it doesn’t mean someone is sinning while being filled with the Holy Ghost - but while those past sins are still present and not yet washed away - you can be filled with the Holy Ghost. 

If you haven’t repented, you’re not ready for baptism. To repent is to want to be baptized. It’s why Paul asked the believers how were you baptized. Catch this: Paul knew that believers would be baptized. He just didn’t know how they were baptized. Believing and baptism goes together like peanut butter and jelly. 

To repent is to make a conscience choice to turn around from the direction one is headed. To repent is to change one’s mind for the better, to heartily amend with abhorrence of one's past sins. 

When you repent, you are biblically ready to receive the Holy Ghost, but you must be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

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The Gospel is good news: 

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭15 -  This is the gospel. 

Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:

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God gives the Holy Ghost to them that obey Him:

And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. Acts‬ ‭5:32‬ ‭

This prophecy by Joel as told by Peter would be fulfilled starting in Acts 2:4 - before Peter started preaching

Jesus was crucified, buried and rose again. That’s the good news. That’s the gospel. Not only did He rise again, but he was seen of many witnesses, 1, 12, and over 500 at one time. 

Acts 2:23-24 - Jesus was crucified and rose again just as it says in 1 Corinthians 15. And that’s good news. That’s the Gospel. You obey it by believing, and you believe it by obeying. 

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. ‭

William James Roop

Roop-Crappell Ministries

Hospice Care and Dying

The Trucking Tango

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

Roop-Crappell Ministries

Hospice Care and Dying

The Trucking Tango

Dimensions of the Holy Spirit

Hello everyone.  Praise the Lord!

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

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Dimensions of the Relationship with the Holy Spirit

1. The Holy Spirit is with us to bring us to Christ. 

“...He dwells with you...” John 14:16

2. The Holy Spirit is in us to make us more like Christ.

“...and will be in you...” John 14:16

"And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'" John 20:22

3. The Holy Spirit is upon us to empower us to continue the work of Christ. 

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"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

The Holy Spirit is in you for you. 

The Holy Spirit upon you is for others. 

The Holy Spirit in you is for your character.

The Holy Spirit is upon you for ministry.

William James Roop

Roop-Crappell Ministries

Hospice Care and Dying

The Trucking Tango

Unity With Jesus Christ

Hello everyone.  Praise the Lord!

A good message from an unknown author.  The spiritual power of unity!

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On the coming of the Holy Ghost, everyone was sitting down and they were all in one accord. 

No they weren’t running around.

No they weren’t dancing around.

No they weren’t shouting around.

They were sitting down, all in one accord.

This is so important to grasp and understand, you don’t “work for” to have the Holy Ghost come onto you (like many charismatic churches teach). 

It’s a promised gift from Jesus, Himself when you believe in Him and get baptized in His name.

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“And when the day of Pentecost was 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 all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4) 

“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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” (Acts 2:38-39)

William James Roop

Roop-Crappell Ministries

Hospice Care and Dying

The Trucking Tango

Jesus Must Be the Center

Hello everyone. Praise the Lord!

Here is a wonderful message that I read from another source, and I would love to share it here.

In any true and pure move of the Holy Ghost, Jesus will always be THE CENTER.  

Healing cannot become the message. 

Deliverance cannot become the message. 

Prosperity cannot become the message.  

Tongues cannot become the message. 

Spiritual warfare cannot become the message. 

Signs, miracles, and wonders cannot be the message.  

THE MESSAGE MUST REMAIN CENTERED AND FOCUSED UPON JESUS. 

He is the foundation. 

He is the absolute TRUTH. 

He is the measure of all things. 

When it becomes about deliverance, prosperity, prophecy, and theology, though wonderful, we begin to WANDER.  

-Jayson Pagan

William James Roop, M.A.B.S.

Roop-Crappell Ministries

My Author Page

Hospice Care and Dying

The Trucking Tango

Holy Spirit Fire

Hello everyone.  Praise the Lord!

How is the Holy Spirit like fire?

The Bible describes God as a "burning fire" (Hebrews 12:29), so it is not surprising that fire is often presented as a symbol of God's presence.  Examples include the burning bush (Exodus 3: 2), the pillars of the cloud (Exodus 14: 19), the clouds over the tabernacle of martyrdom (Numbers 9: 15-16) and the attitude of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1: 4).  Often fire is the instrument of God's judgment (Numbers 11: 1 and 3; 2 Kings 1: 10 and 12) and is a sign of His power (Judges 13:20; 1 Kings 18:38).

For these obvious reasons fire was very important for Old Testament sacrifices.  The fire on the altar of burnt offering was a divine gift that was primarily illuminated by God Himself (Leviticus 9:24).  God commanded the priests to keep the fire which God had kindled always burning (Leviticus 6:13) and made it clear to them that fire taken by any other means would be unacceptable (Leviticus 10: 1-2 verses).  

The altar can illustrate our commitment to the Lord Jesus in the New Testament.  As followers of Jesus Christ, we are required to offer our bodies as "living and pure" (Romans 12: 1) sacrifices that are entirely dedicated to the divine gift, the unquenchable fire of the Holy Spirit.  ۔  At the very beginning of the New Testament, the Holy Spirit was attached to the fire.  John the Baptist prophesies that Jesus Himself will "baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire" (Matthew 3:11).  When the Holy Spirit began His ministry in the early church, He chose to dwell on every believer in the form of tongues "bursting like a flame of fire."  And on this occasion "they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with tongues, as the Spirit gave them power to speak" (Acts 2: 3-4).

Fire is an amazing picture of the work of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is like fire in at least three ways;  It brings God's presence, God's passion and God's holiness.  The Holy Spirit is an expression of God's presence because it resides in the heart of the believer (Romans 8: 9).  In the Old Testament, God revealed His presence to the Israelites through the appearance of the cloud at the tabernacle.  The presence of fire provided light and guidance (Numbers 9: 17-23).  In the New Testament, God guides and comforts His people through the Holy Spirit, who dwells in our bodies - in the "tabernacle" and in the "Holy of Holies" (2 Corinthians 5: 1; 6:16).

The Holy Spirit creates God's passion in our hearts.  Two disciples who traveled on the road to Emmaus after Jesus' resurrection talk to Jesus and later say,  Weren't you? "  (Luke 24:32).  After receiving the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, the apostles developed a zeal that lasted a lifetime and gave them the strength to speak God's word with boldness (Acts 4:31).

The Holy Spirit creates God's holiness in our lives.  God's original purpose is to cleanse us (Titus 2:14) and in this regard the Holy Spirit serves to sanctify us (1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:12).  In the same way our God uses the Holy Spirit to take away our sins (Psalm 10:10; Proverbs 17: 3).  His fire cleanses and purifies us.

I received this story from a friend, and the original author is unknown.  If you have and comments or any additional information, you can tell me in the comments section.  If you enjoyed this story you can click on the follow button to catch them all.

William James Roop, M.A.B.S.

Roop-Crappell Ministries

Hospice Care and Dying

The Trucking Tango

Apostolic Theological Seminary

Baptized With The Holy Spirit

Hello everyone.  Praise the Lord!

BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
by F. E. Hill
The Apostolic Faith Paper, December 1906.

Do you long to be filled of joy and free,
To be strong in God and his glory see,
Then obey His word and you shall be,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.

"Ye shall be baptized," Jesus said,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Tarry then until with the power and endued,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Yes I'll be baptized with His power,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Tis the gift I see, Father's promise to me,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Will you consecrate to Him now you're all,
Let Him have his way while to him you call,
As in faith you wait the power will fall,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.

"Ye Shall be baptized," Jesus said,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Tarry then until with the power and endued,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Yes I'll be baptized with His power,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Tis the gift I see, Father's promise to me,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.

"This is that" which fell at Pentecost,
To prepare the church to redeem the lost,
We must then be filled at any cost,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.

"Ye Shall be baptized," Jesus said,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Tarry then until with the power endued,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Yes I'll be baptized with His power,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Tis the gift I see, Father's promise to me,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Tis the gift of God to the sanctified,
He will comfort, lead and will be our guide,
And will dwell in us, coming to abide,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.

"Ye Shall be baptized," Jesus said,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Tarry then until with the power endued,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Yes I'll be baptized with His power,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Tis the gift I see, Father's promise to me,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Will you gladly fall at the Saviour's feet,
Give your doubtings over, and be made complete,
There to dwell in peace, and communion sweet,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.

"Ye Shall be baptized," Jesus said,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Tarry then until with the power endued,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Yes I'll be baptized with His power,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Tis the gift I see, Father's promise to me,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.

You can sing God's praise now, and by and by,
Ye shall speak with tongues, and shall prophesy,
In the power of God you shall testify,
Baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Brother Roop

Roop-Crappell Ministries

My Hospice blog

Apostolic Theological Seminary

Holy Spirit Baptism

Holy Spirit Baptism

            They Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit) moving on people has been around for thousands of years.  We also see it in a limited way throughout the Old Testament.  But the Full Mention of the Holy Ghost in the Bible is found in the first two chapters of the Book of Acts.  That is the contextual epicenter of the subject and al other references must be filtered through those two chapters.

            But first, Jesus Christ Himself declared to the disciples that power would be come to them soon.  “And I will send upon you the promise of my Father; but you remain in the city of Jerusalem, until you are clothed with power from on high. (Peshitta Luke 24: 49).

            In the first chapter of the Book of Acts, the first apostles of the new church were fill with the Holy Ghost.  “And when the day of Pentecost was fulfilled, while they were assembled together, suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues which were divided like flames of fire; and they rested upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak in various languages, according to whatever the Spirit gave them to speak. (Peshitta Acts 1:1-4).

            In the second chapter, we find the Plan of Salvation.  “When they heard these things, their hearts were touched and they said to Simon (Peter) and the rest of the apostles, our brethren, what shall we do?  Then Simon said to them, repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of the LORD Jesus for the remission of sins, so that you may receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise was made to you and to your children, and for all of those who are far off, even as many as the very God shall call.”  (Peshitta Acts 2:37-39).

            Later when the Apostle Philip preached to the Samaritans, they believed and were baptized in water, but none of them had received the baptism of the Holy Ghost.  Peter and John then went down unto them and then they received the Holy Ghost.  “Who, when they went down, prayed over them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.  For as yet it had not come upon them although they had been baptized in the name of our Lord Jesus.  Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. (Peshitta Acts 8: 15-17).

 These verses show us a distinction between the baptisms of water and the Spirit.  A further distinction would be shown by the Apostle Paul when he encountered twelve men whom had been baptized in water years ago, but not of the Spirit.  “When they heard these things, they were baptized in the name of the LORD Jesus Christ.  And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke in divers’ tongues, and prophesied.”  (Peshitta Acts 19:5-6).

            As I have just shown, if we want to be right with God and receive salvation, after repentance, we must receive both water and Spirit baptism.  The two are completely separate and yet both are completely necessary for our salvation from our sins!

William James Roop, M.A.B.S.

Roop-Crappell Ministries

Hospice Care and Dying

The Trucking Tango

Apostolic Theological Seminary

Water Baptism

Hello everyone.  Praise the Lord!

Water Baptism

            “And he said to them, go to all the world, and preach my gospel to the whole creation.  He who believes and is baptized shall be saved; and he who does not believe shall be condemned.”  (Peshitta Mark 16:15-16)

            These are the words of Jesus Christ Himself as He was speaking to His disciples just before His ascent into the Heavens.  This is the final instructions to His disciples on what they were to do when He left them.  Jesus Christ made it very clear that they were to baptize all of the world!  In fact, I think that Jesus Christ made it very clear here in verse sixteen, that He equated baptism with salvation. 

            It seems the Apostle Peter had also understood baptism as an essential part of salvation when he preached on the Day of Pentecost.  In the Book of Acts, the Apostle Luke recorded Peter’s sermon to the crown of devout Jews the need for water baptism in the name of the LORD Jesus!

            “When they heard these things, their hearts were touched and they said to Simon (Peter) and the rest of the apostles, our brethren, what shall we do?  Then Simon said to them, repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of the LORD Jesus for the remission of sins, so that you may receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise was made to you and to your children, and for all of those who are far off, even as many as the very God shall call.”  (Peshitta Acts 2:37-39).

            The Apostle Peter understood that water baptism was a requirement for salvation.  The rest of the apostle’s present did not correct Peter, so they also understood the same thing.  If Jesus commanded water baptism and the Apostle Peter preached it, who are we to say that we do not need it for today?

            Later, the Apostle Philip, also water baptized people in Samaria!  “But when they believed Philip, preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God in the name of our LORD Jesus Christ, they were baptized (water), both men and women.  (Peshitta Acts 8:12). 

            Philip would later also baptize an Ethiopian God-fearer out in the desert.  “And he commanded the chariot be stopped: and both went down into the water, and Philip baptized the eunuch.”  (Peshitta Acts 8: 38).

            When Saul, the accuser of the brethren, traveled to Damascus to arrest the Christians there.  Jesus intervened and converted Saul in a miraculous way!  When Saul (Paul) agreed to salvation, he was baptized in water!  “And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.”  (Peshitta Acts 9: 18).

            When the Apostle Peter traveled to Caesarea to preach to Cornelius and his family and friends, he baptized them all in water.  After the baptism of the Holy Spirit, they were all baptized in water!  “Then Simon Peter said to them, can any man forbid water, that these people who have received the Holy Spirit, just as we have, should not be baptized?”  (Peshitta Acts 10:47).

            When the Apostle Paul was preaching to some disciples of John the Baptist, he felt that it was necessary to rebaptize them in water and they had received Spirit baptism.  “When they heard these things, they were baptized in the name of the LORD Jesus Christ.”  (Peshitta Acts 19:5).

            The Word of the Lord is very clear by the mouth of Jesus Christ and the actions of all of His apostles that we should all be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ, so that our sins may be washed away!

William J. Roop, M.A.B.S.

Roop-Crappell Ministries

Hospice Care and Dying

The Trucking Tango

Apostolic Theological Seminary

Why Must A Person Be Water And Holy Spirit Baptized?

Hello everyone.  Praise the Lord!

Why must a person be Water and Holy Spirit Baptized?

Water Baptism

            “And he said to them, go to all the world, and preach my gospel to the whole creation.  He who believes and is baptized shall be saved; and he who does not believe shall be condemned.”  (Peshitta Mark 16:15-16)

            These are the words of Jesus Christ Himself as He was speaking to His disciples just before His ascent into the Heavens.  This is the final instructions to His disciples on what they were to do when He left them.  Jesus Christ made it very clear that they were to baptize all of the world!  In fact, I think that Jesus Christ made it very clear here in verse sixteen, that He equated baptism with salvation. 

            It seems the Apostle Peter had also understood baptism as an essential part of salvation when he preached on the Day of Pentecost.  In the Book of Acts, the Apostle Luke recorded Peter’s sermon to the crown of devout Jews the need for water baptism in the name of the LORD Jesus!

            “When they heard these things, their hearts were touched and they said to Simon (Peter) and the rest of the apostles, our brethren, what shall we do?  Then Simon said to them, repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of the LORD Jesus for the remission of sins, so that you may receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise was made to you and to your children, and for all of those who are far off, even as many as the very God shall call.”  (Peshitta Acts 2:37-39).

            The Apostle Peter understood that water baptism was a requirement for salvation.  The rest of the apostle’s present did not correct Peter, so they also understood the same thing.  If Jesus commanded water baptism and the Apostle Peter preached it, who are we to say that we do not need it for today?

            Later, the Apostle Philip, also water baptized people in Samaria!  “But when they believed Philip, preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God in the name of our LORD Jesus Christ, they were baptized (water), both men and women.  (Peshitta Acts 8:12). 

            Philip would later also baptize an Ethiopian God-fearer out in the desert.  “And he commanded the chariot be stopped: and both went down into the water, and Philip baptized the eunuch.”  (Peshitta Acts 8: 38).

            When Saul, the accuser of the brethren, traveled to Damascus to arrest the Christians there.  Jesus intervened and converted Saul in a miraculous way!  When Saul (Paul) agreed to salvation, he was baptized in water!  “And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.”  (Peshitta Acts 9: 18).

            When the Apostle Peter traveled to Caesarea to preach to Cornelius and his family and friends, he baptized them all in water.  After the baptism of the Holy Spirit, they were all baptized in water!  “Then Simon Peter said to them, can any man forbid water, that these people who have received the Holy Spirit, just as we have, should not be baptized?”  (Peshitta Acts 10:47).

            When the Apostle Paul was preaching to some disciples of John the Baptist, he felt that it was necessary to rebaptize them in water and they had received Spirit baptism.  “When they heard these things, they were baptized in the name of the LORD Jesus Christ.”  (Peshitta Acts 19:5).

            The Word of the Lord is very clear by the mouth of Jesus Christ and the actions of all of His apostles that we should all be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ, so that our sins may be washed away!

Holy Spirit Baptism

            They Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit) moving on people has been around for thousands of years.  We also see it in a limited way throughout the Old Testament.  But the Full Mention of the Holy Ghost in the Bible is found in the first two chapters of the Book of Acts.  That is the contextual epicenter of the subject and al other references must be filtered through those two chapters.

            But first, Jesus Christ Himself declared to the disciples that power would be come to them soon.  “And I will send upon you the promise of my Father; but you remain in the city of Jerusalem, until you are clothed with power from on high. (Peshitta Luke 24: 49).

            In the first chapter of the Book of Acts, the first apostles of the new church were fill with the Holy Ghost.  “And when the day of Pentecost was fulfilled, while they were assembled together, suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues which were divided like flames of fire; and they rested upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak in various languages, according to whatever the Spirit gave them to speak. (Peshitta Acts 1:1-4).

            In the second chapter, we find the Plan of Salvation.  “When they heard these things, their hearts were touched and they said to Simon (Peter) and the rest of the apostles, our brethren, what shall we do?  Then Simon said to them, repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of the LORD Jesus for the remission of sins, so that you may receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise was made to you and to your children, and for all of those who are far off, even as many as the very God shall call.”  (Peshitta Acts 2:37-39).

            Later when the Apostle Philip preached to the Samaritans, they believed and were baptized in water, but none of them had received the baptism of the Holy Ghost.  Peter and John then went down unto them and then they received the Holy Ghost.  “Who, when they went down, prayed over them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.  For as yet it had not come upon them although they had been baptized in the name of our Lord Jesus.  Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. (Peshitta Acts 8: 15-17).

 These verses show us a distinction between the baptisms of water and the Spirit.  A further distinction would be shown by the Apostle Paul when he encountered twelve men whom had been baptized in water years ago, but not of the Spirit.  “When they heard these things, they were baptized in the name of the LORD Jesus Christ.  And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke in divers’ tongues, and prophesied.”  (Peshitta Acts 19:5-6).

            As I have just shown, if we want to be right with God and receive salvation, after repentance, we must receive both water and Spirit baptism.  The two are completely separate and yet both are completely necessary for our salvation from our sins!

William James Roop, M.A.B.S.

Roop-Crappell Ministries

Hospice Care and Dying

The Trucking Tango

Apostolic Theological Seminary

Demon Possession Of Christians

Hello everyone.  Praise the Lord!

Demon Possession of Christians

There are two different types of Christians.  One type are professing Christians whom are without the Spirit baptism.  The other type of Christian is the ones that are filled with the Holy Spirit by the evidence of speaking in tongues.  The professing Christians whom lack God's Spirit are sometimes, or at least in danger of being possessed by demons.  The Holy Ghost filled, Bible thumping, foot stomping, isle running, handkerchief waving Christian cannot be indwelt by a demon because that Christian is already indwelt by God's Spirit.

The reason that I believe this is that there is no Scriptural reference in the New Testament of a Christian being possessed by demons.  Nor is there any Apostolic writings concerning this manner.  If a real Christian could be indwelt by a demon, then I could safely believe that the New Testament writers would have written about this danger and have warned their fellow Christians about this danger.  The Apostolic writers did not even mention the subject.

A Christian can have his heart filled by demons as is shown in Acts 5:3.  "But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost..."  A demon can whisper in the ear of a Christian and influence him to sin or to do something that he should not do.  But this is not a demon possession.  This just means that a Christian can be influenced by demons, just like people can be influenced by a lot of other things. 

A Christian can also give place to a demon as demonstrated by Scripture in Ephesians 4:27, "Neither give place to the devil."  This does not mean the a Christian can be possessed by a demon, it just means that we can keep a sin close to us that we do not want to give up.  The devil influences us to sin and if we keep that sin then we are giving place to the devil.

If a Christian could be possessed by a demon then it this subject would have been addressed by the New Testament writers.  It was not the case.  There is no Scriptural reference to demon possession of a Christian.  Now then, a demon can certainly possess a professing Christian that is without the infilling of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit cannot co-exist with a unholy demon spirit.

William J. Roop, M.A.B.S.

P.S.  

Since writing this page, I have been assisting several deliverance ministers in casting out demons!  I have discovered in the real world, through practical application, that demons do indeed demonize Christians!  For further information, you can contact me on my website, the link is below.

Roop-Crappell Ministries

Hospice Care and Dying

The Trucking Tango

Apostolic Theological Seminary