Understandably, we may feel perplexed, uncertain, anxious and even fearful because of these things.

However, it is written in the Bible book of 1 John 4:18 that there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. But it’s more than just loving each other and doing good. What is the love John was writing about? Certainly, our natural love and care for each other would go some way to sorting through the many issues our world has and is experiencing. But experience tells us that our natural love and care for one another is not always constant and not equally applied.

The love we need, is the love God has provided for us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We receive God’s love when we are baptised with the Holy Spirit. When a person is baptised with the Holy Spirit they know it because they speak in tongues (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:1-6).

This is the true everlasting love that is essential to be able to navigate through all the issues of [y]our world. If you have not had this experience, then we urge you to make contact.

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The event of being baptised with the Holy Spirit and fire was first experienced by people on the Day of Pentecost, as recorded in the Bible book of Acts Chapter 2.

The importance of this experience cannot be overstated. God even confirmed to John the Baptist the purpose of Jesus Christ was to baptise people with the Holy Spirit (John 1:33).

Jesus himself is recorded at John 3:3-8 as stipulating except a person be born of water (full immersion baptism) and the Spirit they cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Therefore, because being baptised with the Holy Spirit is essential for a person’s salvation (along with water baptism by full immersion), the experience is not going to be left for us to say it has happened, or to rely on our own emotions or ideas. It is not subjective (subject to the person) but objective (meaning aside from our feelings or opinions). The baptism with the Holy Spirit will happen exactly the way God prescribed (John 3:8, Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:1-6). Many people over the past 2000 years have had the experience of being baptised by Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit … have you? (Acts 19:2)

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And a better question is then, ‘How will God forgive me?’

The Bible provides clarity: so you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus¹. We are no longer under the law but under grace², and must not continue to sin.

Under the Old Testament covenant mankind failed to stop sinning because they were weak through the flesh³. But in the New Testament this has changed. The problem that some so-called ‘Christian’ teachings face when confronted with the Bible directive to cease from sin is that the ability to carry this out has been denied.

The Bible described anointing of someone as a Christian⁴ occurs at the receiving of the Holy Spirit⁵, the experience Jesus said would bring power⁶ to the receiver and forgiveness of sin.

When you receive the Holy Spirit you have the accompanying power and capability to mortify (bring into subjection) the deeds of the flesh⁷ and cease from sin. The power of the Holy Spirit is tangible to you, and is evidenced by speaking in tongues. Without the Holy Spirit we would remain subject to the weakness of the flesh or natural ability. It is no wonder that Christ demonstrated His love for mankind by providing access to and emphasising the importance of receiving the Holy Spirit.

It is up to us to desire righteousness. As a Spirit-filled person you have been given the ability to follow the righteous example of Christ so that others can see the effect of the Holy Spirit working in you⁹. This means that as a Spirit-filled person you have, and should continue in, a real relationship with God.

It is important that once you become a Spirit-filled person not to fail God by continuing to sin or by explaining away the need to receive the Holy Spirit. As a Spirit-filled person, God’s ways are now in your mind and is to be your intent⁸.

Having the Holy Spirit dwelling inside you means that you can consider the right decisions that need to be made and have your thoughts established by God¹⁰. As you recognise that sin has no dominion over you and have the ability to pursue God’s way you will find that you can show a consistent righteous example to others by the power of the Holy Spirit within you.

It is exciting and comforting to realise that we are not expected to not sin by our own ability. Rather Christ has provided the strength and power to live righteously through the gift of the Holy Spirit.

It is encouraging to understand that we have access to the One who is able to keep each and every one of us from falling and to present us faultless at his return¹¹.

[ 1] Romans 6:11 ESV [ 2] Romans 6:14 [ 3] Romans 8:1-4 [ 4] 1 John 2:27 [ 5] Acts 2:4 [ 6] Acts 1:8 [ 7] Romans 8:13 [ 8] Hebrews 8:10 [ 9] 1 Peter 2:15-21 [10] John 14:26, Proverbs 16:3 [11] Jude 24

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The books of the Bible are divided into two main parts. The first (39 books) are termed the ‘Old Testament’ and the second (27 books) are termed the ‘New Testament.’

Putting aside the account of creation and parts of Revelation, the writings span over 6,000 years. The various books can be divided into history, poetry & wisdom, prophetic, gospel (Jesus Christ) and letters to the church categories.

After the account of creation, the historical books commence at the account of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and move on to Noah and the Flood, and special people such as Abram, Isaac and Jacob. The account of the nation of Israel then makes up a large portion of the historical and prophetic books of the Bible. From there the books referred to as the ‘gospels’ are an account of the life, ministry, death and resurrection of a person known as Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is believed to be the Son of God, the Messiah, King of kings and Lord of lords. (Matthew 16:15-16, Luke 1:30-33)

The letters following the gospels are to the churches and are written by people who were followers of Jesus Christ named; Peter, Paul, James, John and Jude. These letters were written to people in various locations who believe in and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. The contents of these letters are instructional, encouraging and contain warnings to God’s people.

Today, people who truly follow the teaching of Jesus Christ, will follow God’s Word and be baptised by full immersion in water. This represents their good conscience towards God, to want to bury their old natural lives and live a life in accordance with the Word of God. God will confirm His acceptance of these people by giving them His Holy Spirit. These people know they have been given God’s Holy Spirt because they have an outward, audible sign of speaking in tongues. This is a prayer language and an outwatrd sign of the inward experience. (Acts 2:1-4, 37-39, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:1-7, 1 Corinthians 14:14, 21-22)

If you would like to know more about the Bible and why it is still relevant for today, then complete the form below and we’ll be in touch.

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In the traditional mainstream Christian religion, a church is a building where people who believe in God come together at a given time. Depending on the type of church, there will be music, singing, ministry (a message from the Bible) and a communion service in recognition of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The people who attend are generally at their best being friendly, cordial, smiling and sharing.

However, in the true sense of the word, the English word for church comes from the Greek word, ‘ekklesia’. In English, it is also translated as assembly or congregation. According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, the word ekklesia is a combination of ‘out of’ and ‘a calling’ (or to call). Further, collectively, the word ekklesia is used to describe the company of the redeemed throughout the present era and as the Body of Christ. (Ephesians 1:22)

Therefore, in this context, “a” church may be a building, but “the” church is reference to individual people who all believe in the existence of the one true God and in His son Jesus Christ. Who all share the self-same experience of being baptised by full immersion in water and have received the Holy Spirt with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. (Acts 2:1-4, Acts 2:37-39, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:1-7) If you would like to become part of “the” church of God, then complete the form below and we’ll be in touch.

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If you are up for the challenge, God, the Creator of all things, can prove His very existence. And even though the proof can easily be seen all around us with our natural eye or aided by a microscope or telescope, the proof of God’s existence is actually a personal and tangible experience available to the whosoever.

This experience is not based on mental application or emotion. The proof of God’s existence comes when a person receives God’s Holy Spirit. The real tangible evidence is that they will speak in other tongues (an unlearned and unknown prayer language) direct to God. This also is a sign to those who do not believe in the existence of God and a sign of the “true worshippers” to those who do. (Acts 2:1-4, Acts 2:37-39, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:1-7, 1Corinthians 14:4, 21-22, Mark 16:16-17)

So, if you have ever wondered if God is real, or if you are doing all He wants of you, then why not put God to the test and give God a chance to prove Himself to you, personally. The wondering will then be over. To make contact complete the form below and we’ll be in touch.

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We are constantly bombarded with standards, causes, issues and opinion. What measure do you use in making the decision on which way to go? Is it the populous seat of public opinion, or perhaps the vocal minority?

Have you ever considered that God’s Word is like a road map? (Psalms 119:105) It provides clear and precise direction on the issues of life. From politics, religion, economics, security, health & well-being, relationships, marriage, self-improvement…the list goes on.

Tragically, the relevance and value of God’s Word is discounted and ignored. What we may fail to consider is that if God is real and He created us in His image then He undoubtedly knows us from the inside out. (Psalm 139:14, Hebrews 4:14-16)

The challenge for you may be that you do not know if God is real or not. Or even if you do believe in God, you still feel that life is not going in the direction that you would like.

If you are unsure about the existence of God or want to make sure your relationship with Him is the best it can be, then complete the form below and we’ll be in touch.

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It is understandable why we may be feeling anxious, nervous, uncertain and even be kept up at night with worry.

Whilst we may try and navigate our way through and around a multitude of issues and concerns that impact our lives, the reality is that a temporal fix is the best we can hope for, generally fixing things on the outside but still feeling empty within.

The single and lasting answer to any problem is the experience you can have in receiving God’s Holy Spirit. The beauty of this experience is that whilst the 1,000 problems may remain, you are changed from within. You are given God’s very nature so you can deal with and overcome any of the anxiety, concerns and worries that may be keeping you up at night. And you will never be alone again as God has promised He will not leave nor forsake His people. (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5-6)

As a Spirit-filled person you enter into a blessed position. You become a child of the living God. God then has a vested interest in your well-being. Jesus Christ reminded His disciples when speaking about the coming of the Holy Spirit: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

Jesus described the Holy Spirit as being the ‘Comforter’: “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: For if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you” (John 16:7).

We then read what the apostle Paul was inspired to write in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

This comfort (consolation, solace, stability, support, refreshment, brightness, rest, and quietness) is the most comprehensive assistance through all that life brings our way, and it is available to all. There is no substitute for the benefits of Holy Spirit and the comfort brought to those who receive this experience. Other options are unsatisfactory because they are of human origin and will not provide an everlasting and ever-present answer to the 1,000 problems that you may face in your life. If you would like to know more about the one answer to 1,000 problems, then complete the form below and we’ll be in touch.

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Parenting young children can be a daunting task. The choices that parents must make and the parenting advice that is available seems endless, especially when raising children in this age of social media. Many parents find that they are constantly evaluating whether they are “doing it right” when it comes to raising their children and this can be exhausting. Being a parent is an enormous job and it is the most important role that many of us will fulfil so we are naturally keen to give our children the best possible start in life.

As our children grow older and start to ask questions about the world we live in, and about life & death, we want to give them the answers they need to feel safe and secure, whilst at the same time many of us worry about our children’s wellbeing.

It is comforting to know that God, too, is a parent. Luckily for us, He is the wisest parent of all, and we can lean on Him as we navigate the ups and downs of raising a family. Day by day, He is constant, and He loves us, just as we love our own children. Like any good parent, He wants what is best for us and is always keen to hear from us about what we are thinking, what we are feeling, what we are worried about and what makes us happy. (Psalm 34:19, 1 Peter 3:12) He made the incredible sacrifice of His own son Jesus Christ because He loved us enough to want us to have His free gift of salvation. (John 3:16. Acts 2:1-4, 37-39)

When you receive the Holy Spirit, you can truly call God your Father. (Galatians 4:6-7). Being a Spirit-filled parent is such a different experience because it allows you to have God’s comfort in every situation, whether it be large or small. When it comes to parenting, it brings peace knowing that you (and your children) are in God’s hands and He has a plan for you as well as them. You can then teach your children to turn to His word for answers to life’s questions, and lean on Him during any situation that comes their way. Having the assurance of hope for the future, come what may, is a precious legacy to give them. (Ephesians 6:4)

If you would like to know more about how God’s Word can provide you with wonderful parenting direction, then complete the form below and we’ll be in touch.

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If you are thinking about God, Jesus Christ, what Salvation or being “Saved” is all about, then you will hopefully be looking for a church that will give you the answers to these questions from the Bible and not from just opinion, man’s wisdom or a religious perspective.

Such a church will be the best church, not because of the convenience of its message, or it being a local church near you, but simply because it will direct you to the clear salvation message of God through Jesus Christ in accordance to God’s word.

Revival Centres Church Sunshine Coast at Kawana, is such a church.

The true personal salvation message starts when a person repents (changes their thinking and actions to being in line with God’s Word), being baptised by full immersion in water and receiving the Holy Spirt. (Acts 2:1-4, Acts 2:37-39)

We will not only direct you to this incredible personal salvation message, we will also open to you other amazing things from God’s Word such as living a righteous overcoming life, God’s eternal plan, healing for the body and mind, bible prophecy, plus the experience of real joy, peace and comfort.

At Revival Centres Church – Sunshine Coast, you will find people with this common salvation unifying experience that Jesus Christ died for all to have. So, it is up to you. We can only encourage you to come and experience the answers to the questions you may be pondering.

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The book of Genesis records how God directly to spoke to Noah and also later on to Abram, Isaac and Jacob.  God commenced his relationship with Moses when he spoke directly to him through the miraculous event of the burning bush (Exodus 3). After the children of Israel were liberated from their bondage under the Egyptians they came to Mt. Sinai. Here, through Moses, the people heard the words of God and answered, all that the Lord hath spoken we will do (Genesis 19:8).  As time progressed, God spoke to people through the judges of Israel and individual prophets (Hebrews 1:1). 

When Jesus Christ came, he was the voice of his Father (John 12:44-50; Hebrews 1:2).  Now, since Jesus Christ ascended to the Father and from the subsequent Day of Pentecost, God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-14; Acts 2:1-4).

In God’s church, He has directed that the voice gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:26-29) should operate during meetings of the Church. The manifestations of tongues, interpretation of tongues, and prophecy have been set in the Church for the ‘edification, exhortation and comfort’ of its members (1 Corinthians 14:3). This is now, along with the recorded Word of God, how God is speaking through spirit-filled people.

God’s attention to the detail of these aspects of His communication with us is vital.

The question is; are you listening? And if you are, are you now prepared to do all that the Lord God has spoken?

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Is the location, service times, entertainment value, social offerings, moving song sessions, charitable works, number of people important to you? Or maybe you are looking for a church that says what you already believe, the truth according to you?

Or does it make more sense that if you are going to follow God, it would be fundamental to do it His way, even if that’s not yours, or convenient or as socially comfortable as you’d like?

The right and best church may have some or all of the things above, but let’s get the perspective and measure from God’s Word about whether church should be what we want … or what God wants! And let’s do it simply by quoting scripture … God’s word!

– Do I even need to go to church?
Hebrews 10: 24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

– Do the numbers in the church matter?Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

– Is there actually a truth or do all roads lead to heaven?
John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

– Should I just believe what I hear or expect some kind of personal proof?
1 Corinthians 2:4-5 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

– Is belief enough without action?
James 1:21- 25 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

– Do I have to live a certain way to make God happy even if I believe and take action?
Galatians 5: 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

– What did Jesus say?
Mark 16: 15 – 20 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

So as you can see, God does want us to get together as His church. He does want us to worship Him in truth … not in man’s wisdom … but in demonstration of the Spirit and Power. Belief is not enough. He wants our active worship in word and deed … and ultimately, He doesn’t care one iota about the number of people, the entertainment value or the convenience, He cares about truth and action!

Our encouragement is to not look for a church that just suits you, but one that suits God. This means you measure a church by its reliance on God’s word to know how to worship in spirit and in truth even if that means it’s provoking or challenging Don’t hesitate to ask us for more information because we pride ourselves on using God’s word to understand God … and he backs it up with evidence … which is called a “signs following” ministry. Putting it simply, it’s God’s truth … with personal proof!

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Prayer for healing by God is His miraculous intervention in the physical needs of our body and of our mind. It is not ‘learning to accept illness’, but instead God removing illness. We have experienced in our midst God’s answer to hopeless cases: asthma, cancers, epilepsy, alcoholism, anxiety, incurable illnesses. We see today real examples of God’s answer to specific needs.

Is it still God’s will?

God revealed Himself as the healing God – “I am the LORD, the one who heals you” (Exodus 15:26 GNT). He calls Himself “Jehovah Rapha” in Hebrew – meaning the physician and healer. Jesus drew great crowds when He was on the earth, not only for the words He said but because He healed “all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people” (Matthew 4:23). The Bible holds many promises regarding healing. In Mark 16 we read about the signs that would follow believers: they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover (Mark 16:18)

James, writing to the Church, said: Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church… And the prayer of faith shall save the sick (James 5:14-15)

The Bible describes Jesus as “the same yesterday, and today, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). There are many personal stories of healing in our midst. God has not changed!

Do you need healing?

It can be hard to take the step from hearing about other people being healed to realising that this applies to you too. At our family friendly church meetings on the Sunshine Coast (though we do have centres all around the world so be in touch if you would like to ask us about a “church near me”, just let us know your general location.), you will not only hear real people tell their real stories of miraculous healings, but you can be prayed for yourself. There is a specific part in our meetings where people are invited to come forward for prayer however it doesn’t have to be in a meeting.  You can take the opportunity whether it be in person at one of our meetings or just by contacting us below to find out personally about the healing God.

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Under the Old Testament, they continually needed to be coming back to seek forgiveness for past failures. But now, in the New Testament era we read: “For the law, being only a reflection of the blessings to come and not their substance, can never, by the same sacrifices repeatedly offered year after year, make those who come near perfect” (Hebrews 10:1 ISV).

Under the New Testament, to the Spirit-filled believers it is written; “this is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts and will write them on their minds” (Hebrews 10:16 ISV)

THE OVERCOMER
We have now a new type of person that comes into view: the Spirit-filled overcomer. In the book of Revelation in the Bible, we read of many trials and troubles for those in the Church. In each case, the promises are aimed at the overcomer. The one who takes God at His Word and, empowered by the Holy Spirit, lives a new and righteous life.

THE NEW LIFE
The new life given to those who have been filled with the Holy Spirit is one where internal and external challenges are met with a desire to be right. Coupled with faith and the power required to make that a reality, it leads to overcoming.

Paul the Apostle encouraged his many converts in the church assemblies, to whom he wrote:

THINK RIGHT
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

ACT RIGHT
… sound doctrine… temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith… reverent… not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good… self-controlled and pure… an example by doing what is good… not to steal… say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and… live self-controlled, upright and godly lives. (Titus 2:1-12 NIV)

BE HOLY
…holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord… (Hebrews 12:14)

THE PROMISE TO THE OVERCOMER
Finally, in Revelation 12:11 we are encouraged that; they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (KJV). The overcomer can look forward to the outcome in Matthew 25:21 where we hear those great words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord/” This is the reward for the overcomer, eternity with the Lord.

New to some of these concepts? Why not ask us some questions, find out how you can be filled with the Holy Spirit and be given the capacity to live the overcoming life that God wants us to live.

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“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4).

The Comforter
Jesus said: “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: For if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you” (John 16:7).

Jesus left us in no doubt about the identification of the Comforter. He said: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things …” (John 14:26). This comfort (consolation, solace, stability, support, refreshment, brightness, rest, and quietness) is the most comprehensive assistance through all that life brings our way, and it is available to all. And as per the first verse, we are to comfort one another just as we are comforted.

There is no substitute for the benefits of Holy Spirit and the comfort brought to those who receive this experience. Other options are unsatisfactory and because they are of human origin are relatively brief, terminal and illusory.

If you need comfort in any circumstance, over life issues or even the “mortality” question, we recommend the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit. Get in touch to find out more.

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This virus has been around since time began and has a 100% success rate. As much as we have tried to delay the inevitable, this mortality virus gets its way.

So, in light of what has just been written, how can true peace and comfort be attained when this mortality virus is lying in wait? This is a good question to ask. There is an antidote available to every person to the mortality virus. It was made available to mankind nearly 2,000 years ago.

Tragically, many do not get the inoculation. Some may not have heard about it, some do not believe in it and others just prefer to take their chances. But those who receive the inoculation are administered with an unexplainable peace, hope and joy which infuses their hearts and minds so no matter what circumstances of life may arise, which includes death, they are the ones who rise above and shine.

The antidote is the Holy Spirt, which has been made available to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

While others can succumb to fear about the coronavirus, a stock market crash, a downturn in business or even of death itself, Spiritfilled people remain in a blessed position. Whilst we are not removed from these troubles, our perspective is vastly different. We are a child of the living God. He who is for us is greater than all that can be against us (Romans 8:31).

As Jesus reminded His disciples when speaking about the coming of the Holy Spirit: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
We know that, no matter what, we are not alone. God is with us for eternity.

The prophet Jeremiah saw this, a long time ago: “Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord” (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

Contact us today to find out more about getting your inoculation from the mortality virus and receive true peace and comfort: not just for this life, but for assurance in the next.

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Ever get a gift that was just the best, but over time lost its use or got damaged or lost?

What about a gift that cannot be lost, damaged or worn out? And is 100% FREE!

At this time of year the best gift of all is expressed as images of a baby in a manger. Unfortunately, the gift this baby was born to give all of us is missed. It is the gift of the Holy Spirit. If you would like this gift, then you have to be willing to receive it … and then use it. To do that you need to be prepared to live your life in accordance with the Word of God, be baptised in water by full immersion and pray and thank God until you receive the greatest gift of all, the Holy Spirit with the bible explained outward evidence of speaking in tongues plus loads more.

If you would like to know more then make contact here …

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Ask yourself, what will be the message on your Xmas card? No doubt it will be along the lines of peace, goodwill, unity and love. And whether you are ‘religious’ or not, these sentiments are good sentiments but alas, our world is far from realising them.

What would you think if this was the message on your Xmas card?: Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

Undoubtedly you would be outraged and quick to express your disapproval to whoever sent you the card. But what if the person said it was just a quote from the person who is portrayed as a babe in a manger at this time of year? (Mw10:34) Would it make you stop and think, what is the true message of the gospel of Jesus Christ? What was he born for? Why did he have to die? Why was he brought back to life? Something very misunderstood, yet so simple, it’s beautiful.

The fact is that the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ brought with it conflict, unrest, disapproval, unbelief and murder. Tragically, nothing has changed today. But the good news is you can have real, tangible personal peace with the one and only God, the Creator of all things through Jesus Christ. Only then will you understand the context of His quoted statement. He didn’t come to unify by agreeing to disagree and granting everyone peace, He came to divide those who did and didn’t want to follow Him. And those that want to follow him will have the blessed assurance of a future existence in His kingdom to come on earth, where over time, everlasting peace, goodwill, unity and His love will reign. Want to be a part of that kingdom? Submit a query to find out more.

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The verses preceding John 3:16 start with an account of Jesus talking to a ruler of the Jews named Nicodemus. Jesus clearly articulates to him (and us) what needs to happen before a person can see (understand) and enter the kingdom of God.

Jesus said a person must be born of water and of the Spirit. Jesus was referring to full immersion water baptism and to the baptism of the Holy Spirit. These events are also recorded elsewhere in scripture such as in Matthew 3:11, Acts 2:1-4, Acts 2:37-39, Acts 10:44-48, Mark 16:16-18 and many more.

Therefore, we should ask ourselves what is the belief John 3:16 is referring to? In James 2:9 the scriptures tell us that the devils (those opposing God) believe, so belief on its own cannot be enough for salvation because we surely know that those that oppose God are not saved. We must act on our belief, that is the defining difference, and be doers of the word and not just hearers as we read in James 1:22.

So, in context, anyone who truly believes in Jesus Christ will do what He says. Only then the promise of eternal life in the kingdom of God is made available. To Nicodemus it all seemed confusing. When read in context and fullness of scripture we can see it is not confusing but clear and direct.

If you’d like to put your belief into action, then contact us as below.

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No doubt there will be thoughts and considerations proffered to these questions. But let’s see what we can glean by a careful study of the Bible account.

The Genesis 1 account
The Bible record provides the following sequence of creation:

• by the end of Day 1 Light – divided the darkness
  • by the end of Day 2 Sky (air) atmosphere
  • by the end of Day 3 Dry land and seas; vegetation
  • by the end of Day 4 Sun, moon and stars => time starts and seasonal changes obvious
  • by the end of Day 5 Water life and air life
  • by the end of Day 6 Land animals and mankind
  • Day 7                      God rested

At the end of each creative episode of God there are the words: And the evening and morning were the first [2^nd,3^rd,4^th,5^th,6^th] day. [Genesis 1:5,8,13,19,23,31]

Over time a number of considerations have developed to explain the creation account as recorded in Genesis 1. This is a list of those considerations, in no particular order:

Option 1: It was six 24-hour days. (Starting at 4004BC) (Literal-day theory)
Option 2: It was six 24-hours days but there were large periods of time between each day (Gap Theory).
Option 3: Each day was an undefined period of time. (Day-age theory)
Option 4: Each day was an undefined period of time and God used evolution to bring about the existence of all living creatures. (Theistic evolutionist theory)
Option 5: The days refer to the days that God revealed to Moses how He created all things.  Thus, it is just the days in Moses’ life. (Revelatory-day theory)
Option 6: As God spoke the Word it all happened in an instant unmeasurable time frame.
Option 7: Each day of creation was 1000 years. (Millennial-day theory)

Each of the above considerations hinge on the meaning of the word day. According to Strong’s Exhaustive concordance of the Bible, the Hebrew meaning of the word day or yowm is; the warm hours of a day from sunrise to sunset; a space of time defined by an associated term; an age. So, depending on your bent you could proffer your case based on this definition.

So, When did God create all things?
Well, how long did the yowm last? 24 hours or 24 million years? How long between the end of the first yowm and start of the second yowm? God’s Word does not give us a direct answer to these questions but if we look at the meaning of the word for day, we can see it was 6 periods of time, whether they be 24 hours or 24 years or 24 million years.

No matter what the answer is or what view you take it is incidental as the importance is in the fact that God did create all things. Hebrew 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

For information on how you can enter into a personal relationship with the Creator of all things, or to discuss this further, contact us as below.

[1] See article on Was Adam the first person?

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Creation and the Sabbath
The concept of a day of rest was initiated in the story of Creation. The Genesis account closes with God resting (Hebrew; shabath, [verb] to cease or rest) from all His work, and blessing and sanctifying the seventh day:
“And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” (Genesis 2:2-3).
The themes here are rest and sanctification, and these themes remain the key to an understanding of the whole plan of the Sabbath. There is no mention of the word “Sabbath” as such in the book of Genesis. A seven-day period occurs in connection with the flood (Genesis 7:4 10; 8:10 12) and Jacob’s time at Haran (Genesis 29:27-28) but no allusion to a sabbath is referred to on these occasions.

Did Adam and Eve observe a sabbath? They had to dress and keep the garden of Eden, but their duties were minimal, and their life appears to have been a continual rest until they were put out of Eden for disobedience. Adam then had to work ‘in the sweat of his face’ to overcome the curse, but there is no mention of a special seventh-day rest.

Did Abraham observe a sabbath? Scripture does not indicate whether he did or not. Scripture does indicate that he observed tithing (Genesis 14:20), circumcision (Genesis 17:10), sacrifice (Genesis 22:13), but Abraham’s justification before God came through his faithful believing and not by his keeping of any law (Romans 4:3-13).

God’s Provision and the Sabbath
The next reference to the Sabbath is in Exodus 16, when God sends the manna to feed the Children of Israel and ordains one day’s portion to be collected each day, but a double portion to be collected on the sixth day (Exodus 16:4-5). Moses explained (verses 23,26) that this was because:
“Tomorrow is the rest of the Holy Sabbath unto the Lord…. six days you shall gather it; but on the seventh day which is the Sabbath, in it there shall be none.”
These arrangements were to be a test for Israel, as to whether they would walk in God’s law or not (verse 4). When the people gathered the double portion on the sixth day, Moses reminded them of God’s instruction that the next day was to be the rest (Hebrew: shabbathon, cessation) of the Holy (Hebrew: qodesh, set apart, separated) Sabbath unto the Lord. When some of the people went out on the seventh day, God protested to Moses: “How long refuse ye to keep My commandments and My laws? See, for that the Lord has given you the Sabbath. … So the people rested (Hebrew: shabbath) on the seventh day.” (verses 28-30).
The key word and thought here is rest, as a point of strict obedience to God’s instructions.

Establishing the Sabbath
The formal introduction of the Sabbath occurred at Mt. Sinai, when Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. The fourth commandment was an instruction to observe each seventh day as a Sabbath of the Lord.
“Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:” (Exodus 20:8-11).
God again stressed this particular commandment during Moses’ forty days and nights on Mt. Sinai, and added further detail: ” …Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep; for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, so that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you … whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, that soul shall be cut off. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. …. it is a sign between Me and the Children of Israel forever, for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.” (Exodus 31:13-17).

God established the Sabbath as a perpetual (Hebrew: olam, an age, an indefinite time) covenant between Himself and the Children of Israel. Other nations and peoples were expected to observe these laws while they were within the gates of Israel, but the covenant was specifically with Israel.
Throughout the Sinai accounts of the Sabbath institution, Israel was reminded of the creative work of God, and of His resting on the seventh day. Israel, in their turn, were to rest as a reminder of their creating, sanctifying Lord. The theme of Sabbath is rest and remember! Thus the institution of the Sabbath was established. From that time, and throughout the remainder of the Old Testament, the fact that the Sabbath was to be a day set apart was not questioned, although the actual observance of the Sabbath by the Children of Israel waxed and waned along with their spiritual prosperity.

Sabbath and the Levitical Priesthood
There are various exhortations to keep the Sabbaths and to reverence the sanctuary throughout Leviticus (e.g. 19:3,30; 26:2). As well as the weekly Sabbaths, there are references to special feast days — Passover, Pentecost, Day of Atonement etc. These were each to be a special Sabbath of rest (Hebrew: shabbath of shabbathon) to the Children of Israel (Leviticus 16:31; 23:3-7, 16-21, 27-28). There was particular significance attached to each of these days, involving particular sacrifices and rituals, which set them apart from the weekly Sabbaths. The very fact that they were special worship days suggests that the weekly Sabbath was not itself a day of worship as such.
The instructions regarding observance of the weekly Sabbaths do not include any requirements for religious rituals or worship. The daily sacrifices were doubled for the Sabbath day (Numbers 28:3-10), but this was a priestly function, and no other instructions for religious observances were given to the Israel people. The practice of worship on the Sabbath did not become common until the development of synagogues during the Exile, when the Sabbath became a day of worship and study of the law (though not so appointed by God).
Prior to this, of course, the only place where worship and sacrifice could be conducted was the sanctuary/temple – as specified by God – “unto the place which the Lord shall choose …. thither shall you bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices and tithes … ” (Deuteronomy 12:1-9). Israel was not to worship anywhere they chose, on every high hill and under every green tree, as the heathen did.
The story of Elkannah reveals a typical application of this commandment. We read in 1 Samuel 1:3 that Elkannah “went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the Lord of Hosts in Shiloh.” It certainly was not practicable, nor within a Sabbath day’s journey, for the people of Israel to travel from all corners of the nation to Jerusalem (once the temple was established there) each Sabbath day for worship. Nor was this intended by God in His plan for the rest day.
The weekly Sabbath was simply a day of rest and remembrance. Israel was not to become so engrossed in business and commerce that the God of their deliverance and salvation was forgotten. To ensure this, they must utterly cease from all their labour on the last day of the week, and use this time to think about their Lord, who had promised to prosper His people Israel and to consecrate them.

The Sabbath in the New Testament
The Greek language transliterates the Hebrew term ‘Sabbath’ to become ‘sabbata’ or ‘sabbaton’, meaning Sabbath (day) or the Sabbath, and these are the terms used in the New Testament for reference to the Sabbath. An interesting variation is found in Hebrews 4:9, where the term, rest, is translated from sabbatismos, a Sabbath rest, or the keeping of a Sabbath.
The general, New Testament terms for ‘rest’ are:
I. Anapausis, cessation, refreshment, rest. (Matthew 11:29)
This term is used constantly in the Septuagint for the Sabbath rest.
II. Katapausis, causing to rest, putting to rest. (Hebrew 4:1,3,11)

The Sabbath in the Gospels
A study of the references to the Sabbath in the Gospels reveals that Jesus was at odds with the orthodox religionists of His day, who had turned what was meant to be a day of rest and blessing into a matter of strict, legalistic bondage. Jesus, of course, lived in the closing days of the Old (Mosaic) Covenant, and the terms of that Covenant were still applicable even as Jesus Himself was introducing the New Covenant.
Of the occasions where the Sabbath is mentioned in the Gospels, on six occasions Jesus was healing the sick; on four occasions He was teaching in the synagogues; on three occasions the reference is simply an indication of the time of the week, and on two occasions the actual observance of a Sabbath is suggested.
Where Jesus is mentioned as teaching on the Sabbath, He is using the opportunity, as a Rabbi, to reach people who were gathered to hear God’s word. Where actual observance of the Sabbath is implied, reference is to the disciples resting on the Sabbath after Christ’s crucifixion (Luke 23:56); and in the Olivet discourse, warning them to avoid the Sabbath day and its limitations on travel, in their flight from the destruction of Jerusalem which occurred in AD70 as predicted (Matthew 24:20).
On none of these occasions did Jesus instruct His disciples about Sabbath-day observance. The fact that Jesus observed the Sabbath Himself does not support its observance now, in the New Testament Age, any more than His participation in Temple worship then supports our observance of such sacrificial worship now. He was simply meeting the requirements of the dispensation in which He lived. Jesus knew that the pattern of the weekly Sabbath was about to be superseded by a greater sign of God’s creative and sanctifying power and rest.

The Sabbath in the Book of Acts
After the death and resurrection of Jesus and the institution of the New Covenant with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the New Testament Church was formed, and we can begin to look for relevant information about Sabbath observance during the Church Age.
When the Sabbath is first mentioned in Acts 1:12, it is only in reference to the distance from Mt Olivet to Jerusalem being a Sabbath day’s journey (about 2000 cubits or 1 km).
When Paul went on Sabbath days into the synagogues at Pisidia (Acts 13:14,44), Thessalonica (Acts 17:2), and Corinth (Acts 18:4), he did so to reason with the Jews who gathered there on that day, still reading Moses (instead of Jesus!).
More significantly, when the Council of Jerusalem met to decide how much of the law of Moses should be expected of Gentile converts: ” it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us (the disciples) to lay on you (the converts) no greater burden than these necessary things: that you abstain from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which, if you keep yourselves, you shall do well” (Acts 15: 28-29). There is no mention at all of keeping Sabbaths!

The Sabbath in the Epistles
When the Church Age began at Pentecost, its new instructions were set out in the letters to the Churches. These instructions included all the moral precepts of the Ten Commandments, but not a single word is given about keeping the Jewish weekly Sabbath. What we do find is that Christians who fell back into the habit of observing the Sabbaths were rebuked. Paul indeed describes the keeping of Sabbaths as, “a shadow of things to come, but the substance is Christ” (Colossians 2:14-17).

Should the Old Testament pattern of the Sabbath continue forever?
Moses spoke of the Children of Israel keeping the Sabbath for a “perpetual covenant” (Exodus 31:16). This sounds permanent. But the term ‘perpetual’ is from the Hebrew olam, meaning an age, an indefinite time, and is the term used in Exodus 29:9, when the High Priest’s office is given to Aaron and his sons for a perpetual (olam) statute.
Under this statute, the High Priest was the one and only mediator, taking the blood of the sacrifice into the Mercy Seat in the Tabernacle, and later, in the Temple, on the Day of Atonement. But this office ceased with the death of Jesus and the rending of the Temple veil, and the establishment of the new and living way which Jesus “consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh” (Hebrew 10:20). The perpetual covenant of the weekly Sabbath finished at that moment.

What about the rest promised in Hebrews?
“Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.”(Hebrews 4:1).
So there is a ‘rest’ available to the Church Age, and it is possible to miss out on it through unbelief, as the Children of Israel did with their ‘rest’.
This ‘rest’ is in fact a ceasing from works of one’s own righteousness, and adopting the promise that, “there remains, therefore, a rest (literally, a keeping of a Sabbath) to the people of God. For he that is entered into His rest, he also has ceased from his own works, as God did from His” (Hebrews 4:9-10).
Keeping the Sabbath is the continuous rest to be enjoyed by believers in their fellowship with the Father and the Son through the Holy Spirit, in contrast to the weekly Sabbath imposed by Old Testament Law.
How do we find this rest?
As far back as the prophet Isaiah, God has identified how this New Testament rest would be distinguished: “For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people. To whom He said, this is the rest by which you may cause the weary to rest, and this is the refreshing” (Isaiah 28:11-12).
Paul identifies the New Testament experience of receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4,38), and the accompanying sign of speaking in tongues (Mark 16:17), as the basis of the rest, when he quotes the prophecy of Isaiah to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 14:21) in connection with the operation of Spiritual Gifts, in particular, speaking in tongues.
To receive, or be baptised with, the Holy Spirit, we must first meet God’s requirements of faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on our behalf, forsaking all attempts to gain any standing with Him by our own works, or keeping of a law. The Holy Spirit’s law, which is life in Christ Jesus, sets us free from the custody of the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2).
So, being set free, we are finally able to keep a Sabbath of rest, in which, having ceased from our own works, as God did from His, we live in unity with God, remembering Him as our re-creator and sanctifier.
So the New Testament Sabbath is at last seen to be: not a day of the week,
but the rest of a lifetime!

Is the Sabbath now a Saturday or a Sunday?
It is neither! The various arguments in favour of Saturday versus Sunday observance of a weekly Sabbath are spiritually sterile and completely misleading, since as we have just seen, the New Testament Sabbath is an everyday rest.
The special Sabbath-feast days of Leviticus 23 were ‘types or shadows’, of greater things to come. Passover speaks of Christ our Redeemer, and the Feast of the Firstfruits speaks of Christ risen from the dead; Pentecost points to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the New Testament Church; the Day of Atonement looks forward to the Great High Priest, Jesus, the Son of God. Just so, the Old Testament pattern of a weekly Sabbath, in which Israel was to remember their Creator and Redeemer, foreshadowed that greater and complete rest into which we enter when we receive the promise of the Holy Spirit.
This is why Paul warns the Colossians: (Colossians 2:16-17 RSV) Therefore let no one pass judgment on you with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are only a shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ”.
Paul’s exhortation is not to chase shadows (such as Sabbaths), but seek the substance, which is Christ!

Is it right to observe Sunday as a day of worship?
It’s as good as any other day and more convenient than most, because of the way our society is organised! The Old Testament seventh day was not replaced by another day of the week. Rather, it was replaced by a permanent, every day, ceasing from our own works. Only confusion results from attempting to show that the Old Testament seventh-day observance was replaced by first-day of the week worship. This debate misses the point of the New Testament rest, which is a complete every-day Spiritual rest in which we treat every day as holy to the Lord, and accept His offer to rest from our works by adopting His plan for our redemption.

Our Rest in the Lord
Israel in the Old Testament was given the Sabbath as a sign of their special relationship with their Creator. They were instructed to rest on the seventh day, not to work, and not to carry burdens. But Israel profaned the Sabbath, and blasphemed God, by forsaking His statutes, and were found guilty before Him.

Today, Jesus’ invitation is: “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Failure to accept Jesus’ invitation by rejecting His proffered gift of the Holy Spirit in favour of some man-made tradition or ideology, is rejecting the New Testament Sabbath. For, under the New Covenant, the Sabbath is not any particular day; it is Holy Spirit rest, into which we enter through Jesus Christ, our sin-bearer and Sabbath of rest.

If you would like to know how to receive the Holy Spirt and enter into God’s rest then contact us as below.

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No doubt there will be thoughts and considerations proffered to these questions. But let’s see what we can glean by a careful study of the Bible account.

The Genesis 1 account
The Bible record at Gen1:26-27 states: (emphasis added) “And let us make man in our image, after our likeness…So God created man in his image, in the image of God created he them; male and female created he them”.

According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible the following Hebrew meaning of these words are as follows:
• Created [bara]: to create, to cut down, select
• Man [Adam]: ruddy; human being; individual or the species, mankind
• Image [tselem]; to shade, phantom, illusion, resemblance, idol

The Genesis 2 account
Now, let’s go to the Bible record that refers to the individual man, named Adam (emphasis added): Gen 2:7 “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul”.

The Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible provide the following Hebrew meaning of the bolded words as follows:
• Formed [yatsar]: squeeze into shape; mould into a form (like a potter)
• Man [Adam] – ruddy; human being; individual or the species, mankind
• Breathed [naphach]: to puff, inflate, blow hard
• Breath [n’shamah]: a puff, vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect
• Life/Living [chay]: alive
• Soul [nephesh]: a breathing creature; vitality

Observations & Comparisons
Let’s now make some observations and look at some comparisons between the Genesis 1 and the Genesis 2 accounts.

1. The Hebrew word for man is used in both Genesis 1 in reference to male and female and in Genesis 2 in reference to an individual man (who is later referred to as Adam – Gen2:19). And in Gen5:2 the male and female that God created are also called Adam.
2. The Genesis 1 male and female were created from nothing as God spoke His word. While the Genesis 2 man was formed from the existing creation (dust) and later the woman (Eve) from the man’s rib.
3. Based on the Hebrew meanings, the Genesis 1 male and female were created in God’s image, which is analogous to being like a statue representing a person. While the Genesis 2 man was formed and became a living soul.
4. The Genesis 1 account refers to an unknown number of male and female as God created ‘them’. While the Genesis 2 account refers to a single man and at an unknown later time to a single woman (Gen3:22).
5. The Genesis 1 male and female were told by God to be fruitful and multiple and replenish the earth and subdue it. The Genesis 2 man was placed in the Garden of Eden and told to dress (work, serve, till) and keep (hedge about, guard) it.
6. The Genesis 1 male and female were told to have dominion over the animal life. The Genesis 2 man was provided animals as help meets (aids) and went on to name them.
7. The Genesis 1 male and female were told that every herb bearing seed and fruit of a tree yielding seed were their food. The Genesis 2 man was told that he could eat of every tree of the Garden except from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
8. The Genesis 2 man had a direct relationship with God (Gen3:8).

Conclusion
Well, you can draw your own, but from a careful look at the Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 accounts we conclude that the Genesis 1 account is a record of God creating human beings (indigenous man) and the Genesis 2 account is a record of God forming an individual man (Adamic man).

Science and culture indicate that indigenous man has been existing for 10’s of thousands of years. The Bible record indicates Adamic man from the time of expulsion from the Garden of Eden has been around for about 6,000 years. (See Gen5:3 for the start of Adam’s genealogy).

The conclusion drawn based on the Bible record may be challenging to some or just out right rejected; but to others, maybe even you, could settle a quandary, put a piece of the puzzle into place and highlight to you that God is not the author of confusion and things of God can make ‘sense’ when the Bible record is studied and the correct context used.

For information on how you can have a personal relationship with the one true God click here.

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So, let’s take a look and see what we can glean from scripture on the topic of water baptism.

Literally what is it?
The words ‘baptism’ & ‘baptise’ are derived from the Greek language (baptisma, baptizo). They are used to describe the process of the dying of cloth; which was fully immersed (or baptised) in dye. In the Bible when people were baptised they were fully immersed in water (Matthew 3:16; Acts 8:39). And baptisms took place in places where there was sufficient water (John 3:23).

Why be baptised?
Well, firstly, it is a commandment so that should be the end to the matter (Acts 2:38, Acts 10:48, Mark 16:16). But, it is good to know why. So, in 1Peter 3:21 we read that baptism is the answer of a good conscience towards God. God’s Word says be baptised, and as we humbly do this we have a good conscience towards Him.

Further, a second parallel is evident from Romans 6:4; “we are buried with him (Jesus) 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”. Water baptism is like a burial. We go into the water as Jesus went into the grave; we rise out of the water with the expectation that, if it has not happened prior to baptism, we will be filled with the Holy Spirit – born again having newness of life. Baptism is a burial of the old life with all its problems and difficulties, and because we are prepared to do this God gives us a new life by the Holy Spirit. See also Col 2:12 and John 3:5-8

Is baptism essential to salvation?
The simple answer (as it should be) is Yes. See Mark 16:16; John3:5; Acts 2:37-38 and Acts 10:47-48.

What about children being baptised?
As we read in 1Peter 3:21 baptism is the answer of a good conscience towards God. Therefore, before a child is baptised s/he needs to be able to understand what it represents and what it means in regards to committing their life in service to God.

What about christening infants?
This is an institution that does not have a direct biblical reference. Some argue that there are inferences of infant baptism in scripture, such as Lydia’s household (Acts 16:15) and the reference by Peter on the Day of Pentecost to “the promise to you and your children” (Acts2:39). However, it seems that it was not until the second and early third century that the practice of infant baptism became common practice. As time moved on the practice changed to sprinkling or the pouring of water over an infant’s forehead.

So in summary, Baptisim is one of the essential elements of the salvation message throughout the bible, it was done at an age where people could show a good conscience towards God and was by full immersion so if you would like to be baptised, just like Jesus Christ was, then Contact Us today because now is the day of salvation as we read in 2Corinthians 6:2.

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SO WHAT WAS THE SCENE IN THE DAYS OF NOAH?
In Genesis 6, we read that in Noah’s day there was corruption, violence, immorality and that the imagination of man’s heart was evil (opposed to God’s ways). While Noah and his family were building the ark everyone else was just getting on with life in complete and willing ignorance to what was going to happen. No doubt there was outright rejection of the warning Noah and his family were giving them of God’s pending judgement if they did not change their ways. All these things are evident today. There are those that are willingly ignorant, those that reject the word, and those that are sounding the warning.

The Bible record goes on to tell us why Noah was chosen by God and was saved from His judgement. Noah was just and righteous in his generation; meaning he followed God’s ways and so stood out. (Gen 6:22; 7:1) The Bible also tells us Noah was a preacher of righteousness and obeyed God’s word without question. (2 Peter 2:5)  By believing and following God, Noah saved himself and his household (Heb11:7). If you want to be like Noah and be counted worthy by God when Jesus Christ returns, then message us today or checkout our website (found in our about tab) for more information.

PS: The flood didn’t cover the whole planet so if you want to know more about that, we’d also love to hear from you 

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