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Compiled by Richard Felzien
Introduction
In a world of much deception, it is difficult to focus on truth. This Bible study is designed to reveal Biblical truths in a non-offensive way. While many claim to have the truth, where can truth be found? We can’t just take man’s word for it. But we must look into the Word of God. Not only is this Bible study easy to understand, but is also very easy to teach.
Romans 3:4
4 – God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
God is going to be the final Judge. If we are going to seek after truth, we must obey His Word. This scripture reveals that we need to let the Word of God be TRUE, and every man a LIAR, as one day we will be judged according to this scripture.
This Bible study is set up to focus on truth in five categories.
Where Can We Find The Truth?
Why Is It Necessary To Know The Truth?
Is Doctrine Important?
Are There Lies, Deceptions And Delusions?
What Is The Truth About Salvation?
Where Can We Find The Truth?
2 Peter 1:20-21
20 – Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Several men were inspired by one God to write the Bible, just like several secretaries taking dictation for one employer. The reason why it is in perfect harmony is because God is the only Author. We cannot put our own personal interpretation on the scripture to fit our lifestyle, but we need to adjust our life to the Word of God.
John 17:17
17 ¶ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Sanctify means to separate, purify or free from sin.
The real truth (Jesus Christ) separates us from sin.
Revelation 20:12-15
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
First of all the books were opened (the 66 books of the Bible) and our lives are laid beside them and judged out of things written in the books.
Also the book of life is opened, which records if our names are there or not. If our name is not written there, the Bible states we are cast into the lake of fire. It’s important to know that your name is there.
Let’s look at how the New Testament is divided
2 Timothy 2:15
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
If we are are going to study the Bible to get the Truth, then the Bible says that we should “rightly divide” the Word of Truth.
Books Of The New Testament
The Gospels contain stories about Jesus’ ministry. We also see Him training the apostles for the new testament church.
In the Book of Acts, we see the birth and activities of the Church, and examples of people receiving salvation.
The Epistles are letters of instruction to the Church. They were written to people who were already saved.
Then we have the Book of Revelation, which is the Book of Prophecy.
Ask The Student(s)
If we want to learn about the life and teachings of Christ, what books of the Bible should we look at? Answer: The Gospels.
If we want to know how to function in the Church, and live a godly life, what books of the Bible should we look at? Answer: The Epistles.
If we want to see the end of the story, where do we go?
Answer: Revelation.
If we want to see examples of people getting saved in the First Church, and how the Church was started, where do we go?
Answer: The book of Acts.
To explain the book of Acts, use the acronym of ACTS.
A – Actions of the Apostles
C – Church Begins
T – Testimonies and Miracles of New Believers
S – Salvation Experienced
Ask the student, Where Can We Find The Truth?
Answer: “The Bible” or “The Word of God”
Let the student(s) share what they’ve learned so far!)
Why Is It Necessary To Know The Truth?
John 8:31-32
31 ¶ Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
If you know truth and obey the truth, the truth will make you free.
John 4:23-24
23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
According to this scripture, you cannot be a true worshipper without spirit and truth. You must have both. God is a Spirit, and we must worship Him in spirit and in truth.
It’s important to know that we are in the truth of the Bible, and that we have His spirit.
Is Doctrine Important?
1 Timothy 4:16
16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Paul is telling Timothy that doctrine (Truth) will save him and those that hear him. Notice he said “the doctrine” and not just any doctrine would save us. He was talking about the Apostles doctrine, which was taught by the first church.
2 Timothy 4:1-4
1 ¶ I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Preach the word. Notice it says with all longsuffering and “doctrine”. Which doctrine? Answer: The apostles doctrine.
A time will come when they won’t endure sound doctrine. People are going to turn way from the truth and turn unto fables. What is a fable? Answer: Stories that are not true.
Romans 6:16-18
16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
When you obey doctrine from the heart, you can overcome sin.
Let the student(s) explain why they feel the doctrine is important. Make sure it is expressed that we will be judged from the truth, and that we need to be sanctified by the truth.
If we’re saved the way the Bible reads, we can know that we’re alright. But if we’re saved any other way, we need to be sanctified by the truth.
According to Romans 3:4 – God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
Anything that contradicts God is a lie.
This brings us to the next point:
Are There Lies, Deceptions And Delusions?
Before you read this scripture, ask one of the students, what this picture represents? They’ll tell you Noah’s ark. Ask them that if it were necessary to know how many of each of the animals that went on the ark, before getting into heaven (which we know is not a heaven or hell issue), how many of each of the animals went onto the Ark? Most will say two of each animal went on the ark. Then ask them if someone were to tell them that more went on, would you believe them, or would you believe what you’ve always been taught? Many will say what they’ve always been taught.
(If they give the correct answer, just explain as if they didn’t.)
Then let them read Genesis 7:2
Genesis 7:2
2 Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female.
Now ask the student(s). Are you comfortable believing what you’ve always been taught, or are you going to believe the Bible?
So does this make the picture portray truth or a lie?
If the something as simple as Noah’s ark can be misunderstood, how much more could salvation issues be misunderstood?
Matthew 7:13-15
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 ¶ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Wide is the GATE that leads to destruction, and many which will go in.
Narrow is the GATE that leads to eternal life, and few be that will go through it.
Then I ask them, do you know how narrow this gate is?
(Then I put my hands upward, and bring them down like a funnel, in front of each individual at the Bible Study.)
You and God. (Then go to next student) You and God.
THIS IS VERY POWERFUL… WATCH GOD TOUCH EACH INDIVIDUAL
Matthew 7:20-28
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 ¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine.
This scripture is not speaking about sinners, but is talking about believers.
You should know something about God to prophesy in His name.
You should know something about God to cast out devils in His name.
You should know something about God to do many wonder works in His name.
But then for God to say depart from me, I never knew you.
Is prophesying iniquity? NO. Is casting out devils iniquity? NO. Is doing wonderful works iniquity? NO. But yet, God said I never knew you.
Go back to verse 21, which says, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. It’s important to know that you’re doing the Will of the Father, and not being deceived in delusions.
We shouldn’t fulfill our own wants, but we should be led by the spirit of God, and know that we are fulfilling His will and not ours.
2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
It’s one thing to have the truth, but this scriptures states we need to love the truth, that we might be saved. Jesus is the truth.
If a person would deceive you. You can pray through that.
If the devil deceives you. You can pray through that.
But if God deceives you. It’s finished.
This shows us that if we don’t love truth and obey the Bible, that God could send strong delusion that they should believe a lie and be damned.
Galatians 1:6-12
6 ¶ I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
10 ¶ For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
If anyone preaches any other gospel, (which gospel?) than the gospel the Apostles preached, let them be accursed.
Should we be persuaded by men or God?
Do we want to be blessed or cursed?
James 1:21-24
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 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:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
It is one thing to be a hearer of the Word, but we must also be doers of the Word, which will save our soul.
What’s a mirror, it only shows us who we really are, and if we don’t walk in His will. We are deceiving our own selves.
What Is The Truth About Salvation?
Matthew 16:18-19
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Explain that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church. At this point pull out your car keys. Explain that God must have had a lot of confidence in man, to be able to look at Peter. (Then look the student(s) in the eyes and hand them the keys) And give him the keys and say, here are the keys to heaven Peter, and whatsoever you bind on this earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you loose on this earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then lay the keys on the table, and explain that later in the study, you’ll show you where Peter uses the keys.
Periodically when scripture is read about Peter revealing the keys to salvation, point to the keys, and remind them
that Peter has the keys to heaven.
Mark 16:15-18
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 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.
This scripture speaks for itself, He that is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned.
It also said signs shall follow them that believe. They shall cast out devils and speak with new tongues. They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Explain to the student(s), that the next scripture deals with the new birth experience. Explain that Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus, and letting him know how we will be able to see the kingdom of God.
John 3:1-8
1 ¶ There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Notice this passage speaks about being born again. This is not a physical birth, but a spiritual birth. The Bible says you MUST be born again, or we shall not see the kingdom of God.
Then it goes on to say that you MUST be born of water (baptism) and of the Spirit (receiving the Holy Ghost) or we cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Verse 8 says there will be a wind blowing, later we’ll show a scripture where the wind blows in the upper room and a sound thereof, but can’t tell where it comes from or goeth. So is everyone that is born of the Spirit. So does this mean there will be a sound when we are born of the Spirit?
Matthew 28:18-20
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
At this point don’t explain Matthew 28:19. It will repeated later, so that you can explain the scripture more clearly.
Just explain that this is not an actual baptism, but a command to be baptized. And later we will show you some examples of how the Apostles baptized.
Acts 1:4-5 and 8
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
They were commanded to go to Jerusalem and not depart, until they receive the promise of the Father. In Acts 1:5 says, for John baptized with water, that they shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Verse 8 says that we shall receive power, when we receive the Holy Ghost.
The Holy Ghost is the power that helps us to overcome sin.
Acts 2:1-4 and 12-17
1 ¶ And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
14 ¶ But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
It’s the day of Pentecost; there are 120 people gathered together in the upper room in Jerusalem, were they were commanded to wait for the promise of the Father.
Notice it speaks about that sound coming from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind. Remember in John when it spoke about the sound and the wind.
The scripture says they were all filled with the Holy Ghost speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gave utterance
Verse 15 says they were acting like drunk men, but not of wine being the third hour of the day. (9:00 am)
How Should We Be Baptized?
Acts 2:36-39
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37 ¶ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 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.
39 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.
The people realized that they had crucified the Lord, and came to ask Peter what to do now.
Remind the student that Peter has the keys to heaven, and that this is something that Peter bound on earth that will be bound in heaven.
Then Peter said to repent, which means a change of heart or to turn from sin, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; then it says that you SHALL receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is a promise.
Notice he did not use the words, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, but used the name above every name, Jesus Christ.
When you are baptized in Jesus name, your sins are remitted.
Acts 16:30-34
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
Here is the question, what must I do to be saved? One step is to believe, but that’s not the only step. This shows that they also went to be baptized.
Matthew 28:18-19
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Notice Jesus said all power is given to Him. Jesus has all power.
This command to be baptized says to be baptized in the name.
Father is not a name, but a title. Son is not a name, but a title. Holy Ghost is the Spirit of God, and is not a name but a title.
To obey this scripture, you must find the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. That name is Jesus Christ.
When Peter baptized in name of Jesus Christ, he knew that this was the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Nowhere in the Bible will you find an actual baptism, where they the titles, but examples of baptisms were always done in the name of Jesus Christ.
If Peter would have been baptizing wrong, Jesus would have never gave him the keys to heaven. Peter knew who the Father, Son and Holy Ghost were.
Another thing to consider is that the word “name” is singular. If these were three separate persons, the word name would have to be plural.
Colossians 3:17
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Baptism is a deed, and this scripture says, “whatsovever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Colossians 2:8-12
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
We know that the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, is the Godhead, and this says that the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Jesus bodily.
This tells us that we are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, buried with Him in baptism.
Explain that circumcision in the Old Testament was a covenant between God and the Jewish male child. Baptism is a circumcision made without hands, and is the New Testament covenant between us and God.
Acts 4:10-12
10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
We know that Jesus is the head cornerstone, and that neither is there salvation in any other, for there’s no other name under heaven, whereby we MUST be saved. What is that name? Jesus
Examples of Salvation!
Acts 10:1-6 and 44-48
1 ¶ There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
44 ¶ While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days
Cornelius was a very devout man and, in today’s world, someone that would be considered to be a Christian. He was a man that prayed so much that his prayers came up as a memorial before God, but yet God sent an angel to him to tell him to find an apostle that would tell him what to do to be saved. Notice He sent him to Peter who had the keys to heaven, referenced in Matthew 16:19. This shows that even though Cornelius was a Christian, he still needed to do something.
This also goes to show that if someone’s heart is right and seeking the truth of God, that He will not forsake you, He will send someone to you, even if He has to send angels. Even if you’re on the other side of the earth, God will send a missionary to bring the truth to anyone who’s heart is searching for Him.
Notice that he had to be baptized in the name of the Lord, and he then received the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in tongues.
Acts 8:5-8 and 14-17
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
8 And there was great joy in that city.
14 ¶ Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost
Notice that many had unclean spirits, many had palsies, and even the lame were healed. They all believed once Phillip preached to them.
There was great joy in that city.
When they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Acts 19:1-6
1 ¶ And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Here is an example of people that were baptized unto another baptism, other than what the Apostles taught and preached. When they heard the truth, they were baptized again, only this time in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Notice that when Paul laid his hands on the people, the Holy Ghost came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Here It Is, The Apostles Doctrine
Repentance of Sins
(the death) Dying out to the old man
Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ
(the burial) Buried with Him in baptism
Receiving the Holy Ghost
(the resurrection) Rising up into new life
Summary
- Many claim to have the truth, but where can truth really be found?
- God’s Word is the absolute authority and will judge us in the last day, therefore we must rightly divide the Word, not to justify our lifestyle. The truth will set you free.
- Obedience to the Apostles doctrine is essential for salvation, thus when we obey the doctrine from our heart, we can overcome all sin.
- If something as simple as Noah’s ark can be distorted, how much more can the truth of salvation be distorted.
- The gate to true salvation is narrowed down to just you and God.
- It is important to know that we are doing the will of the Father, and not get caught up in lies, deceptions and delusions, as we can deceive ourselves when we see our reflection in the mirror of God’s word and disobey it.
- Jesus had so much confidence in man, that He gave the apostle Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven.
- We must experience a supernatural birth, and be born again of water and spirit. The water representing baptism in Jesus name, and the Spirit representing the Holy Ghost. Many scriptural references show that when believers received the Holy Ghost, it was evidenced by speaking in tongues.
- The Holy Ghost will empower us to be witnesses and overcome sin.
- When the Holy Ghost was poured out in the upper room, the Bible states that “they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak in tongues.”
- Peter revealed the keys to heaven in Acts 2:38, by repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. When we obey what Peter preached, the gift of the Holy Ghost is a promise to us.
- There are no scriptural references found anywhere in the Bible using the words “Father, Son or Holy Ghost” when baptizing new converts. Using the titles actually came centuries later through man’s traditions.
- In the Old Testament, circumcision was a covenant between God and the Jewish people. In the New Testament, which is now, baptism is a spiritual circumcision of our heart. This is our New Testament covenant with God.
- Jesus is the only name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved.
- If a person is sincerely seeking God, as Cornelius did. God will send a messenger their way to bring truth. That’s why we’re here today.
- Many have been baptized in the titles, and not in the saving name of Jesus Christ. Similar to Acts 19:1-6, where they who were baptized unto John’s baptism, were re-baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. And then they were filled with the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in tongues.
Now be ready to pray with the students, to receive the Holy Ghost.
Ask the student(s). Based on what God has showed you through the scriptures, do you feel there is anything you need to do to complete the Will of the Father in your life. In most cases they will tell you what they need to do to line up with the word of truth.
Note from the author:
I hope that you find this Bible study to be a great tool reaching souls. You have our permission to make copies, as long as it is not used to make profit, or in any way to change this Bible study. You may use your own explanations, or add comments that you feel beneficial for the study. This is just a structured guideline, to assist you. This study has been very effective in reaching souls with a non-offensive approach.
Richard Felzien
Email: rfelzien@gmail.com
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Truth in Focus 