PORTABLE BIBLE SCHOOL HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?

HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?

Long ago a man asked, “What is truth?” (John 18:38). This question has been repeated countless times throughout the ages. The world is quickly filling with various religions, and within these religions there is a multitude of varying opinions. Which one is correct?  Which one teaches truth? The wise teacher admonished, “Buy the truth, and sell it not” (Proverbs 23:23). But, how do we find this truth in the maze of religions available? Truth can be found in the Holy Bible, the written Word of God.   The Word of God is the measurement of truth. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). The “God of truth” wrote the Bible (Isaiah 65:16; Psalm 31:5). In fact, Jesus claimed to be “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

God’s truth is passed from generation to generation and is being passed to you today. Like David, a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), we believe that “thou desirest truth in the inward parts” (Psalms 51:6). This booklet is designed to help us see how we measure up to the Word of God and to “shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth” (Daniel 10:21).

The Bible explains, “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12). It is dangerous to measure ourselves against what others believe, or solely on what our church says.

We need to measure ourselves with the Word. We cannot put confidence in tradition for the Bible warns, “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye” (Mark 7:13). It has been said,  “What is popular is not always right; what is right is not always popular.”

Ed Cole once said, “A person’s beliefs hold the greatest potential for good or harm in life.”  What we believe about our salvation matters much as we consider our destiny. We need to adjust to the truth of God’s Word. If someone says something that is wrong, and then a thousand people say that it is correct, it is still wrong.

 

Carlton L. Coon, Sr. in his Bible study series Take Root states, “What men are taught determines what they believe. What they believe determines what they do. What they do determines their destiny.”

How then can we measure ourselves? Right, with the Bible! This booklet will guide you through several basic doctrines of the Bible to see how you measure up with the Word of God?

As each doctrine is discussed, a question needs to be asked, “Does the Bible really teach this? Is this what the Scripture says?” This should be the first question in assessing any sermon, tract, or book.

The Bible states clearly that you should “study to shew thyself approved unto God” (2 Timothy 2:15). Why must we study?  So that you can “rightly divide the word of TRUTH.” E. Stewart in his study, “Truth Never Changes” tells us this Scripture implies that the Word can be wrongly divided.

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  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” (2 Peter 1:20-21).

Stewart says, “In 2 Peter 3:16 we find Peter writing about actual people who misapply or distort the scriptures to their own destruction.” These are people who are “unlearned and unstable” who “wrest” (means distort, twist the nature or meaning of, divert to an improper use; misapply) the “…Scriptures, unto their own destruction.”  He further advises, “We should conform our lives to the Bible instead of conforming the Bible to our lives.”

Let us begin to, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39).

Now is the time for your first checkup. Three questions will help you measure up to the Word of God.

HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?

The Bible is the measurement of truth.

	YES	NO	NOT SURE
Is this what the Bible teaches?
Is this what you believe?
Is this what your church teaches?

The Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God.  All doctrine should be based upon, and be in harmony with, the Word of God. The Bible is not just partially inspired; it is totally inspired. All Scripture is inspired. The Bible is also inerrant. This means that as the Holy Ghost moved on men (2 Peter 1:20-21) all limitations and shortcomings of the writers were overcome. They were able to write without mistakes. The Bible can be trusted in all matters of faith.

ü  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works”(2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The word, “inspiration” in this Scripture comes from a Greek word that literally means, “God-breathed.”

ü  “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart“ (Hebrews 4:12).

ü  “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away” (Mark 13:31).

ü  “The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.  They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.  He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name” (Psalms 111:7-9).

ü  “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever” (Isaiah 40:8).

ü  “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein” (Jeremiah 6:16).

ü  “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Joshua 1:8).

Jerry Vines and Jim Shaddix in their book, “Power in the Pulpit” suggests many benefits to the Word of God.  This list contains:

1.          Prosperity and success for those who obey the Word (Joshua 1:8).

2.         Converts the soul, makes wise the simple, gives joy to the heart, and enlightens the eyes (Psalms 19:7-8).

3.         The Word is everlasting, true, righteous, invaluable, and sweet.  It provides warning and reward (Psalms 19:11).

4.        The Word cleanses and helps us avoid sin (Psalms 119:9-11).

5.         Provides guidance and direction (Psalms 119:105).

6.        The Word is truth (John 17:17).

7.         It results in faith (Romans 10:17).

8.        The Scriptures give wisdom, teaching about what is right, rebuke when in the wrong, correction for those who have erred, and instruction on how to live righteously. All of these help us to become mature (2 Timothy 3:14-17).

9.        The Word is alive, sharp, penetrating, and detects our thoughts and intents (Hebrews 4:12).

10.     It provides us spiritual nourishment (2 Peter 2:2).

HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?

The Bible is inspired, inerrant, infallible and relevant for people of all times.

	YES	NO	NOT SURE
Is this what the Bible teaches?
Is this what you believe?
Is this what your church teaches?

From the beginning God had a plan. He had a goal in mind for His creation. But, God did not create machines. His creation was able to choose and make up their own mind. When he created the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, he gave them only one restriction. They were not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil located in the Garden of Eden. God had spoken and His word was clear. They doubted God’s word enough to go ahead and do the one thing He asked them not to do. Sin (1 John 3:4; 5:17) caused separation and a breaking of fellowship between God and man (Psalms 66:18; Isaiah 59:2). God would not go against His own word and he had to keep His promise of death. What a terrible price to pay for one small piece of fruit. Because of their disobedience sin entered into the world. Since that time every person born was conceived in sin.

þ  “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” Romans 5:12).

þ  “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10).

þ  “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

þ  “All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death” (1 John 5:17).

þ  “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” Psalms 51:5).

þ  “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (1 John 2:16).

þ   “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe” (Galatians 3:22).

þ  “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).”

þ  “For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Romans 5:19).

God hates sin. However, He loves the sinner.

þ  “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

On one hand, God is merciful, and does not want to punish man. On the other hand, God is just, and must punish and deal with sin.

þ  “Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty” (Exodus 34:7).

HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?

Man is born a sinner.

	YES	NO	NOT SURE
Is this what the Bible teaches?
Is this what you believe?
Is this what your church teaches?

Man needs a Savior. Without one he remains wicked, without hope of eternal life. Man cannot save himself. God’s standard requires perfection. Jesus said, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Salvation cannot be earned (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Ralph Vincent Reynolds describes man’s miserable condition as:

þ  Estranged from the womb (Psalms 58:3).

þ  Shaped in iniquity (Psalms 51:5).

þ  Heart is desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9).

þ  Controlled by Satan (Ephesians 2:2).

þ  Law of sin and death continually at work in his life (Romans 7:23).

þ  Under a curse (Galatians 3:10).

þ  Understanding is darkened (Ephesians 4:18).

þ  Has an evil imagination (Genesis 6:5).

þ  Filled with all unrighteousness (Romans 1:29).

þ  Dead in trespasses and sin (Ephesians 2:1).

þ  Corrupt from head to foot (Isaiah 1:6).

HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?

Man needs a savior to rescue him from his hopeless condition.

	YES	NO	NOT SURE
Is this what the Bible teaches?
Is this what you believe?
Is this what your church teaches?

God designed a solution to man’s predicament. He robed Himself in flesh, coming to earth as God-man (John 1:1,14). He died on Calvary’s cross and rose again. This paid the debt and penalty of man’s sins.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). In John 3:15-18, words with the root word “believe” are used five different times. Man must believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior in order to be saved. The Angel told Mary, “Thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). John the Baptist saw Jesus coming and proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Jesus came that, through Him, all men might believe (John 1:7).

þ  “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).

þ  “If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24).

þ  “Through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43).

It is so important that we believe Jesus Christ is the Savior. To reject Jesus Christ is to reject “Truth” itself (John 14:6).

HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?

Man must accept Jesus Christ as the Savior to be saved.

	YES	NO	NOT SURE
Is this what the Bible teaches?
Is this what you believe?
Is this what your church teaches?

“Repeat after me, ‘I accept the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Savior.’ Now, there you have it, you are saved.” How often have you heard this said? How often have you said it yourself? This thinking expresses, “only believe and you will be saved.”  There are several problems with this type of thinking.

First of all, like A. W. Tozer said, it requires that Jesus would “stand hat-in-hand awaiting our verdict on Him, instead of kneeling with troubled hearts awaiting his verdict on us.” The picture here depicts Jesus standing before you, the judge, having looked at all the evidence, and waiting (and hoping) that you will give the verdict, “I believe.  I accept.”  Man is like that; he always wants to be in control. We have been given the freedom to make our own decisions, but it is God who is in control.  Jesus said, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you” (John 15:16). He later said, “I have chosen you out of the world” (John 15:19). It is God who will judge us. Paul said the Lord is the “Righteous Judge” (2 Timothy 4:8). “The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:30-31).

It is common today to hear preachers encourage someone to “accept the Lord as your personal Savior.’’  Raymond Woodward in his article, What is Repentance states, “The Bible never talks about us “accepting” the Lord. (In fact, we ought to be eternally grateful that He ever chose to accept us!)”

The Bible teaches actual conversion cannot take place without repentance. Jesus taught, “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).

John the Baptist came preaching repentance (Matthew 3:1-2). Jesus Christ also began His ministry with a call to “repentance.”

“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).

Before going to heaven Jesus reminded His disciples, “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47).

 “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30). That sounds quite inclusive. He said, “all men every where.”

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

God deemed it necessary that repentance be preached in every nation. The need for repentance is universal because sin is universal. Sin has touched every human life.

Repentance takes place when we “confess” our sins. “True confession is when we say the same thing about our sins that God says about them.”  (The Simplicity of Salvation)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Woodward defines biblical repentance as “an inward change of ATTITUDE leading to an outward change of ACTION.  Unless both of these occur, real repentance has not taken place.” 

Repentance is an important step in the plan of salvation. It is the first step that man takes toward God and the forgiveness of sins.  Peter said, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38).

Eddie Jones in The Truth About Repentance writes, “The nature of repentance is not only a turning from, but also a turning to. It will cause a person to stop a wrong action and begin a right one.”

Repentance involves turning away from sin, to the Lord.  It is a turning point in life. An individual walking one way, the sinful way, makes an “about-face” and starts walking in the opposite direction toward God. Repentance is “to turn away from the way you are going; asking God for forgiveness.”

þ  “But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die”  (Ezekiel 18:21).

þ   “Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once” (Proverbs 28:18).

How to Repent?

The goodness of God leads men to repentance and should not be despised.

“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4).

þ  The Gospel is presented (Romans 10:14).

þ  The sinner is convicted of his sins (Acts 2:37).

þ  He accepts he is a sinner (Romans 3:23; 6:23).

þ  Realizes that God has provided a Savior (Matthew 1:21; John 4:42).

þ  Repents (confesses) his sins. He is not only sorry but has made a decision to forsake sin (Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:7) and make a turn-around toward God (Luke 18:13).

What does God do with sins once they are forgiven?

þ  He puts them in the bottom of the sea (Micah 7:19).

þ  He puts our sin behind his back (Isaiah 38:17).

þ  He doesn’t remember them anymore (Jeremiah 31:34).

þ  He removes them as far as the east is from the west (Psalms 103:12).

HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?

The Bible teaches that actual conversion cannot take place without repentance.

	YES	NO	NOT SURE
Is this what the Bible teaches?
Is this what you believe?
Is this what your church teaches?

þ  “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9).

þ  “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18).

þ  “And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?” (Acts 4:7).

The name Jesus means “Jehovah Savior” or “Jehovah is become salvation.” When should the name of Jesus be used? The better question may be, “When shouldn’t the name of Jesus be used?” One writer said, “And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). The name of “Jesus” is mentioned six hundred times in the Bible. His name represents great power and authority and can be used:

þ  In prayer (John 14:12-14)

þ  In preaching (Luke 24:47)

þ  When you are in need (John 15:16)

þ  In healing (Acts 3:6,16; Acts 4:7,10,7-18)

þ  When casting out demons (Acts 16:18)

þ  To receive eternal life (John 20:31)

þ  In salvation (Acts 4:12)

þ  In water baptism (Acts 2:38, 8:16, 10:48, 19:5, 22:16)

þ  In everything (Colossians 3:17)

HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?

There is great power and authority in the name of Jesus.

	YES	NO	NOT SURE
Is this what the Bible teaches?
Is this what you believe?
Is this what your church teaches?

Repentance is not complete without baptism. The Bible teaches that we should repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38, Luke 24:47, Mark 16:16). Repentance and baptism go hand-in-hand. They should not be separated or divided. “They are experienced together, accomplishing God’s full work of forgiveness in the heart of the believer.”  (Woodward, What Happens at Repentance.)

Believing leads to baptism.

þ  “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16).

þ  “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women” (Acts 8:12).

þ  “And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized” (Acts 18:8).

The Gospels close with Jesus’ command to baptize all nations (Matthew 28:19). The first message preached by the apostles, on the birthday of the church, resulted in a command for everyone to be baptized (Acts 2:38) Therefore, water baptism is an act of obedience to the command of Christ. In the Early Church, people were baptized immediately after believing. Philip told the Ethiopian he could be baptized if “…thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest” (Acts 8:37).

Jesus expressed the importance of water baptism when he instructed Nicodemus, “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” (John 3:5).

All Biblical accounts of baptism are by immersion. Jesus Himself set an example of immersion (Matthew 3:16; John 3:23; Acts 8:38; Romans 6:4-5). The word baptize comes from a Greek word “baptizo” which means to dip, immerse, or plunge. Immersion is a big word but means to go completely under water.

þ  “And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized” (John 3:23).

þ  “And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.  And when they were come up out of the water…” (Acts 8:38-39).

þ   “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection” (Romans 6:4-5).

Baptism is essential for salvation.

þ  “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16).

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

HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?

Believing leads to water baptism by immersion and is essential for salvation.

	YES	NO	NOT SURE
Is this what the Bible teaches?
Is this what you believe?
Is this what your church teaches?

Ron Schoolcraft in A Fresh Look at Matthew 28:19 states that this verse is one of the best verses in the Bible for baptism in Jesus name. A simple question to be asked is, “What is the name?”  The answer is simply, yet profoundly, “Jesus.”  “The crystal- clear proof is found in the Book of Acts where the apostles obeyed Matthew 28:19 by baptizing in the name of Jesus!” The disciples were not merely asked to repeat a formula, titles, or words. They were told to baptize in the name. Every account of baptism in the New Testament Church was done in the name of Jesus. Peter, the first preacher, given the keys to the kingdom (Matthew 16:18), used the name of Jesus in baptism.

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

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

þ  “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days” (Acts 10:48).

þ  “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:5).

þ  “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).

þ  “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).

þ  “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47).

Why did Jesus command to baptize in “the name?”

þ  His name is above every name (Philippians 2:9-11; Ephesians 1:21).

þ  There is salvation in no other name (Acts 4:10-12).

þ  Whatever you do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17).

þ  We are washed in the name of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:11). (Two Important Questions In Life – Search for Truth)

The Apostle Paul was so convinced that baptism in Jesus name was necessary that he rebaptized some believers in the name of Jesus (Acts 19:1-5).

Baptism remits sin. The blood of Jesus Christ is necessary to remit sin (Hebrews 9:22; 1 John 1:7). The only Biblical way to receive remission of sin is through baptism in Jesus name (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38).

HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?

Water baptism is to be done in name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

	YES	NO	NOT SURE
Is this what the Bible teaches?
Is this what you believe?
Is this what your church teaches?

The Old Testament contains promises of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 31:33-34; Ezekiel 36:26-27; Joel 2:28-29). God’s Spirit would actually live inside of man. When the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Day of Pentecost it was a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. The question was asked, “What meaneth this?” (Acts 2:12). The answer,  “But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh” Acts 2:16-17).

The initial (first) evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues, as the spirit gives the utterance.

Benefits of having the baptism of the Holy Ghost

þ  Teaches us all things; gives understanding of the Word (John 14:26).

þ  Refreshes and gives rest to the weary (Isaiah 28:12).

þ  Gives power for witnessing (Acts 1:8).

þ  Provides a promise that we will be resurrected (Romans 8:11).

þ  Helps us intercede (Romans 8:26).

þ  Christ puts seal of ownership on us (Romans 8:9).

þ  Will raise up a standard against our enemies (Isaiah 59:19).

God made a promise and He keeps His promises. (Romans 4:21; Numbers 23:19) The baptism of the Holy Spirit is for  “whosoever” (Acts 2:21).

Peter claimed the promise of the Holy Ghost was for:

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

“Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?” (Acts 19:2).  The literal translation of this question is, “Having believed, did you receive the Holy Spirit?”

HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is promised to you.

	YES	NO	NOT SURE
Is this what the Bible teaches?
Is this what you believe?
Is this what your church teaches?

þ  “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4).

þ  “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 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. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God” (Acts 10:44-45).

þ  “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. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 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.  When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied” (Acts 19:2-6).

þ  “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues” (Mark 16:17).

þ  “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?

Speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit.

	YES	NO	NOT SURE
Is this what the Bible teaches?
Is this what you believe?
Is this what your church teaches?

“Is it necessary to have the baptism of the Holy Spirit?” If it was necessary for the Apostles, Mary the Mother of Jesus, and other disciples of Jesus Christ to have the Spirit then it is necessary for us to have it also. The disciples walked with Jesus, witnessed, preached, and even cast out devils. They could do these great works because Jesus was there with them. However, when He ascended, another “Comforter” had to be sent (John 14:16). This “Comforter” was just the same as having Jesus walking with them again.  “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). He comes into us through the baptism of the Holy Spirit. 

A sobering thought is this: “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” (Romans 8:9). This Scripture implies that if we do not have the baptism of the Holy Spirit we do not belong to Jesus Christ. 

“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you” (Romans 8:11). We will need the baptism of the Holy Spirit in order to go in the rapture.

Isaiah said, “until the spirit be poured upon us from on high” (Isaiah 32:15). For this reason Jesus commanded the disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they receive the promise (Luke 24:49).

Jesus wants to open the doors of heaven and give you an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  He wants to flood you with the Spirit. Your heavenly Father knows how to give good gifts. He will “give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him!” (Luke 11:13).

HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is essential for the believer.

	YES	NO	NOT SURE
Is this what the Bible teaches?
Is this what you believe?
Is this what your church teaches?

One of the most significant truths in Bible prophecy is that Jesus is coming soon.  It is only the subject of salvation that is mentioned on more occasions in the Word of God.

Jesus Christ has gone to heaven to prepare an eternal home for Christians. Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people.

 “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3).

“Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).

Jesus will soon return and rapture His people. The term rapture means, “caught away” or “caught up.” It refers to the catching away of the church, from the earth, to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 5:2-3; 1 Corinthians 15:51-55).

HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?

Jesus is coming again.

	YES	NO	NOT SURE
Is this what the Bible teaches?
Is this what you believe?
Is this what your church teaches?

“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: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). This Scripture concludes that hell will be more populated than heaven.  Today’s decisions determine tomorrow’s destiny.

HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?

Are you ready?

A few final questions:

1.          Are you in a place spiritually where you have full assurance you have eternal life or is there something holding you down or keeping you back?

2.         In the unlikely event you would die today and stand before God, and suppose He were to ask you, “Why should I permit you into heaven?”  What would be your response?

3.         If you died in your sleep tonight where would you wake up?

 “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10).