John 3:3 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. That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 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.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Acts 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
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.
Acts 19:2 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.
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Jesus can forgive sin, or he can say take up thy bed and walk, or I will be thou clean, or he can say today today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Not everyone receives the Holy Ghost after water baptism. Many certainly do, yes. But not all. For me it took nearly 3 years. I didn't fully understand it & I was fearful.
Since then I have obeyed the gospel=death, burial & resurrection of Jesus Christ w love & in obedience & following in all his ways.
Jesus said we must be born of water & of the Spirit to enter into the kingdom of God. We must be born again to see the kingdom.
Stay with prayers and supplication and reading the Bible. A person who truly seek the truth will be guided by the Holy Spirit. Romans 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Acts 20:28-32
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
Revelation 18:4
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Agape.
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. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 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: 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. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. I believe in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ first and foremost. After Jesus died on the cross He said: For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. I believe in the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the word "HOW" is very important. I do take seriously every word written in the KJV Bible. I would listen to men, and ultimately God directed me to read and tell the truth according to His will. We are all so bless in so many ways after Jesus died. He gave us a very gracious free gift. All we need to do is to die with Him with our flesh and live and walk in the Holy Spirit He freely give to those wanted to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. ONE account sited in the Bible that they received the Holy Spirit by Peter and John laying hands. It does not hurt to get wet. But necessary to understand the blood Jesus Christ shed for our sins according to scriptures. Then, you will know the Kingdom of God here on earth. Agape.
John 3:3-7 Context together to understand the passage.
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. 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? 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. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
This is talking about being born in the flesh. When you are born your mother broke their water. It is not baptism. It explains in v6. Otherwise why would Nicodemus mentioned the mother's womb? GBU.
I was baptized as Catholic when I was Born. I was submerged in the water for Mormon in my grade school, Finally baptized again in the Seventh Day Adventist. Long story short, it was a family feud beliefs and I have no control of it. Now I am older and wiser, in retrospect, I never received the Holy Spirit in any of those baptism; only until I understood in my heart the Bible messages of Jesus Christ. So, in my experience I do not believe in the water baptism. Although now I understand, I would not mind going to Jordan river and getting baptized next year, which I am excited about.
Now what does the Bible said about water baptism? We go back to when John the Baptist when he was preparing the Jews for the coming Messiah. There is a passage I forgot what verse, where someone asked somebody if they were baptized by the Holy Spirit then they said they were baptized by John the baptist. Then the person said you need to be baptized by The Holy Spirit. So when it was explained to them the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ they received the Holy Spirit. I will find that passage. That said, water baptism is not necessary to received the Holy Spirit. Agape.
I agree again David. Nice to find someone who know facts from the Bible only and not from any historical men or religious denominations. I do believe in the mystery of Christ in you. When God open my heart and eyes to the truth He immediately told me to grow in Charity and grace. Unbelievably started memorizing many verses until I fall asleep. These are a few. I love them all. I will just keep memorizing.
"That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;" Colossians 2:2 KJV "In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:3 KJV. Rejoice evermore my friend.
The truth is out! Do you believe the words of Jesus?
This comes direct from the mouth of Jesus. Mark 16:16 "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."
Do you believe the words of Apostle Peter? Peter speaks directly about when we are baptized we receive God's Holy Spirit! Acts 2:38 "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."
So, Jesus tells us we must believe and be baptized to be saved. The Apostle Peter whom Jesus Christ built His Church on told us that when we repent, and get baptized, we receive "the gift of the Holy Ghost". Jesus gets baptized to show us how it is done - with water! Matthew 3:16 "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:" What is the spirt of God? It is the Holy Spirit!
As a Christian (A Christ Follower) doesn't it just make sense to follow Jesus words and his actions?
The difference between the water baptism of John and the Water Baptism of Jesus Christ, is that we now receive the promise of the Holy Spirit - per Jesus Christ, and per Peter! From the very beginning of The Church water baptism was the requirement, and is still the requirement today. Jesus and all of the original Apostles (including Paul) didn't change the water baptism requirement.
So, now when we follow the above scripture it all ties together and we comply with the instruction from Jesus speaking to us here; John 3:5 "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."
If someone thinks that water baptism is no longer required today, they are ignoring the above scripture and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
"For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." Acts 1:5 KJV
Another controversial topic. Do we need to be baptized by water today, I mean the Church age? There may be some discussions about this somewhere. I hope the truth will come to ALL. Agape.
If you look at Verse 11, that word special literally means uncommon, something that's not the ordinary. These are special miracles. Keep that in mind as you read on because we've got some of these people in the United States that have this "special ministry."
Acts 19:12 says that from his body, (that is Paul's body), things were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, (literally a headband), and the aprons that Paul wore for his tent making, and they brought it to the sick, and all the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. Just by touching an article of Paul's clothing!
That's why I emphasize the word special. This is not normal! These are people who are like the Athenians, very superstitious.
There are actually some of these ministries today that if you send in your prayer request, they will pray over it or they will pray over a piece of cloth.
And they will send it to you in the mail and for your donation of $100.00 or more they will send you a prayer cloth and if you touch it you get healed. Oh boy!
It comes from this text right here. There are ministries that are making millions a year from these donations! And they say it comes from this text.
This is a historical account. It is not a teaching! God didn't say to do it. This is a very special time when Paul's headband and his apron from work, people would touch it, and they would be healed and demons would be cast out.
And notice that all the diseases and the physical healings are associated with demons. We are not talking about aunt Matilda that has the flu and if you send in $100.00 I will pray over a piece of material and send it to you.
And if you send it back and tell them you still have the flu, they tell you that it is your fault and that you don't have enough faith! Send me another hundred dollars and I will send you another cloth. So much money being made here!
Dear "Lewis", (ill think this is a religious thing, too stop the Holy Spirit and let Him stay in the churches all around, it's a shame for the church). Do you think this did not apply to the disciples. For the Holy Spirit was bound to Jesus. He could not send the Holy Spirit until He was dead, resurrected. Then He could send the spokesman. John 17:4 17:11 17:18 17:23
John 14.
After all the disciples expected, the Holy Spirit was poured out in Jerusalem. There were many ppl there then. They spoke in all tongues. It had to be a great day! Acts 2 1-4
Then the 12 went out as Apostles and preached the word of Jesus to all nations. Given by the Holy Ghost all around even to Russia and Australia, the Holy Ghost eventually came all over the Earth. Jesus has been talked about everywhere! Think how grateful we should be.
There were no witnesses to the baptism of my spirit. (what can it tell us)? But you world for an experience. John 15:25-27 I KNEW that now something happened, i had not even thought about it, not didnt know what the Holy Spirit was! Evil powers have tried to kill me many times. Even my faith have they tried and take. But God is my thanksgiving and my fortress. I will belong to Him forever.
A word that became important to me at that time is found in Acts 2: 40-47
Hallelujah for God is good The only true and glorious God who came in flesh to us here on this poor earth!
ALL HONOR TO JESUS CHRIST HE IS my KING FOREVER! Only He Is Worthy.
Everyone has this source of eternal LIFE within them. What it's about is letting the source spring up and out. All the gifts can be given to us, just search for them! Belive in them! Only belive what u pray and u will get it in Gods time to give it too u.
1 Corinthians 12:4-13 Be strengthened in the faith dear friends and do not give up and love one another in forgiveness and in the Holy Spirit.
Until the day we are to be taken up into the heavenly dwellings by the works of Jesus Christ.
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.
Jesus did not just request, suggest, or simply invite the disciples to wait until they receive the promise of the Father. He COMMANDED THEM TO WAIT!!!
I could even suggest this to be the eleventh (11th) commandment of God!
IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT!!!! The same importance as the 10 Commandments!
Very kind and thorough answer, thank you for taking the time.
I am unsure about casting lots, the disciples did this before they received the Holy Spirit and Matthias was never heard from again in the Bible. Some people think that St. Paul was the 12th disciple God wanted and did have and ordain to replace judas but I don't know.
Casting lots was Old Testament before the Holy Spirit was given to in-dwell men. I find it hard to hear the Holy Spirit's voice, I have been trying to do a Holy Hour where you sit in the presence of the Lord and both pray and listen for the Spirit of Jesus to guide into what is needed for your life, the still small voice seems to come if you ask and keep on asking for the Holy Spirit as Jesus instructed.
Jesus said, "What father refuses his child, if you who are imperfect give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give to those who ask and keep on asking for the Holy Ghost." And the parable of the unjust judge and the widow woman who kept on asking for justice, to pray and not to faint.
Eric, every Walmart in the world has King James Bibles. Priced reasonable. It's the most accurate Bible in my opinion.
This is serious, we need to read the Bible ourselves to be 100% sure with our own eyes.
There were 4 disciples in the New Testament that were eyewitness's to the day of Jesus's Crucifixion and by reading Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, write of those events they individually witnessed; also Mary Magdalene and Mary. The books were written at different times, but events were recorded and canonized by The Church.
After Jesus's resurrection he was seen walking around ALIVE by more than 500 people who testified seeing him.
See, you are a witness too. You know what Jesus has done for you too. It's your testimony. We are disciples too. We have stories to tell also.
What I'm trying to convey, is if you are born again, then Jesus has baptized you with the Holy Spirit. He is the Spirit of Christ and will teach you (every day) what you have been given. We all have to take our own egos off the throne of our hearts, and invite Jesus to sit on it.
I always know when I'm straying some, because just like God said to Adam in the Garden of Eden, "Adam, where are you?" Hiding in the bushes wastes time.
I want to encourage you to search the Bible to always verify what is commented on in this forum, or church, or YouTube preachers; matches up with Scriptures. Not all websites are truth.
Im so blessed to see a new believer in Jesus. This website has a Search Engine (kinda like google ) that searches the entire Bible really fast. The red Link page has lots of links you can explore. People write their testimonies of how they came to believe on Jesus.
Hi Louis Rivera In regards to Acts 3:19 from context telling them to repent and be converted would lead to the age of Grace that we live in now. That's what my understanding is, the only other reference I see is In Isaiah 28:11+12 eleven is talking about speaking in tongues. 12 To whom he said This is the wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest and this is the refreshing; yet they would not here. Please feel free to give other opinions. In His service
Judas has his own place, which is hell ,cause he had a demon,and betrayed our LORD,yet it fulfill our destiny! When you understand this your, only a hour or two at the most from home , see you then,One LOVE church.
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 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.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Acts 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
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.
Acts 19:2 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.
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Jesus can forgive sin, or he can say take up thy bed and walk, or I will be thou clean, or he can say today today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Since then I have obeyed the gospel=death, burial & resurrection of Jesus Christ w love & in obedience & following in all his ways.
Jesus said we must be born of water & of the Spirit to enter into the kingdom of God. We must be born again to see the kingdom.
Stay with prayers and supplication and reading the Bible. A person who truly seek the truth will be guided by the Holy Spirit. Romans 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Acts 20:28-32
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
Revelation 18:4
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Agape.
The word, "receive," and "Holy Spirit" are never found in the same verse in the KJV.
On the other hand, "receive/received" and "Holy Ghost" are found here:
John 7:39
John 20:22
Acts 1:8
Acts 2:33
Acts 2:38
Acts 3:21
Acts 8:15
Acts 8:17
Acts 8:19
Acts 9:17
Acts 10:47
Acts 19:2 ("Holy Ghost" is mentioned twice here.)
1 Thessalonians 1:6
Anything we can learn from this?
John 3:3-7 Context together to understand the passage.
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. 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? 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. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
This is talking about being born in the flesh. When you are born your mother broke their water. It is not baptism. It explains in v6. Otherwise why would Nicodemus mentioned the mother's womb? GBU.
I was baptized as Catholic when I was Born. I was submerged in the water for Mormon in my grade school, Finally baptized again in the Seventh Day Adventist. Long story short, it was a family feud beliefs and I have no control of it. Now I am older and wiser, in retrospect, I never received the Holy Spirit in any of those baptism; only until I understood in my heart the Bible messages of Jesus Christ. So, in my experience I do not believe in the water baptism. Although now I understand, I would not mind going to Jordan river and getting baptized next year, which I am excited about.
Now what does the Bible said about water baptism? We go back to when John the Baptist when he was preparing the Jews for the coming Messiah. There is a passage I forgot what verse, where someone asked somebody if they were baptized by the Holy Spirit then they said they were baptized by John the baptist. Then the person said you need to be baptized by The Holy Spirit. So when it was explained to them the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ they received the Holy Spirit. I will find that passage. That said, water baptism is not necessary to received the Holy Spirit. Agape.
Well spoken David.
"That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;" Colossians 2:2 KJV "In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:3 KJV. Rejoice evermore my friend.
in the gospel of john 16:13 Jesus christ was instructing them on the future about the gift of holy spirit which would guide them
to the all truth that was given to the Apostle paul of the church of the body of christ jew and gentile baptized by one spirit.
Scripturally water baptism isnt necessary for salvation in the grace administration of pentecost, that being said water won't
hurt anybody.
The truth is out! Do you believe the words of Jesus?
This comes direct from the mouth of Jesus. Mark 16:16 "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."
Do you believe the words of Apostle Peter? Peter speaks directly about when we are baptized we receive God's Holy Spirit! Acts 2:38 "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."
So, Jesus tells us we must believe and be baptized to be saved. The Apostle Peter whom Jesus Christ built His Church on told us that when we repent, and get baptized, we receive "the gift of the Holy Ghost". Jesus gets baptized to show us how it is done - with water! Matthew 3:16 "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:" What is the spirt of God? It is the Holy Spirit!
As a Christian (A Christ Follower) doesn't it just make sense to follow Jesus words and his actions?
The difference between the water baptism of John and the Water Baptism of Jesus Christ, is that we now receive the promise of the Holy Spirit - per Jesus Christ, and per Peter! From the very beginning of The Church water baptism was the requirement, and is still the requirement today. Jesus and all of the original Apostles (including Paul) didn't change the water baptism requirement.
So, now when we follow the above scripture it all ties together and we comply with the instruction from Jesus speaking to us here; John 3:5 "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."
If someone thinks that water baptism is no longer required today, they are ignoring the above scripture and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
GBU
Another controversial topic. Do we need to be baptized by water today, I mean the Church age? There may be some discussions about this somewhere. I hope the truth will come to ALL. Agape.
If you look at Verse 11, that word special literally means uncommon, something that's not the ordinary. These are special miracles. Keep that in mind as you read on because we've got some of these people in the United States that have this "special ministry."
Acts 19:12 says that from his body, (that is Paul's body), things were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, (literally a headband), and the aprons that Paul wore for his tent making, and they brought it to the sick, and all the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. Just by touching an article of Paul's clothing!
That's why I emphasize the word special. This is not normal! These are people who are like the Athenians, very superstitious.
There are actually some of these ministries today that if you send in your prayer request, they will pray over it or they will pray over a piece of cloth.
And they will send it to you in the mail and for your donation of $100.00 or more they will send you a prayer cloth and if you touch it you get healed. Oh boy!
It comes from this text right here. There are ministries that are making millions a year from these donations! And they say it comes from this text.
This is a historical account. It is not a teaching! God didn't say to do it. This is a very special time when Paul's headband and his apron from work, people would touch it, and they would be healed and demons would be cast out.
And notice that all the diseases and the physical healings are associated with demons. We are not talking about aunt Matilda that has the flu and if you send in $100.00 I will pray over a piece of material and send it to you.
And if you send it back and tell them you still have the flu, they tell you that it is your fault and that you don't have enough faith! Send me another hundred dollars and I will send you another cloth. So much money being made here!
Hope this helps?
John 14.
After all the disciples expected, the Holy Spirit was poured out in Jerusalem. There were many ppl there then. They spoke in all tongues. It had to be a great day! Acts 2 1-4
Then the 12 went out as Apostles and preached the word of Jesus to all nations. Given by the Holy Ghost all around even to Russia and Australia, the Holy Ghost eventually came all over the Earth. Jesus has been talked about everywhere! Think how grateful we should be.
There were no witnesses to the baptism of my spirit. (what can it tell us)? But you world for an experience. John 15:25-27 I KNEW that now something happened, i had not even thought about it, not didnt know what the Holy Spirit was! Evil powers have tried to kill me many times. Even my faith have they tried and take. But God is my thanksgiving and my fortress. I will belong to Him forever.
A word that became important to me at that time is found in Acts 2: 40-47
Hallelujah for God is good The only true and glorious God who came in flesh to us here on this poor earth!
ALL HONOR TO JESUS CHRIST HE IS my KING FOREVER! Only He Is Worthy.
Everyone has this source of eternal LIFE within them. What it's about is letting the source spring up and out. All the gifts can be given to us, just search for them! Belive in them! Only belive what u pray and u will get it in Gods time to give it too u.
1 Corinthians 12:4-13 Be strengthened in the faith dear friends and do not give up and love one another in forgiveness and in the Holy Spirit.
Until the day we are to be taken up into the heavenly dwellings by the works of Jesus Christ.
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.
Jesus did not just request, suggest, or simply invite the disciples to wait until they receive the promise of the Father. He COMMANDED THEM TO WAIT!!!
I could even suggest this to be the eleventh (11th) commandment of God!
IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT!!!! The same importance as the 10 Commandments!
I am unsure about casting lots, the disciples did this before they received the Holy Spirit and Matthias was never heard from again in the Bible. Some people think that St. Paul was the 12th disciple God wanted and did have and ordain to replace judas but I don't know.
Casting lots was Old Testament before the Holy Spirit was given to in-dwell men. I find it hard to hear the Holy Spirit's voice, I have been trying to do a Holy Hour where you sit in the presence of the Lord and both pray and listen for the Spirit of Jesus to guide into what is needed for your life, the still small voice seems to come if you ask and keep on asking for the Holy Spirit as Jesus instructed.
Jesus said, "What father refuses his child, if you who are imperfect give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give to those who ask and keep on asking for the Holy Ghost." And the parable of the unjust judge and the widow woman who kept on asking for justice, to pray and not to faint.
Why has the Church brought a tree in the Sanctuary but they don't want Altars in there?
This is serious, we need to read the Bible ourselves to be 100% sure with our own eyes.
There were 4 disciples in the New Testament that were eyewitness's to the day of Jesus's Crucifixion and by reading Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, write of those events they individually witnessed; also Mary Magdalene and Mary. The books were written at different times, but events were recorded and canonized by The Church.
After Jesus's resurrection he was seen walking around ALIVE by more than 500 people who testified seeing him.
See, you are a witness too. You know what Jesus has done for you too. It's your testimony. We are disciples too. We have stories to tell also.
What I'm trying to convey, is if you are born again, then Jesus has baptized you with the Holy Spirit. He is the Spirit of Christ and will teach you (every day) what you have been given. We all have to take our own egos off the throne of our hearts, and invite Jesus to sit on it.
I always know when I'm straying some, because just like God said to Adam in the Garden of Eden, "Adam, where are you?" Hiding in the bushes wastes time.
I want to encourage you to search the Bible to always verify what is commented on in this forum, or church, or YouTube preachers; matches up with Scriptures. Not all websites are truth.
Im so blessed to see a new believer in Jesus. This website has a Search Engine (kinda like google ) that searches the entire Bible really fast. The red Link page has lots of links you can explore. People write their testimonies of how they came to believe on Jesus.
Keep coming back.
Are you asking what happened to Jesus after e died?