John. What you referenced from Acts chapter 15 & Acts 16:4-5 is true. But Paul went much further than those 'four decrees'. Have you not read Romans 1:18-32? ("wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness": God's wrath on ALL men (Jew & Gentile) - God gave them up unto vile affections including homosexuality - these all stand under the Judgement of God).
Again Paul states in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, speaking to a largely Gentile Church - the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God, the effeminate & homosexual included. But "such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." They had left their wickedness (repented) - now washed, sanctified & justified in the Eyes of God.
If the Scriptures stopped only at the Book of Acts, we might be inclined to believe you. But any immorality, as in any other sin, even not declared in the Decalogue or other Jewish Laws, is binding on all mankind - no man or woman is absolved of guilt of any type of sin.
Hi Bob. And I would add Luke 8:2 to your list. I would pay very little heed to any secular construct of any biblical account, whether from books or screen. A few may have done a reasonable job of it, but I would think that with so little information to fill a book or a two hour showing, much imagination & re-telling/re-hashing of the accounts (whether true or apocryphal) would be needed. And of course, the writer's leanings & the message he wants to promote, would undoubtedly play a major part in all of it.
I have tried on a couple of occasions to watch a biblical series, but had to shut if off because of gross error or a display of the writer's wild imaginations that were inconsistent with the Holy Word of God. I find it more profitable for my own imagination to play out when reading a biblical story from the Bible & then let the Spirit check me if I have strayed too far by doing so.
When in ministry in Pakistan (late '80s), we often showed the Jesus film via a projector & screen, to various villages. These were mostly Christian folk (nominal), but often Muslims would come over to view it as it was shown in the open air. After this, the Gospel was presented & challenge given. This film was based on Luke's Gospel, though the one I have now on my computer (downloaded from the Web) is based on John's Gospel. Very accurate, plenty of Scripture, with narration as well. There are several now available for viewing from the Web, but one can soon discern which of them is profitable for continued watching. And yes, Mary Magdalene is also seen in them. Maybe, this might be useful for you if wanting to view the whole New Testament being played out.
"Mary Magdalene became a follower of Jesus and traveled with Jesus and the Disciples"
I understand that is the common belief, but as I noted my NT search shows Mary's very first contact with Jesus was a the cross. Matthew, 27:56. How was she a follower?
Stephen Spielberg is a great contributor to Holocaust museums and exhibits. He's Jewish.
See if he has published any books. Or contact by Facebook and see if there is an outline of events you can follow.
In the past I've read many stories about how the Jews were dispersed all over the world. One was by a man named Stan Telchin. His testimony is on YouTube. His book on how he came to believe in Jesus as Messiah is an awesome read.
Thank you for teaching children with simple truth. How we treat people matters to God.
Watching End Time Events Happening on the daily News - In Reply - 1 year ago
You will greatly benefit from watching *Nelson Walters on YouTube. He preaches and teaches primarily of things happening on earth, that involve ISRAEL.
Also a reporter of Israel news, that is a born again Jew. He has the news from a Jewish point of view. Erick Stakelbeck on YouTube.
I watch their programs often. Wars and Rumors of Wars erupt almost daily.
Israel is on Gods clock. So we should educate ourselves on that culture. Unlike any other place on earth. Watched over by the Living God of everything and place. Deceptions and Lies will be open for all to read, on the news; the 4 Gospels, Daniel, Peter and others.
A Bible with all of the prophesies in the Bible highlighted would be a great present to ourselves; and to friends we study with. :)
Living Our Lives in the Light of Jesus - In Reply on Matthew 27 - 1 year ago
I've seen some movies and videos I do not care for.
Mary Magdalene became a follower of Jesus and traveled with Jesus and the Disciples. I'm sure she wanted to hear Jesus teachings. There were other women who traveled with the Twelve. They cooked and probably washed a few clothes and milked the goats.
Apostle Paul traveled with women too. I'm sure every precaution was taken to be above scrutiny or accusation. Paul had disciples travel with him too.
Praying for Change Gods Way - In Reply - 1 year ago
I'd know, as I have at times, worked in churches doing things nobody else wanted too.
All I know that is true, Jesus Christ is the Head over all churches. Whether or not they are aware. They report to. Jesus directly.
It tells of it in the Book of Revelation starting in chapter 2. Jesus is writing to the 7 churches. That covers Pastor all the way down to the man who mows the lawn.
We all need to be mindful that our work ethic is unto the Lord. Back in the OT a verse starts with: Set Thine House in Order. I think that means everyone, from the White House down down to our dog's house.
We need to pray for our church. Jesus listens to all of our prayers. He is seated at the right hand of God: on duty 24/7
So first he's going to tell me to set my own house in order; and then I can discuss my church's house. You will in due time, see changes.
I know some churches run a loose ship, but one person praying for them, is no small act. Jesus loves his children!
Maybe you're referring to: Ephesians 4:8-10 or 1 Peter 3:19.
Perhaps you mean Jesus visited people, not "went" to hell as if it was a punishment. I believe the KJV says he descended into the lower parts of the earth, so it could have a different meaning.
I don't believe the Bible says with 100% clarity why but I'm sure it was for an important purpose.
When Jesus raided Hell of the Prisoners - In Reply on John 19 - 1 year ago
Some believe that while Jesus' body was in the tomb, His spirit was in hell.Scripture doesn't support that position when it is taken in context and we look at the meaning of the word "hell." In the Old Testament, the place of the dead or the place of departed souls was called "SHEOL." It was to this place that all SOULS of the dead went to await resurrection.
In the New Testament, we find the story of Lazarus and the rich man who both died and went to Hades ( Luke 16:19-31).The KJV translates the Greek word "hades" as hell but most other translations use the Greek word. HADES had two separated parts: Those who died in faith believing in God's promise waited for the resurrection in Abraham's Bosom. Those who died spiritually separated from God wait in torment for the resurrection unto death, eternal separation from God. The rich man was on the torment side and Lazarus was in ABRAHAMS BOSOM which was called PARADISE by the LORD Jesus Christ himself when He addressed the thief who found faith the day Jesus was crucified ( Luke 23:42-43)
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment" ( 2 Peter 2:4). The word translated HELL here is not the Greek word HADES but is the Greek word TARTARUS meaning ABYSS or the lowest regions. This could very well be the "gulf" that was fixed between the PLACE OF TORMENT and Abraham's Bosom Luke 16:26
Wherefore He saith, When JESUS ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also DESCENDED first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fulfill all things. Ephesians 4:8-10
Leading captivity captive seems to refer to Jesus taking all those that waited in Paradise, to heaven to be with Him. The descending into the "lower parts" then refers to Jesus mission of declaring Victory!
I am fascinated by the stories in books and on TV of Mary Magdalene. So many details about her life with Jesus, but in my search, she only appears 11 times in the NT.
The first is Matthew 27:56 when Jesus is dying on the cross. The last is St. John 20:18 after His rise when she tells the Disciples what He said to her.
Where do all these stories about the lives of her and Jesus before the Cross come from?
Hey George, I just want to share some verses with you. But first, Luke 21 and Mark 13 are parallel passages of Matthew 24. I would think that most people would agree, though there are differences between the three chapters mostly because each account of the same Olivet discourse was witnessed by 3 different disciples so each one would write of the discourse from their viewpoint being led of the Holy Ghost.
Secondly, I do not see anywhere in John 14 the teaching of a pre-trib rapture. I see where Jesus will come for us and we be with him forever but I do not see a timeline, the hour that he comes for us.
Matthew 24:29-31, Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the son be darkened, and the moon shall to give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
I Thessalonians 2:15-16, For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with hem in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
II Thessalonians 2:1-3, Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,a nod by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
Understanding a believers relationship in this world of unbelievers can be daunting. The war for our souls is a play on the stage of the world. This Satan hates it . our lives reveal his weakness over those who are outside the body of christ. T he power of.his kingdom cannot succeed with only some,but he is the prince of darkness and must have all! It cannot happen without God's permission however.God is the author and finisher of our faith and will have the absolute final say in our outcome and what it shall be.
I would like to add some interesting things on top of what Richard has already shared with you. At least I find these things interesting. There were more than seven churches in Asia Minor. But the seven listed by Richard are the only seven listed for us. What I find interesting is that of all the churches in Asia Minor, these seven were the major churches in the seven postal districts at that time.
And the postal districts went from Ephesus, and went clockwise up and around and down to Laodicea, and then back to Ephesus again. So it's written in the order of the postal districts that they are in. Here we see seven of them. John writes according to a heptatic system, using the number seven. The number seven, according to the Hebrew and Jewish people means perfection or completeness.
These are seven churches that the Lord chose. And each one has its own message. But at the same time, each church was to listen to all of the messages, not just theirs. That's why it's not a letter. Sometimes I slip up and say the letter to the Ephesians or letter to Laodicea. But these are not letters. These are messages, and each church received all seven.
But to their particular church there was a message. And they also got to read the messages to the other churches. And if you put them all together, you have the Lord's complete message to His church before He returns. We find in all honesty that some of these things are in all churches. So if the Lord feels this way about one church, and a church might have one or two things that are mentioned in some of the churches, then we can know what the Lord thinks about it.
Thk you for your insight. Like you I don't listen to anything contemporary Christian, I trust basically none of it. I come from small chapel churches with piano hymns and our voices clear in their volume for God. I had visited a Baptist church yesterday that I moved away from years ago and now it's all different, different pastors, different staff, no more piano but an organ, and a band with a young girl wearing a Paul McCartney shirt .. and they played this song for us to sing. This song, being one of the 5 new contemporary songs I have heard thus far.
I should also state that last year I went to this Baptist church's new online page as the lockdown was occurring and I found some things they were doing to be very secular, so my suspicions were further set off by the song... although I find it beautiful, I want to be sure in its intentions, but knowing where it comes from I thought it best to ask what others thought before I fully make my mind up.
The prohibition against mankind laying with mankind like womankind was part of Mosaic Law (the Law of Moses). That set of laws was not given to Gentiles as evidenced by the prohibition against eating anything that died of itself; Israelites were not allowed to eat such things but Gentiles were. Israelites were even allowed to sell an animal that died of itself to Gentiles. After Jesus, Gentiles were allowed to come into the fold and it had to be decided whether Gentiles should be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses; or not. It was decided once and for all in Acts Chapter 15. It was decided by the Holy Ghost, the Apostles, the Elders, and all the Brethren (including Paul) that Gentiles are only required to keep 4 decrees out of the Law of Moses; and the prohibition against mankind laying with mankind like womankind ain't one of them. If anyone tells you any different, they are a wolf in sheep's clothing. See also Acts 16:4-5: Spirit-filled Churches were originally established via the 4 decrees that were ordained by the Apostles and preached by Paul and his fellow-laborers.
Thk you for your comment, however my question is concerning what I know of the truth of the 2 ministries I mentioned, and because this song had been played at a church I attended yesterday. A church I hadn't been to for years having had moved away, and now has had a complete pastors and staff turn over. If you are not aware of wolves, I highly suggest you become aware.
I dont believe there's Prophets today that foretells the future as Brother Jesse said. We have the future concerning the people of God in writing. There's nothing new to be revealed.
Also.
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners SPAKE IN TIME PAST unto the fathers by the prophets,
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Hebrews 1:2.
well i love the bible and i also am going to publish a kids book about a deadly event the holocaust.This is my first book i am so excited to have my first book.I am 26 born on june 17 1985 and i love the bible so i think i will make a book on the bible for all ages i will come every night i hope i get like or replies!The name of my new and first book is Otto Skorzeny he is a perfect match on the Holocaust.
Matthew 24:29,30 -AFTER the tribulation of those days..' etc.
The youtube channel 'Servus Christi' does an very methodical expounding of the rapture question. If you type in his channel name and 'rapture' it will pop up.
Again Paul states in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, speaking to a largely Gentile Church - the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God, the effeminate & homosexual included. But "such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." They had left their wickedness (repented) - now washed, sanctified & justified in the Eyes of God.
If the Scriptures stopped only at the Book of Acts, we might be inclined to believe you. But any immorality, as in any other sin, even not declared in the Decalogue or other Jewish Laws, is binding on all mankind - no man or woman is absolved of guilt of any type of sin.
I have tried on a couple of occasions to watch a biblical series, but had to shut if off because of gross error or a display of the writer's wild imaginations that were inconsistent with the Holy Word of God. I find it more profitable for my own imagination to play out when reading a biblical story from the Bible & then let the Spirit check me if I have strayed too far by doing so.
When in ministry in Pakistan (late '80s), we often showed the Jesus film via a projector & screen, to various villages. These were mostly Christian folk (nominal), but often Muslims would come over to view it as it was shown in the open air. After this, the Gospel was presented & challenge given. This film was based on Luke's Gospel, though the one I have now on my computer (downloaded from the Web) is based on John's Gospel. Very accurate, plenty of Scripture, with narration as well. There are several now available for viewing from the Web, but one can soon discern which of them is profitable for continued watching. And yes, Mary Magdalene is also seen in them. Maybe, this might be useful for you if wanting to view the whole New Testament being played out.
I understand that is the common belief, but as I noted my NT search shows Mary's very first contact with Jesus was a the cross. Matthew, 27:56. How was she a follower?
See if he has published any books. Or contact by Facebook and see if there is an outline of events you can follow.
In the past I've read many stories about how the Jews were dispersed all over the world. One was by a man named Stan Telchin. His testimony is on YouTube. His book on how he came to believe in Jesus as Messiah is an awesome read.
Thank you for teaching children with simple truth. How we treat people matters to God.
Also a reporter of Israel news, that is a born again Jew. He has the news from a Jewish point of view. Erick Stakelbeck on YouTube.
I watch their programs often. Wars and Rumors of Wars erupt almost daily.
Israel is on Gods clock. So we should educate ourselves on that culture. Unlike any other place on earth. Watched over by the Living God of everything and place. Deceptions and Lies will be open for all to read, on the news; the 4 Gospels, Daniel, Peter and others.
A Bible with all of the prophesies in the Bible highlighted would be a great present to ourselves; and to friends we study with. :)
Mary Magdalene became a follower of Jesus and traveled with Jesus and the Disciples. I'm sure she wanted to hear Jesus teachings. There were other women who traveled with the Twelve. They cooked and probably washed a few clothes and milked the goats.
Apostle Paul traveled with women too. I'm sure every precaution was taken to be above scrutiny or accusation. Paul had disciples travel with him too.
Mishael
All I know that is true, Jesus Christ is the Head over all churches. Whether or not they are aware. They report to. Jesus directly.
It tells of it in the Book of Revelation starting in chapter 2. Jesus is writing to the 7 churches. That covers Pastor all the way down to the man who mows the lawn.
We all need to be mindful that our work ethic is unto the Lord. Back in the OT a verse starts with: Set Thine House in Order. I think that means everyone, from the White House down down to our dog's house.
We need to pray for our church. Jesus listens to all of our prayers. He is seated at the right hand of God: on duty 24/7
So first he's going to tell me to set my own house in order; and then I can discuss my church's house. You will in due time, see changes.
I know some churches run a loose ship, but one person praying for them, is no small act. Jesus loves his children!
He warned the Pharisees not to offend any child.
Stand in the Gap until it is closed.
Maybe you're referring to: Ephesians 4:8-10 or 1 Peter 3:19.
Perhaps you mean Jesus visited people, not "went" to hell as if it was a punishment. I believe the KJV says he descended into the lower parts of the earth, so it could have a different meaning.
I don't believe the Bible says with 100% clarity why but I'm sure it was for an important purpose.
You can go on Google and read commentaries on those 7 churches.
Type each one like this:
Pergamos Church, Bible, Commentary
Mishael
In the New Testament, we find the story of Lazarus and the rich man who both died and went to Hades ( Luke 16:19-31).The KJV translates the Greek word "hades" as hell but most other translations use the Greek word. HADES had two separated parts: Those who died in faith believing in God's promise waited for the resurrection in Abraham's Bosom. Those who died spiritually separated from God wait in torment for the resurrection unto death, eternal separation from God. The rich man was on the torment side and Lazarus was in ABRAHAMS BOSOM which was called PARADISE by the LORD Jesus Christ himself when He addressed the thief who found faith the day Jesus was crucified ( Luke 23:42-43)
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment" ( 2 Peter 2:4). The word translated HELL here is not the Greek word HADES but is the Greek word TARTARUS meaning ABYSS or the lowest regions. This could very well be the "gulf" that was fixed between the PLACE OF TORMENT and Abraham's Bosom Luke 16:26
Wherefore He saith, When JESUS ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also DESCENDED first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fulfill all things. Ephesians 4:8-10
Leading captivity captive seems to refer to Jesus taking all those that waited in Paradise, to heaven to be with Him. The descending into the "lower parts" then refers to Jesus mission of declaring Victory!
The first is Matthew 27:56 when Jesus is dying on the cross. The last is St. John 20:18 after His rise when she tells the Disciples what He said to her.
Where do all these stories about the lives of her and Jesus before the Cross come from?
Secondly, I do not see anywhere in John 14 the teaching of a pre-trib rapture. I see where Jesus will come for us and we be with him forever but I do not see a timeline, the hour that he comes for us.
Matthew 24:29-31, Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the son be darkened, and the moon shall to give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
I Thessalonians 2:15-16, For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with hem in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
II Thessalonians 2:1-3, Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,a nod by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
(Next page)
John wasn't told to write to the Churches of Asia, BUT:
Revelation 1:29 The mystery .......the stars are the ANGELS of the seven churches .....
Revelation 2:1 Unto the ANGEL of the church in Ephesus WRITE;
Revelation 2:8 Unto the ANGEL of the church in Smyrna WRITE;
Revelation 2:12 Unto the ANGEL of the church in Pergamos WRITE;
Revelation 2:18 Unto the ANGEL of the church in Thyatire WRITE;
Revelation 3:1 And unto the ANGEL of the church in Sardis WRITE;
Revelation 3:7 And to the ANGEL of the church in Philadelphia WRITE;
Revelation 3:14 And unto the ANGEL of the church of the Laodiceans Write;
God Bless YOU!
I would like to add some interesting things on top of what Richard has already shared with you. At least I find these things interesting. There were more than seven churches in Asia Minor. But the seven listed by Richard are the only seven listed for us. What I find interesting is that of all the churches in Asia Minor, these seven were the major churches in the seven postal districts at that time.
And the postal districts went from Ephesus, and went clockwise up and around and down to Laodicea, and then back to Ephesus again. So it's written in the order of the postal districts that they are in. Here we see seven of them. John writes according to a heptatic system, using the number seven. The number seven, according to the Hebrew and Jewish people means perfection or completeness.
These are seven churches that the Lord chose. And each one has its own message. But at the same time, each church was to listen to all of the messages, not just theirs. That's why it's not a letter. Sometimes I slip up and say the letter to the Ephesians or letter to Laodicea. But these are not letters. These are messages, and each church received all seven.
But to their particular church there was a message. And they also got to read the messages to the other churches. And if you put them all together, you have the Lord's complete message to His church before He returns. We find in all honesty that some of these things are in all churches. So if the Lord feels this way about one church, and a church might have one or two things that are mentioned in some of the churches, then we can know what the Lord thinks about it.
I should also state that last year I went to this Baptist church's new online page as the lockdown was occurring and I found some things they were doing to be very secular, so my suspicions were further set off by the song... although I find it beautiful, I want to be sure in its intentions, but knowing where it comes from I thought it best to ask what others thought before I fully make my mind up.
I dont believe there's Prophets today that foretells the future as Brother Jesse said. We have the future concerning the people of God in writing. There's nothing new to be revealed.
Also.
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners SPAKE IN TIME PAST unto the fathers by the prophets,
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Hebrews 1:2.
God bless.
And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. Gen. 4:1.
Read Genesis 5 and you will find Enoch traces back to Adam and Eve also.
May I ask where did you get that from? Cain didn't come from Adam and Eve, And Enoch didn't come down from Adam and Eve?
Especially when it's clearly written.
Is it a disbelief in what's written or have you read it?
These are sincere questions and we get them often.
I'm curious.
God bless.
The youtube channel 'Servus Christi' does an very methodical expounding of the rapture question. If you type in his channel name and 'rapture' it will pop up.
Blessings!
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
This Paul quotes from Deuteronomy 32:35.
Hope this helps!
Blessings!