I suppose a question thread isn't kosher with a sequel. Anyway; there are many scriptures that can be used to point out each part of the TULIP acronym; for instance T-Total Depravity We could quote Jeremiah 17:9; O-Unconditional Election ( Ephesians 1:4); L-Limited Atonement ( John 10:26-27); I-Irresistable Grace ( Acts 9:3-6 the "Damascus Road" experience) and finally P-Perseverance of the Saints ( Romans 8:30).
Many of these themes are interchangeable with the verses quoted. The terminology isn't the greatest; as people can indeed grieve the Spirit as scripture indicates. I believe limited atonement is also the hardest thing to prove; I would say that "Effectual grace" is a much better term.
I wrote what I did in the first posting on purpose as many tend to have a sort of pride about which Reformer is their favorite or obsess on the subject making a doctrine be above the author and finisher of our faith Christ Himself. We can't fit our theological premise neatly with all scriptures in human understanding. I take; for example the politically incorrect stance that free will doesn't intimidate God with His predestination plans. There are distinct advantages to understanding these doctrines however.
1. It explains why those in our families and others we are close to and hear the Gospel for years never become believers.
2. It shows how God draws His elect from before a confession of faith (preserves our lives until coming to salvation) for believers.
3. It allows us to "test ourselves to see if we are in the faith" ( 2 Cor. 13:5) so that we can indeed claim His promises as something we actually possess because of a saving faith rather than "decisional regeneration" a term where people make a confession but their hearts are not in it.
I mentioned on an old posting how a small group split because God grants repentance ( 2 Tim. 2:25; etal). Some didn't want to preach the need to repent; although God grants the desire we must bear fruit and change our ways
That's a great point & Scripture ( Acts 9:5) brother S. Spencer & thanks for it. That is indeed a very telling encounter that Saul had. He asked, Who art thou, Lord? Saul was confused. He didn't refer to that Voice as God nor any other divine being, but used 'Kyrie', a title given in this instance, of 'respect or reverence to someone of distinction'. So, we see Saul, on his way to massacre these Christians & probably fuming through his teeth all through his journey there, suddenly falling to his knees in respect, hearing this voice from above calling him by name and asking why he was being persecuted. We can hardly imagine the thoughts & conflicts that Saul must have been going through. Not the least of which, 'there is only one God in Heaven, so who is this speaking?'
And so the blinders on Saul fell off & his heart was made pliable. How? By hearing the Word of God & having a life-changing experience with the God He actually despised, by rejecting His Son. And so we can understand Paul's yearning in anguished prayer, "my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved." ( Romans 10:1-3). He longed for his people to have what he had received directly from the Risen Christ. And so it must be for all who would turn to Jesus for salvation: the Word must cut deep into their hearts & a mighty revelation received, that makes sin absolutely detestable & the Love of God & His Salvation absolutely craved for & treasured. Every blessing brother & thank you for your posts - always read & well received.
We have all come another day closer to the return of Christ. Isaiah 51:6 and other verses in Psalms refer to the earth waxing old like a garment; but as Job said there will be a resurrection and we shall see Him in our own flesh ( Job 19:26 and surrounding verses). The suffering of the saints which is part of God's purging process in our own lives will come to an end; certainly if Paul with the immense suffering promised him in Acts 9:16 could state that sufferings now are no comparison to what is to come ( Romans 8:18) heaven is too wonderful for words.
Whatever is left will be restored during the Millennium so that people can live fulfilled long lives in a peaceful existence. The earth will produce its fruit in abundance and Satan will be restrained. Only this will bring about the end of war ( Isaiah 2:4).
I will be the first to admit; and I doubt that I'm the only one that it seems almost a cruel joke to hold on to such hope; especially in regard to the Rapture which was rather obsessed over in the 1970s and 1980s and today hardly discussed in traditional church settings. We have come to a point where it is not discussed in church; but there are numerous online sites which are pretty much obsessed with the topic and endless dreams and visions that individuals are supposed to have had on the issue. It is hard to imagine just how great it will be not to have Satan and his emissaries like a spider with tentacles removed from what is now a chokehold on almost everything in the world today. Nonetheless we have a cloud of witnesses ( Heb. 12:1) which are of every saint who has died since the time of Christ and in fact some are the "first of the firstfruits" as it were of the O.T. saints resurrected in Matthew 27:52 and 53.
To imagine society without the violence and lawlessness of today is a stretch. When Christ comes to rule with a rod of iron He will also be just (see Isaiah 11:3 and other verses). Today may He reign in our hearts.
I have so much to do in the name of my SAVIOR. Time is running out to reach the lost and dying. Israel is fighting for their lives, their country and their sovereignty as a nation. Most in our country as a nation has left its moral foundation in CHRIST and embraced false teachings and an evil life style. May each of us, who claim CHRIST as their LORD and SAVIOR, be diligent and faithful in carrying out our service to the LORD as is given in scripture.
Luke 2:
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Merry Christmas to all on this platform, and have a prosperous New Year.
No discipline is enjoyable at the time according to Hebrews 12:11. It leads to good fruits according to the passage; however.
I have stated repeatedly that verses indicating chastising all He loves as well as suffering for His Name's sake are both scriptural statements in regard to the fate of those who are saved. (see Philippians 1:29 and dozens of other verses). So in some sense we have died with Christ but are being crucified daily. WE are the ones where there has to be progressive sanctification; Christ Himself only died once for the propitiation of our sins; in other words He didn't need being perfect the process of sanctification before glorification.
Just as the conversion of a serial killer may appear more dramatic than say a stay at home housewife; the sanctification may also appear so. We see Christ tell Paul how much he will have to suffer for His Name's sake ( Acts 9:16). God has His own unique calling on our lives therefore different things necessary in our sanctification process. Nonetheless; changes must occur.
Once we die or are raptured and called home in glory then of course the process is completed; and the rewards commensurate with our service or lack thereof. This means we should strive to win the prize; but that is involved with a combination of learning how to submit daily to the Lord as well as buffeting ourselves with self discipline; someone He can trust to honor His name; and a servant who obeys because of love for their Master; Lord and Savior.
Sanctification therefore means various things; changing our daily habits and routines; changing the focus of our career and recreational time; and for some means a change of venue; or vocation. It is the small things that add up to make one prepared for the big; the lives of Christ and the Apostles show how they faced martyrdom after daily dying to self. Paul had suffered greatly and preferred to be with the Lord but not before the time ( Phil. 1:23)
When asked that question in Scripture it seems God answers back with one of his many names. like he does when Paul asks in Acts 9:5.
Paul asked Who art thou, Lord? "kurios" (supreme in authority that is (as noun) controller; by implication Mr . (as a respectful title): - God Lord master Sir.)
The Lord answered him simply, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
There are several names for the one and only true God.
Each of the many names of God describes a different aspect of His many-faceted character. Here are some of the better-known names of God in the Bible:
I've looked up some of those names; Here they are.
Part 1.
EL, ELOAH [el, el-oh-ah]: God "mighty, strong, prominent" ( Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 139:19) - etymologically, El appears to mean "power" and "might" ( Genesis 31:29). El is associated with other qualities, such as integrity ( Numbers 23:19), jealousy ( Deuteronomy 5:9), and compassion ( Nehemiah 9:31), but the root idea of "might" remains.
ELOHIM [el-oh-heem]: God "Creator, Mighty and Strong" ( Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 31:33) - the plural form of Eloah, which accommodates the doctrine of the Trinity. From the Bible's first sentence, the superlative nature of God's power is evident as God (Elohim) speaks the world into existence ( Genesis 1:1).
EL SHADDAI [el-shah-dahy]: "God Almighty," "The Mighty One of Jacob" ( Genesis 49:24; Psalm 132:2,5) - speaks to God's ultimate power over all.
ADONAI [dna; ah-daw-nahy]: "Lord" ( Genesis 15:2; Judges 6:15) - used in place of YHWH, which was thought by the Jews to be too sacred to be uttered by sinful men. In the Old Testament, YHWH is more often used in God's dealings with His people, while Adonai is used more when He deals with the Gentiles.
We are not in the millennium it is after His second coming. He defeats the ten kingdoms/countries the army of Satan, the beast, and the false prophet at Armageddon the great supper of God, Rev. 16:12-16 Rev,17:12-14 Rev. 19:11-2. Then Satan is put in the bottomless pit, Rev 20:1-3.
Judgment of those in the first resurrection who will reign with Jesus Rev. 20:4-6, the kingdom is set up and will last for 1000 years, then Satan is released and deceives the world and gathers them, the number as the sands of the sea around the camp of the saints at Jerusalem to the last battle. Fire comes down from heaven and devoured them and Satan is cast into the lake of fire,
Then the white throne judgment of all who were not in the first judgment will be judged and all whosoever was not found in the Book of Life were cast into the lake of fire. Dan. 12:1-3Matt. 12:36John 5:28-29Acts 17:31 Eccl. 12:14
We cannot put the people in 70 AD and the prince in the future. The door of the ark, the men of the city, the lambs of the flock, these things cannot be separated. It is the people that shall come, who are of the prince and this prince is not some future being who had nothing to do with 70 AD.
We know by scripture Jesus confirmed the covenant and we know by scripture He was cut off/crucified and we know by scripture by His death there is no more offering for sin, they ceased, Heb. 10:14-18
Matt. 24:14-15 can also have been for those in 66-70AD history records the believers in Jesus got out and went to Pella, Luke 19:43-44Luke 21:20-21. My other posts should show my understanding is Dan. 9 does not apply to the end times it was a prophecy of the Messiah, Jesus, and the amount of time given to Daniel's people, the city of Jerusalem, and the temple, and the judgment for their abominations.
After the 70 weeks, the mystery of the Gospel that was hidden was revealed to the Gentiles, Acts 8:54-57Acts 9:3-15 Acts 10:9-16Rom. 11:25
Well this is what the verse in Mark 16:16 says, "He that believeth AND IS BAPTIZED shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned"
Note that it says "believe and be baptised", not just "believe". Similarly on Pentecost Peter said to the Jews, 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 we must repent and be baptised in the name of Jesus to have our sins forgiven and be saved.
In Romans 10:9, says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.". That confession the scripture talks about is done during baptism. It is what that eunuch confessed just before Philipp baptised him, Acts 9:37, "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
In w/baptism a believer is making a public confession of their faith to Jesus. It is a "must" so that the remission of sins is completed.
Just for information the early church wrote many creeds of faith. One of the them was the Nicene Creed written in 325 AD in Nicea (in Asia Minor). Among others it says "We affirm(aknowledge or confess) one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.". Creeds were a sum of the major points of faith believed by the early church. I know many do not want to have anything to do with those creeds but still it shows what the church believed in the early 3rd centuary, not so long after Jesus came on earth.
Tomorow I will come back with Baptism of the Holly Spirit.
Just one question. In the incident that Phillip went to Samaria and preached the gospel to them, when do you think those people were born again?
Next. Were the apostles born again when Jesus was with them? John 13:10, "Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.". So they were "clean". That means they were already born again and saved. Judas here is not called clean not because he wasn't saved but because he was already sinning. How do we know that? Because Jesus washed Judas feet as well, but not Judas' whole body.
So they were saved. Were they w/baptized?
There are so many cases in Acts that show how important water baptism is. The apostles always asked believers to be water baptized as soon as they believed.
1) The incident with Phillip and eunuch,
2) Peter preaching at Pentecost, 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.",
3) the incident with Cornelius, Acts 10:47, "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?",
4) Philipp in Samaria, Acts 8:12, "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.",
5) Paul himself, Acts 9:18, "And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized."
6) Paul with the disciples in Ephessus, Acts 19:3, "And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism"
7) And most important of all is the commadment Jesus gave to apostles before His departure, Matthew 28:19, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost"
About Judas. You said that Jesus selected him although He knew he was a thief so that the prophesy will be fulfilled. It doesn't sound right to me. Why would Jesus do that? Do you think that the only solution for Him to be led to the cross was Judas? Or do you believe that Judas was the one and only one solution available to Jews to capture Jesus? Of course if Judas was not present they would have found another way to capture Jesus, any other way, anytime in the future. They would never let Him free for ever, that's for sure. They could have sent their servants to capture Jesus after passover (so no need to fear the people) without having to bribe Judas. Jesus' ministry was over so He wouldn't go away like he had done before. But instead of that Jesus prefered the "Judas solution"? Well, I can not believe that. But all that is an imaginary senario.
But let's go through another path. You must be a bit patient to follow me.
Water baptism. What is water baptism? Among others it is a formal confession of faith to Jesus. When is it done? Definetely after one believes.
When that eunuch asked Phillip to be water baptized Phillip asked him, Acts 9:36-37, "And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.".
So the requirement for one to be eligible to be w/baptized is to believe in Jesus with all his heart, which means a real and sincere faith. So baptism of infants is not valid since they can not understand, believe, repent, etc.
So we can agree that w/baptism succeeds new birth. Right?
Living in the Spirit (part 5) Separating the Spirit of truth from the spirit of error
In detecting a counterfeit; we are often told that experts rely on their experience seeing the genuine in order to detect that which appears at first glance to be the same but on further investigation has some telltale sign of fraud. I would add to that statement in saying that we should learn to recognize all the appearances of truth and how the enemy uses such things to appeal to the flesh in order to draw us in through whatever toxin he chooses to conceal in the punch; so to speak.
In studying this subject; one can't overlook the key concept of TRUST in God as being the foundation of our walk. The Lord giveth; and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the Lord ( Job 1:21). In studying Job we see that he started his trial well; praising the Lord even when his wife told him to "curse God and die" ( Job 2:9). This was after the blitzkrieg of tragedies that crashed forth; and after his own personal afflictions. We need to keep in mind that it appears he was entirely unaware that Satan was behind the calamaties themselves and all that went on behind the scenes in the councils of God and the angelic/demonic realm.
We are told not to complain or grumble; but nonetheless pleading our cause wasn't even foreign to Christ when He cried greatly for the cup "if possible" to be removed; nonetheless God's will to be done ( Luke 22:42). It is hard to believe in our greatest trials and suffering that they pale in comparison to the "exceeding joy" to come ( Romans 8:18). When we see Paul's struggle, though we are well aware of the extraordinary amount of suffering which God promised he would endure for His nane's sake at the inception of his ministry ( Acts 9:16). Some of this; no doubt may have been due to his earlier persecutions to set an example as well as to chastise him; not as final judgment but as in the case of David caught in adultery; residual damage in this life for earlier sins.
It is my sense that the Church number was now completed & the Marriage Supper could take place (of course, this is not specifically mentioned). What happened at the Rapture, was an 'harpazo' (snatching away) of the dead, made alive & to be forever with the Lord; nothing akin to a resurrection where saints remain on the Earth, restored & reigning with Christ. So, the question, 'cannot the Rapture of the dead be seen as a resurrection?' In one sense yes, as it clearly is a raising from a state of death, but then we see Matthew 27:50-53; Acts 9:36-43; possibly Acts 20:7-12; (& not to mention the several other personal resurrections in the OT). I see the Rapture of the Church as a specific resurrection to remove believers from the impending Great Tribulation & not part of the General Resurrection (First Resurrection). And 'the shout & the trump'? Maybe, the call to march from Heaven & the command for the saints to rise up to the clouds; something the heavenly host hear & the personal call to those in Christ & none else can hear?
Revelation 1:7: Jesus comes to defeat the enemy armies & the world will behold this spectacular sight. I don't think one can confidently relate the clouds in this verse with the clouds in 1 Thessalonians. Maybe just cloudy days, or specially created clouds for that purpose. Who knows. As well "with clouds" & "in clouds" might be significant, but I wouldn't pursue that. I'm sorry Jimbob that you find so many holes in the "pre-trib theory".
I will admit that most things written of the future can be open to many opinions, simply because we don't get a nice laid out timeline of events. It's a matter of how we put Scriptures together. If wrong in my understanding, so be it - it's just how the Scriptures fall into place for me. Now some believe that the post-trib position involves believers who survive the tribulation & also have to face that time of God's Wrath poured out as well, which neither you nor I believe. That's a plus for us!
Somewhere I have discussion here on the entire book of John focusing on Predestination. I thought this particular verse needed emphasis. This verse shows how those who are in darkness spiritually can't understand the Spirit and how Christ is distinct from the world in Holiness as well as being its Creator. Therefore; the standard set is according to man's interpretation of a "righteous man or a Prophet" ( Matt. 16:15). Such a question this late in the game really boggles the mind; and it is clear early on with John the Baptist ( John 1:33) that the Spirit revealed to him who Christ was. Keep in mind this was BEFORE any miracles were performed by Christ Himself at the onset of the ministry. Jesus went immediately to the wilderness to be tested of the Devil BEFORE His onset of public outreach. This should reveal to us all those world powers and principalities that rule in high places and how hard the enemy will fight those who are potentially dangerous to his world system ( Eph. 6:12). It is interesting to examine this in light of our salvation experience; it seems rare that people take on a fast immediately after conversion but we see Paul for instance in a forced fast after his blindness ( Acts 9:9) after God struck him down.
We need to ensure that the light in us isn't darkness ( Luke 11:35). Satan comes as an angel of light ( 2 Cor. 11:14). This is why we are to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5). Hence the verse of the day ( John 15:16) demonstrates that we are chosen AND ordained to bear fruit. This is slightly different as to Judas Iscariot who was called and chosen but didn't bear good fruit. In God's presence miracles would happen but he was only interested in how it benefited him. This should be a warning to anyone attempting to do good works in their own strength. True fruit only comes from above as the Spirit abides in a man ( John 15:4). We must therefore abide in Him (see Romans 8:16).
Bless the Lord; o my soul and forget none of His benefits ( Psalm 103:2). In preaching to the lost world; we certainly need to declare the victory over sin; and God's love ( John 3:16). We are translated from death to life in His Dear Son ( Colossians 1:13).
In fact God IS love ( 1 John 4:8).
In the backdrop of the news of the "exceeding great glory" awaiting us; ( 2 Peter 1:4) we also have 2 Corinthians 4:17 which mentions our "light afflictions" before glorification. Paul himself was told how much "he would suffer for the Kingdom of God's sake" ( Acts 9:16). Peter was instructed of similar things when the Lord asked him if he loved Him 3 times in John 21:15-16.
Such messages are rarely given today.
There are several problems preventing these truths to be given in exhortation. First of all; if we don't see some sort of persecution being suffered as is promised toward ALL who are Godly in Christ Jesus as their fate ( 2 Timothy 3:2) then we are not given any example to emulate and therefore live with unrealistic expectations as to how comfortable our lives will be once we live out our faith. Of course; with anything else the fact of the matter exists that the "fear of the Lord is the beginning of understanding." ( Prov. 1:7; 9:10; Psalm 111:10 and many other passages). It follows that reverence; awe; and respect result from such an understanding as well as the discipline to be as a hardened soldier not concerned with "civilian affairs" ( 2 Timothy 2:4).
I have stated in other places how exhortation and rebuke is; in such a permissive society not considered proper etiquette. That feeds into my next point; that we aren't seeing what is Biblical discipleship in WEEDING out those tares that are there to spread false doctrines and cause dissention as well as giving challenges as "iron sharpens iron" ( Prov. 27:17). This is a problem with church elders and other leaders and of course laypersons follow their lead.
Are tongues a gift or are tongues a sign of the baptism of the Holly Spirit? Lets do a research.
Acts 2. The apostles and the rest who were gathered in the upper floor are baptized in the Spirit. How is that shown? By talking in tongues, There wasn't any other sign. If tongues is a gift then all 120 got the same gift?
Acts 9. Cornelious and his own were baptized in the Spirit (verses Acts 9:44-46), they started speaking in tongues.
Acts 8. Philipp goes to Samaria, people believe and get baptized in water. The apostles go there and lay hands on believers who get the HS. Simon offers money to aquire the same gift as the apostles. Question. How did Simon realize that believers got the HS? What did he see that made him understood that? What was the external sign of that? The Bible doesn't say, but I think it is obvious (the whole city got the same gift?)
Acts 18. Paul meets some disciples in Ephessus. After having a discussion with them, he baptizes them in water. Verse Acts 18:6. They started speaking in tongues and prophesying
Many times in Acts it says that the apostles were filled with the Spirit when talking/preaching to people. How did they know that they were filled with the Spirit? What made them realize that? Was there a sign?
In Cor 12:4:11 the spiritual gifts are described. It is true that one of them is "kinds of tongues". What are these? These are different kinds of tongues, it is not the same as the tongues given in Spirit baptism. Think of that, Verse 7 "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.". So gifts are given to "profit withal", that is for the profit of the church. But in 1 Cor 14 it says that if there is no interpreter then that believer should stop talking in tongues, let him talk to himself and God. Also he edifies himself. So what is the profit for the congregation? No profit at all for the congregation, only for the individual. So it is not a gift, it is the sign of bapt
2 Timothy 2:15 is a powerful verse. If we do not learn how to rightly divide the word of truth, we will be lost understanding the chain of events from the time God brought the Hebrews from the Land of Egypt until The Christ Lord Jesus died on the cross up to our time today which is approximately 2,000 years. Honestly, we do not have time. As you all noticed the rapid days go by quickly as God says 2 Peter 3:8 and you see Psalms 2:1-12
I do not mind repeating to all that the Bible is a complete book Revelation 19:13 for us today to prepare ourselves and others. I pray all to be saved. We cannot have the people caught unaware of Matthew 24:37. To rightly divide is to know for us today what we need to do. So I will say that the 11 apostles messages are important for the physical Jews Matthew 10:5-7 at the end time; and there are verses in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John that pertains to a spiritual Christians of today.
God had chosen Paul to be His vessel so we can read and believe not in vain. Study the Book of Romans to Philemon because he was the Last and believe it or not the 12th Apostle Galatians 1:1, Acts 9:15, Acts 13:47, Acts 22:21, Roman's 11:13, Ephesians 3:8, 1 Timothy 2:7, Galatians 1:16. After Jesus died He says Hebrews 9:14-17. Then you are Ephesians 1:12-14, 2 Timothy 2:19 and 2 Corinthians 1:22. Therefore, 1 Corinthians 9:2 just like Romans 15:28. Ephesians 4:30 and sing Psalms 49:8, 111:9, 130:7. In conclusion my fellow-believers, Paul is sealed 1 Corinthians 9:2 by God to be our apostle today. Weneedtoputtheworkof Paul not in vain Galatians 6:11. Paul tells us Romans 2:16, Romans 16:25, 2 Timothy 2:8. And the gospel is 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. Then we are sealed Ephesians 1:13. Perhaps you are not understanding me because Revelation 18:4, Proverbs 20:1, Roman's 7:11, 1 Corinthians 6:9, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Galatians 6:7, 1 Timothy 2:14, 2 Timothy 3:13, Titus 3:3, and lastly Revelation 18:23. Psalm 37:1-40 then we meditate Psalms 27:1-3. Shalom/Agape.
When we think of any father and son relationship we only can relate to it as fleshly beings. And we're bound by certain laws such as physics, laws of reproduction "Male and female " ect..
But God being a spirit and having no locality and no laws of any sort, who can understand?!! We only can take what the scripture says directly, God with us. Mathew 1:23.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, THE MIGHTY GOD, THE EVERLASTING FATHER, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
And Paul said who are thou Lord? "Only knowing of the Father" Notice the response.
Acts 9:4-5. And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And he said, WHO ART THOU, LORD?.. "And the Lord said,".. I AM JESUS whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
WHO art thou Lord?
We know Paul wouldn't be intended to ask Jesus who art thou. His intentions was to address the Father. Jesus answered him according to that.. I AM JESUS WHOM THOU PERSECUTEST.
I'm in agreement with the other responses you received, StandTro, that Paul was the last apostle. Of course, when we think of apostles, we understand that they had to have been with Jesus in His earthly ministry & also appointed by Him to take the Gospel into all the world. Paul seems like the exception, though we know that Jesus spoke to Him on Damascus Road via the brilliant light from Heaven & Jesus' discussion with him & his appointment ( Acts 9:3-6) - so this would qualify Paul to be included with the twelve.
And we also have references to other 'apostles', such as Barnabas ( Acts 14:14); James (the Lords brother, Galatians 1:19); Epaphroditus ( Philippians 2:25, note: 'messenger' in the Greek is 'apostolos'); & Titus & a few others ( 2 Corinthians 8:23; again 'apostolos' used here). I understand these men, though referred to as apostles, were apostles in the general sense of doing the apostolic work (today, we would call them 'missionaries'). So, Paul spoke of them as apostles, yet were not numbered with the original twelve, plus Paul. In that sense, today's missionaries taking the Gospel to unreached peoples could also be considered as apostles, doing the same work that Jesus commanded the twelve plus one, to do.
"Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did".
Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur is mentioned in the Bible OT 5X. In Acts 2X. Noticed the importance of this man. He convinced the council to let go the apostles doing their work for God knowing if their work was not from God they will fail anyway. Very smart nan. The next he was mentioned was when Paul is defending himself in Acts 22:3. The point is Gamaliel is a reputable man, whom I think a way to show the reader the legitimacy of the Apostle Paul knowing the law and leading to acknowledging Paul's ignorance about Jesus Christ. Acts 6 mainly is about Stephen against the synagogue of the Libertines. Then Acts 7 is when Stephen gave his greatest testimony and was stoned to death. Acts 7:58 Paul consenting to Stephen's death. Acts 8 talks about the great persecution against the church and the apostles still doing God's work when others scattered abroad. Acts 9Acts 9:5) was when Jesus appeared to Paul on his way to Damascus. Chapter 10 and 11 is about Peter with Cornelius and his people converted. Very important because Peter was instructed by God to go to the uncircumcised people, whom Peter called common and unclean. Acts 11 is when Peter is already in Jerusalem explaining the same thing happened in c19; and noticed in Acts 11:25 Barnabas left Antioch to Tarsus to seek Saul ( Paul) then went back to Antioch and stayed there for whole year Acts 11:26). Isn't that a big transition? Then Acts 11:27-30 great dearth throughout all the world was told by a Prophet from Jerusalem named Agabus who came to Antioch and Barnabas and Saul were doing some relief work. In Galatians 1:18 Peter and Paul met. Then the rest you know the stories because you read them all. I am just very particular on a lot of detail because I was born Catholic, Bible Reader, and became a Mormon then the Seventh Day Adventist allpleasingfamily. I am done with listening to all religion.after my Mom died. Being an orphan I realized I have only God to rely on my journey here on earth.
there is only one gospel, the new testament interrupts the old.. I'm just discovering how bad Christian Zionism/ C.I. scofieldism really is, i was caught up in it myself, they uses the truths in Pauls gospel to mask the lies. the big lies are, Jews have their own religion, a future physical earthly kingdom for Israel, the pre-tribulation rapture, the invention of a human man indwelt by Satan called "the Antichrist"... Satan is the Antichrist, the head of all Antichrists.. ect...
1 john 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as yee haue heard that Antichrist shall come, even now are there many Antichrists, whereby wee know that it is the last time.
this idea of a human indwelt by Satan called the Antichrist is a distraction from the many Antichrists at work right now.
hares Paul's commission from the Lord
Acts 9:15 But the Lord said vnto him, Goe thy way: for hee is a chosen vessell vnto me, to beare my Name before the Gentiles, and Kings, and the children of Israel.
16 For I will shew him how great things hee must suffer for my Names sake.
Many of these themes are interchangeable with the verses quoted. The terminology isn't the greatest; as people can indeed grieve the Spirit as scripture indicates. I believe limited atonement is also the hardest thing to prove; I would say that "Effectual grace" is a much better term.
I wrote what I did in the first posting on purpose as many tend to have a sort of pride about which Reformer is their favorite or obsess on the subject making a doctrine be above the author and finisher of our faith Christ Himself. We can't fit our theological premise neatly with all scriptures in human understanding. I take; for example the politically incorrect stance that free will doesn't intimidate God with His predestination plans. There are distinct advantages to understanding these doctrines however.
1. It explains why those in our families and others we are close to and hear the Gospel for years never become believers.
2. It shows how God draws His elect from before a confession of faith (preserves our lives until coming to salvation) for believers.
3. It allows us to "test ourselves to see if we are in the faith" ( 2 Cor. 13:5) so that we can indeed claim His promises as something we actually possess because of a saving faith rather than "decisional regeneration" a term where people make a confession but their hearts are not in it.
I mentioned on an old posting how a small group split because God grants repentance ( 2 Tim. 2:25; etal). Some didn't want to preach the need to repent; although God grants the desire we must bear fruit and change our ways
And so the blinders on Saul fell off & his heart was made pliable. How? By hearing the Word of God & having a life-changing experience with the God He actually despised, by rejecting His Son. And so we can understand Paul's yearning in anguished prayer, "my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved." ( Romans 10:1-3). He longed for his people to have what he had received directly from the Risen Christ. And so it must be for all who would turn to Jesus for salvation: the Word must cut deep into their hearts & a mighty revelation received, that makes sin absolutely detestable & the Love of God & His Salvation absolutely craved for & treasured. Every blessing brother & thank you for your posts - always read & well received.
Your reply reminds me of Saul encounter with the Lord on his way to Damascus in Acts 9:5.
"And he said, WHO ART THOU, LORD?
There seems to be a lot here in this question!
For one, Saul believe in God in the way he's presented in the OT as you said Brother Chris.
But yet he asked "WHO ART THOU, LORD" as he responds to the Lord's question. " Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
It seems immediately it came to Saul's mind the accusations against Jesus in John 10:33.
( Jesus answers Saul's question knowing position and beliefs in the only God Saul knew of)
"AND THE LORD SAID, I AM JESUS" whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks."
God bless
We have all come another day closer to the return of Christ. Isaiah 51:6 and other verses in Psalms refer to the earth waxing old like a garment; but as Job said there will be a resurrection and we shall see Him in our own flesh ( Job 19:26 and surrounding verses). The suffering of the saints which is part of God's purging process in our own lives will come to an end; certainly if Paul with the immense suffering promised him in Acts 9:16 could state that sufferings now are no comparison to what is to come ( Romans 8:18) heaven is too wonderful for words.
Whatever is left will be restored during the Millennium so that people can live fulfilled long lives in a peaceful existence. The earth will produce its fruit in abundance and Satan will be restrained. Only this will bring about the end of war ( Isaiah 2:4).
I will be the first to admit; and I doubt that I'm the only one that it seems almost a cruel joke to hold on to such hope; especially in regard to the Rapture which was rather obsessed over in the 1970s and 1980s and today hardly discussed in traditional church settings. We have come to a point where it is not discussed in church; but there are numerous online sites which are pretty much obsessed with the topic and endless dreams and visions that individuals are supposed to have had on the issue. It is hard to imagine just how great it will be not to have Satan and his emissaries like a spider with tentacles removed from what is now a chokehold on almost everything in the world today. Nonetheless we have a cloud of witnesses ( Heb. 12:1) which are of every saint who has died since the time of Christ and in fact some are the "first of the firstfruits" as it were of the O.T. saints resurrected in Matthew 27:52 and 53.
To imagine society without the violence and lawlessness of today is a stretch. When Christ comes to rule with a rod of iron He will also be just (see Isaiah 11:3 and other verses). Today may He reign in our hearts.
Luke 2:
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Merry Christmas to all on this platform, and have a prosperous New Year.
GOD to shine HIS face on all who love HIM.
December 19, 2023
No discipline is enjoyable at the time according to Hebrews 12:11. It leads to good fruits according to the passage; however.
I have stated repeatedly that verses indicating chastising all He loves as well as suffering for His Name's sake are both scriptural statements in regard to the fate of those who are saved. (see Philippians 1:29 and dozens of other verses). So in some sense we have died with Christ but are being crucified daily. WE are the ones where there has to be progressive sanctification; Christ Himself only died once for the propitiation of our sins; in other words He didn't need being perfect the process of sanctification before glorification.
Just as the conversion of a serial killer may appear more dramatic than say a stay at home housewife; the sanctification may also appear so. We see Christ tell Paul how much he will have to suffer for His Name's sake ( Acts 9:16). God has His own unique calling on our lives therefore different things necessary in our sanctification process. Nonetheless; changes must occur.
Once we die or are raptured and called home in glory then of course the process is completed; and the rewards commensurate with our service or lack thereof. This means we should strive to win the prize; but that is involved with a combination of learning how to submit daily to the Lord as well as buffeting ourselves with self discipline; someone He can trust to honor His name; and a servant who obeys because of love for their Master; Lord and Savior.
Sanctification therefore means various things; changing our daily habits and routines; changing the focus of our career and recreational time; and for some means a change of venue; or vocation. It is the small things that add up to make one prepared for the big; the lives of Christ and the Apostles show how they faced martyrdom after daily dying to self. Paul had suffered greatly and preferred to be with the Lord but not before the time ( Phil. 1:23)
When asked that question in Scripture it seems God answers back with one of his many names. like he does when Paul asks in Acts 9:5.
Paul asked Who art thou, Lord? "kurios" (supreme in authority that is (as noun) controller; by implication Mr . (as a respectful title): - God Lord master Sir.)
The Lord answered him simply, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
There are several names for the one and only true God.
Each of the many names of God describes a different aspect of His many-faceted character. Here are some of the better-known names of God in the Bible:
I've looked up some of those names; Here they are.
Part 1.
EL, ELOAH [el, el-oh-ah]: God "mighty, strong, prominent" ( Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 139:19) - etymologically, El appears to mean "power" and "might" ( Genesis 31:29). El is associated with other qualities, such as integrity ( Numbers 23:19), jealousy ( Deuteronomy 5:9), and compassion ( Nehemiah 9:31), but the root idea of "might" remains.
ELOHIM [el-oh-heem]: God "Creator, Mighty and Strong" ( Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 31:33) - the plural form of Eloah, which accommodates the doctrine of the Trinity. From the Bible's first sentence, the superlative nature of God's power is evident as God (Elohim) speaks the world into existence ( Genesis 1:1).
EL SHADDAI [el-shah-dahy]: "God Almighty," "The Mighty One of Jacob" ( Genesis 49:24; Psalm 132:2,5) - speaks to God's ultimate power over all.
ADONAI [dna; ah-daw-nahy]: "Lord" ( Genesis 15:2; Judges 6:15) - used in place of YHWH, which was thought by the Jews to be too sacred to be uttered by sinful men. In the Old Testament, YHWH is more often used in God's dealings with His people, while Adonai is used more when He deals with the Gentiles.
See Part 2.
We are not in the millennium it is after His second coming. He defeats the ten kingdoms/countries the army of Satan, the beast, and the false prophet at Armageddon the great supper of God, Rev. 16:12-16 Rev,17:12-14 Rev. 19:11-2. Then Satan is put in the bottomless pit, Rev 20:1-3.
Judgment of those in the first resurrection who will reign with Jesus Rev. 20:4-6, the kingdom is set up and will last for 1000 years, then Satan is released and deceives the world and gathers them, the number as the sands of the sea around the camp of the saints at Jerusalem to the last battle. Fire comes down from heaven and devoured them and Satan is cast into the lake of fire,
Then the white throne judgment of all who were not in the first judgment will be judged and all whosoever was not found in the Book of Life were cast into the lake of fire. Dan. 12:1-3 Matt. 12:36 John 5:28-29 Acts 17:31 Eccl. 12:14
We cannot put the people in 70 AD and the prince in the future. The door of the ark, the men of the city, the lambs of the flock, these things cannot be separated. It is the people that shall come, who are of the prince and this prince is not some future being who had nothing to do with 70 AD.
We know by scripture Jesus confirmed the covenant and we know by scripture He was cut off/crucified and we know by scripture by His death there is no more offering for sin, they ceased, Heb. 10:14-18
Matt. 24:14-15 can also have been for those in 66-70AD history records the believers in Jesus got out and went to Pella, Luke 19:43-44 Luke 21:20-21. My other posts should show my understanding is Dan. 9 does not apply to the end times it was a prophecy of the Messiah, Jesus, and the amount of time given to Daniel's people, the city of Jerusalem, and the temple, and the judgment for their abominations.
After the 70 weeks, the mystery of the Gospel that was hidden was revealed to the Gentiles, Acts 8:54-57 Acts 9:3-15 Acts 10:9-16 Rom. 11:25
God bless,
RLW
Spencer.
Well this is what the verse in Mark 16:16 says, "He that believeth AND IS BAPTIZED shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned"
Note that it says "believe and be baptised", not just "believe". Similarly on Pentecost Peter said to the Jews, 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 we must repent and be baptised in the name of Jesus to have our sins forgiven and be saved.
In Romans 10:9, says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.". That confession the scripture talks about is done during baptism. It is what that eunuch confessed just before Philipp baptised him, Acts 9:37, "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
In w/baptism a believer is making a public confession of their faith to Jesus. It is a "must" so that the remission of sins is completed.
Just for information the early church wrote many creeds of faith. One of the them was the Nicene Creed written in 325 AD in Nicea (in Asia Minor). Among others it says "We affirm(aknowledge or confess) one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.". Creeds were a sum of the major points of faith believed by the early church. I know many do not want to have anything to do with those creeds but still it shows what the church believed in the early 3rd centuary, not so long after Jesus came on earth.
Tomorow I will come back with Baptism of the Holly Spirit.
Just one question. In the incident that Phillip went to Samaria and preached the gospel to them, when do you think those people were born again?
GBU
Next. Were the apostles born again when Jesus was with them? John 13:10, "Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.". So they were "clean". That means they were already born again and saved. Judas here is not called clean not because he wasn't saved but because he was already sinning. How do we know that? Because Jesus washed Judas feet as well, but not Judas' whole body.
So they were saved. Were they w/baptized?
There are so many cases in Acts that show how important water baptism is. The apostles always asked believers to be water baptized as soon as they believed.
1) The incident with Phillip and eunuch,
2) Peter preaching at Pentecost, 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.",
3) the incident with Cornelius, Acts 10:47, "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?",
4) Philipp in Samaria, Acts 8:12, "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.",
5) Paul himself, Acts 9:18, "And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized."
6) Paul with the disciples in Ephessus, Acts 19:3, "And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism"
7) And most important of all is the commadment Jesus gave to apostles before His departure, Matthew 28:19, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost"
Hello Jesse
About Judas. You said that Jesus selected him although He knew he was a thief so that the prophesy will be fulfilled. It doesn't sound right to me. Why would Jesus do that? Do you think that the only solution for Him to be led to the cross was Judas? Or do you believe that Judas was the one and only one solution available to Jews to capture Jesus? Of course if Judas was not present they would have found another way to capture Jesus, any other way, anytime in the future. They would never let Him free for ever, that's for sure. They could have sent their servants to capture Jesus after passover (so no need to fear the people) without having to bribe Judas. Jesus' ministry was over so He wouldn't go away like he had done before. But instead of that Jesus prefered the "Judas solution"? Well, I can not believe that. But all that is an imaginary senario.
But let's go through another path. You must be a bit patient to follow me.
Water baptism. What is water baptism? Among others it is a formal confession of faith to Jesus. When is it done? Definetely after one believes.
When that eunuch asked Phillip to be water baptized Phillip asked him, Acts 9:36-37, "And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.".
So the requirement for one to be eligible to be w/baptized is to believe in Jesus with all his heart, which means a real and sincere faith. So baptism of infants is not valid since they can not understand, believe, repent, etc.
So we can agree that w/baptism succeeds new birth. Right?
In detecting a counterfeit; we are often told that experts rely on their experience seeing the genuine in order to detect that which appears at first glance to be the same but on further investigation has some telltale sign of fraud. I would add to that statement in saying that we should learn to recognize all the appearances of truth and how the enemy uses such things to appeal to the flesh in order to draw us in through whatever toxin he chooses to conceal in the punch; so to speak.
In studying this subject; one can't overlook the key concept of TRUST in God as being the foundation of our walk. The Lord giveth; and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the Lord ( Job 1:21). In studying Job we see that he started his trial well; praising the Lord even when his wife told him to "curse God and die" ( Job 2:9). This was after the blitzkrieg of tragedies that crashed forth; and after his own personal afflictions. We need to keep in mind that it appears he was entirely unaware that Satan was behind the calamaties themselves and all that went on behind the scenes in the councils of God and the angelic/demonic realm.
We are told not to complain or grumble; but nonetheless pleading our cause wasn't even foreign to Christ when He cried greatly for the cup "if possible" to be removed; nonetheless God's will to be done ( Luke 22:42). It is hard to believe in our greatest trials and suffering that they pale in comparison to the "exceeding joy" to come ( Romans 8:18). When we see Paul's struggle, though we are well aware of the extraordinary amount of suffering which God promised he would endure for His nane's sake at the inception of his ministry ( Acts 9:16). Some of this; no doubt may have been due to his earlier persecutions to set an example as well as to chastise him; not as final judgment but as in the case of David caught in adultery; residual damage in this life for earlier sins.
It is my sense that the Church number was now completed & the Marriage Supper could take place (of course, this is not specifically mentioned). What happened at the Rapture, was an 'harpazo' (snatching away) of the dead, made alive & to be forever with the Lord; nothing akin to a resurrection where saints remain on the Earth, restored & reigning with Christ. So, the question, 'cannot the Rapture of the dead be seen as a resurrection?' In one sense yes, as it clearly is a raising from a state of death, but then we see Matthew 27:50-53; Acts 9:36-43; possibly Acts 20:7-12; (& not to mention the several other personal resurrections in the OT). I see the Rapture of the Church as a specific resurrection to remove believers from the impending Great Tribulation & not part of the General Resurrection (First Resurrection). And 'the shout & the trump'? Maybe, the call to march from Heaven & the command for the saints to rise up to the clouds; something the heavenly host hear & the personal call to those in Christ & none else can hear?
Revelation 1:7: Jesus comes to defeat the enemy armies & the world will behold this spectacular sight. I don't think one can confidently relate the clouds in this verse with the clouds in 1 Thessalonians. Maybe just cloudy days, or specially created clouds for that purpose. Who knows. As well "with clouds" & "in clouds" might be significant, but I wouldn't pursue that. I'm sorry Jimbob that you find so many holes in the "pre-trib theory".
I will admit that most things written of the future can be open to many opinions, simply because we don't get a nice laid out timeline of events. It's a matter of how we put Scriptures together. If wrong in my understanding, so be it - it's just how the Scriptures fall into place for me. Now some believe that the post-trib position involves believers who survive the tribulation & also have to face that time of God's Wrath poured out as well, which neither you nor I believe. That's a plus for us!
Somewhere I have discussion here on the entire book of John focusing on Predestination. I thought this particular verse needed emphasis. This verse shows how those who are in darkness spiritually can't understand the Spirit and how Christ is distinct from the world in Holiness as well as being its Creator. Therefore; the standard set is according to man's interpretation of a "righteous man or a Prophet" ( Matt. 16:15). Such a question this late in the game really boggles the mind; and it is clear early on with John the Baptist ( John 1:33) that the Spirit revealed to him who Christ was. Keep in mind this was BEFORE any miracles were performed by Christ Himself at the onset of the ministry. Jesus went immediately to the wilderness to be tested of the Devil BEFORE His onset of public outreach. This should reveal to us all those world powers and principalities that rule in high places and how hard the enemy will fight those who are potentially dangerous to his world system ( Eph. 6:12). It is interesting to examine this in light of our salvation experience; it seems rare that people take on a fast immediately after conversion but we see Paul for instance in a forced fast after his blindness ( Acts 9:9) after God struck him down.
We need to ensure that the light in us isn't darkness ( Luke 11:35). Satan comes as an angel of light ( 2 Cor. 11:14). This is why we are to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5). Hence the verse of the day ( John 15:16) demonstrates that we are chosen AND ordained to bear fruit. This is slightly different as to Judas Iscariot who was called and chosen but didn't bear good fruit. In God's presence miracles would happen but he was only interested in how it benefited him. This should be a warning to anyone attempting to do good works in their own strength. True fruit only comes from above as the Spirit abides in a man ( John 15:4). We must therefore abide in Him (see Romans 8:16).
Bless the Lord; o my soul and forget none of His benefits ( Psalm 103:2). In preaching to the lost world; we certainly need to declare the victory over sin; and God's love ( John 3:16). We are translated from death to life in His Dear Son ( Colossians 1:13).
In fact God IS love ( 1 John 4:8).
In the backdrop of the news of the "exceeding great glory" awaiting us; ( 2 Peter 1:4) we also have 2 Corinthians 4:17 which mentions our "light afflictions" before glorification. Paul himself was told how much "he would suffer for the Kingdom of God's sake" ( Acts 9:16). Peter was instructed of similar things when the Lord asked him if he loved Him 3 times in John 21:15-16.
Such messages are rarely given today.
There are several problems preventing these truths to be given in exhortation. First of all; if we don't see some sort of persecution being suffered as is promised toward ALL who are Godly in Christ Jesus as their fate ( 2 Timothy 3:2) then we are not given any example to emulate and therefore live with unrealistic expectations as to how comfortable our lives will be once we live out our faith. Of course; with anything else the fact of the matter exists that the "fear of the Lord is the beginning of understanding." ( Prov. 1:7; 9:10; Psalm 111:10 and many other passages). It follows that reverence; awe; and respect result from such an understanding as well as the discipline to be as a hardened soldier not concerned with "civilian affairs" ( 2 Timothy 2:4).
I have stated in other places how exhortation and rebuke is; in such a permissive society not considered proper etiquette. That feeds into my next point; that we aren't seeing what is Biblical discipleship in WEEDING out those tares that are there to spread false doctrines and cause dissention as well as giving challenges as "iron sharpens iron" ( Prov. 27:17). This is a problem with church elders and other leaders and of course laypersons follow their lead.
Are tongues a gift or are tongues a sign of the baptism of the Holly Spirit? Lets do a research.
Acts 2. The apostles and the rest who were gathered in the upper floor are baptized in the Spirit. How is that shown? By talking in tongues, There wasn't any other sign. If tongues is a gift then all 120 got the same gift?
Acts 9. Cornelious and his own were baptized in the Spirit (verses Acts 9:44-46), they started speaking in tongues.
Acts 8. Philipp goes to Samaria, people believe and get baptized in water. The apostles go there and lay hands on believers who get the HS. Simon offers money to aquire the same gift as the apostles. Question. How did Simon realize that believers got the HS? What did he see that made him understood that? What was the external sign of that? The Bible doesn't say, but I think it is obvious (the whole city got the same gift?)
Acts 18. Paul meets some disciples in Ephessus. After having a discussion with them, he baptizes them in water. Verse Acts 18:6. They started speaking in tongues and prophesying
Many times in Acts it says that the apostles were filled with the Spirit when talking/preaching to people. How did they know that they were filled with the Spirit? What made them realize that? Was there a sign?
In Cor 12:4:11 the spiritual gifts are described. It is true that one of them is "kinds of tongues". What are these? These are different kinds of tongues, it is not the same as the tongues given in Spirit baptism. Think of that, Verse 7 "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.". So gifts are given to "profit withal", that is for the profit of the church. But in 1 Cor 14 it says that if there is no interpreter then that believer should stop talking in tongues, let him talk to himself and God. Also he edifies himself. So what is the profit for the congregation? No profit at all for the congregation, only for the individual. So it is not a gift, it is the sign of bapt
Judith,
There are many more throughout the Bible. I hope you will read & study to find many more
I do not mind repeating to all that the Bible is a complete book Revelation 19:13 for us today to prepare ourselves and others. I pray all to be saved. We cannot have the people caught unaware of Matthew 24:37. To rightly divide is to know for us today what we need to do. So I will say that the 11 apostles messages are important for the physical Jews Matthew 10:5-7 at the end time; and there are verses in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John that pertains to a spiritual Christians of today.
God had chosen Paul to be His vessel so we can read and believe not in vain. Study the Book of Romans to Philemon because he was the Last and believe it or not the 12th Apostle Galatians 1:1, Acts 9:15, Acts 13:47, Acts 22:21, Roman's 11:13, Ephesians 3:8, 1 Timothy 2:7, Galatians 1:16. After Jesus died He says Hebrews 9:14-17. Then you are Ephesians 1:12-14, 2 Timothy 2:19 and 2 Corinthians 1:22. Therefore, 1 Corinthians 9:2 just like Romans 15:28. Ephesians 4:30 and sing Psalms 49:8, 111:9, 130:7. In conclusion my fellow-believers, Paul is sealed 1 Corinthians 9:2 by God to be our apostle today. Weneedtoputtheworkof Paul not in vain Galatians 6:11. Paul tells us Romans 2:16, Romans 16:25, 2 Timothy 2:8. And the gospel is 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. Then we are sealed Ephesians 1:13. Perhaps you are not understanding me because Revelation 18:4, Proverbs 20:1, Roman's 7:11, 1 Corinthians 6:9, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Galatians 6:7, 1 Timothy 2:14, 2 Timothy 3:13, Titus 3:3, and lastly Revelation 18:23. Psalm 37:1-40 then we meditate Psalms 27:1-3. Shalom/Agape.
When we think of any father and son relationship we only can relate to it as fleshly beings. And we're bound by certain laws such as physics, laws of reproduction "Male and female " ect..
But God being a spirit and having no locality and no laws of any sort, who can understand?!! We only can take what the scripture says directly, God with us. Mathew 1:23.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, THE MIGHTY GOD, THE EVERLASTING FATHER, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
And Paul said who are thou Lord? "Only knowing of the Father" Notice the response.
Acts 9:4-5. And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And he said, WHO ART THOU, LORD?.. "And the Lord said,".. I AM JESUS whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
WHO art thou Lord?
We know Paul wouldn't be intended to ask Jesus who art thou. His intentions was to address the Father. Jesus answered him according to that.. I AM JESUS WHOM THOU PERSECUTEST.
And we also have references to other 'apostles', such as Barnabas ( Acts 14:14); James (the Lords brother, Galatians 1:19); Epaphroditus ( Philippians 2:25, note: 'messenger' in the Greek is 'apostolos'); & Titus & a few others ( 2 Corinthians 8:23; again 'apostolos' used here). I understand these men, though referred to as apostles, were apostles in the general sense of doing the apostolic work (today, we would call them 'missionaries'). So, Paul spoke of them as apostles, yet were not numbered with the original twelve, plus Paul. In that sense, today's missionaries taking the Gospel to unreached peoples could also be considered as apostles, doing the same work that Jesus commanded the twelve plus one, to do.
"Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did".
Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur is mentioned in the Bible OT 5X. In Acts 2X. Noticed the importance of this man. He convinced the council to let go the apostles doing their work for God knowing if their work was not from God they will fail anyway. Very smart nan. The next he was mentioned was when Paul is defending himself in Acts 22:3. The point is Gamaliel is a reputable man, whom I think a way to show the reader the legitimacy of the Apostle Paul knowing the law and leading to acknowledging Paul's ignorance about Jesus Christ. Acts 6 mainly is about Stephen against the synagogue of the Libertines. Then Acts 7 is when Stephen gave his greatest testimony and was stoned to death. Acts 7:58 Paul consenting to Stephen's death. Acts 8 talks about the great persecution against the church and the apostles still doing God's work when others scattered abroad. Acts 9 Acts 9:5) was when Jesus appeared to Paul on his way to Damascus. Chapter 10 and 11 is about Peter with Cornelius and his people converted. Very important because Peter was instructed by God to go to the uncircumcised people, whom Peter called common and unclean. Acts 11 is when Peter is already in Jerusalem explaining the same thing happened in c19; and noticed in Acts 11:25 Barnabas left Antioch to Tarsus to seek Saul ( Paul) then went back to Antioch and stayed there for whole year Acts 11:26). Isn't that a big transition? Then Acts 11:27-30 great dearth throughout all the world was told by a Prophet from Jerusalem named Agabus who came to Antioch and Barnabas and Saul were doing some relief work. In Galatians 1:18 Peter and Paul met. Then the rest you know the stories because you read them all. I am just very particular on a lot of detail because I was born Catholic, Bible Reader, and became a Mormon then the Seventh Day Adventist allpleasingfamily. I am done with listening to all religion.after my Mom died. Being an orphan I realized I have only God to rely on my journey here on earth.
1 john 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as yee haue heard that Antichrist shall come, even now are there many Antichrists, whereby wee know that it is the last time.
this idea of a human indwelt by Satan called the Antichrist is a distraction from the many Antichrists at work right now.
hares Paul's commission from the Lord
Acts 9:15 But the Lord said vnto him, Goe thy way: for hee is a chosen vessell vnto me, to beare my Name before the Gentiles, and Kings, and the children of Israel.
16 For I will shew him how great things hee must suffer for my Names sake.