Hi Alex One of the greatest laws in Gods word is the law of believing which works for both believer and unbeliever, for the believer when born again now all actions can be changed based Gods word based on faith spiritually given when born again and acted on producing fruit for God. The unbeliever also believes but his believing action is totally so to speak controlled by the five senses not spiritual faith, Therefore everything is a product of his senses which is against God. That's why all believing equals receiving either positive spiritual Godly or negative the senses ungodly.
this chapter gives us more energy when it comes to faith. Paul and Silas had much faith thus why they played hard until the doors of the prison were opened. this means that only God we can trust whether we are big troubles. As human we easily get tempted with situation and we always have a backing to our sin but here Paul is giving us strength that even casted in prison we can still trust in God. we have gone to so many places in searching for healing players but we forget that no one can heal us apart from us putting much trust in the almighty God the pastors , priests evangelists are just there to spread the of the massage of God, its up to us to heal ourselves with our faith in God. this is why Jesus most of the time Jesus was asking those who want to be helped that " DO YOU BELIEVE " IF the answer is yes I do then the work of Jesus was just simple" let it be the way you want" so my brothers and sisters lets believe in God that He is able to rescue us in all the times of need
Acts 16:31 is my "go to" since my Confirmation date in 1989 - it means everything to me plus it's clear and concise. When I'm 'down and out' I reflect on Act 16:31.
Praise God that he leads us by his spirit , divinely orders our steps , to his spirit says , Stay , Go , be loosed and saves to the uttermost , evil spirits cannot stay , " in the blood bought , name of JESUS CHRIST our Lord !!! Lovingjesuspkk
Hi Are. Yes, the jailor was asking about a spiritual salvation. He was the head keeper of the prison, any escape would mean that he would pay the price for it - whether being jailed himself or executed for his ineptness. When Paul & Silas appeared before him, they found him about to commit suicide, for he believed that that would be the better option for him. So this jailor was so relieved that these two men didn't escape & that their honesty & fear of God and probably the Gospel message that the jailor heard from them, prompted him to realize his own sin & his need for such a wonderful Saviour.
This again shows us how God can use His children in so many ways to bring the Gospel to the unsaved. And especially when the unsaved are in great need, their ears & hearts are more open. Trouble is, so many believers lead careless lives making the Lord & the Gospel a laughing stock & a derision to so many. Though Paul & Silas were prisoners, the jailor soon realized that these prisoners were men of God, that God was with them, & they had a life-giving message for him (& his household).
When the jailor asked; Sirs, what must I do to be saved? Was he referring to salvation (spiritual saving) or physical saving - from the wrath of his superiors after Paul and Silas were miraculously released?
Act 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Act 16:26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
Act 16:27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
Act 16:28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
Acts 16:28, Paul shouted, saying do not hurt yourself we are all here. Because the jailer assumed he was going to be killed by the prisoners he was about to commit suicide but Paul intervened and yelled "do not hurt yourself" as the earthquake rumbled the prison releasing the prisoners free.
Thanks and Praise be to God Almighty. Thank you for the encouragement.
May God Bless You and Your House. And stay steadfast in His word and endure for the Glory of Gods Kingdom we will call home one glad day. Amen. We are a child of the King. Hallelujah !
As a follower of Jesus,we must have very thick skin.That's because of the rocks that are hurled at us daily.Even by those that read the Bible.Words matter and we will have to give an account of every one of them.
Jesus taught in Mark 9:39-41 about the attitude of a servant.When Jesus bent down to write in the sand twice, what did He write? ( John 8:6:8:8)Jesus recorded my sins and the day He came looking for me and I accepted Him as savior & they where to be never remembered and I became a new man.Was set free saved by the grace of God.The Holy Spirit teaches me all about Gods word.Read the next verse in 2 Tim 3:17 before assuming that a person is an internet prophet.That's the division I wrote about in my post.I posted what was laid on my heart.I spoke the truth.We need to realize that we may be the only Bible that the world will ever read.If we live it. It will show.If we love it.It will show.If we treat all as Jesus commands, with love.It will shine.A house divided can not stand.My first post ever:I wrote of my experience with a church as an evangelist.The Macedonian Call Acts 16:9.And the gospel was presented as comfortable and private. No coming forward as to embarrass anyone of their decision for Christ. That was not a preparation for what Christ followers must and will endure.Jesus sure did not have a very comfortable life being the King of Glory as a man here in this world of pain.He hurt and wept.He taught and prayed.He read the word of God to the people in the temple.Are we not to do as Jesus did? Jesus associated,loved and cared for those who were cast out and least desirable.That's why wrote about denominations.The Gospel is very simple, and man makes it difficult.Please don't twist another mans heart for God by the words that divide.My heart,it breaks daily for a lost and dying world.That's my focus.My Love and Prayers towards all.Our work here is not done.Don't let up or give in.
Thank you Sacha! Love to hear the details of a believer's life and setting. Love to see the area too somehow, someday. One year is a very long time to not get to see the mothers and to stay indoors. At our home we are five. My daughter 20, son 19, son 15 and wife younger than I. Our home is happy and peaceful thanks to the grace of God. Have a nice after noon over there. Not quite 8:30am here.
Good afternoon Carleton ,thankyou for you encouraging message ,the view out of my flat is quite nice today ,lots of sunshine and blue sky and fluffy white clouds ,the air is cool and fresh and its starting to feel like spring ,im in the north east of england ,the coldest dampest and apparently the most deprived area of england ,i dont feel deprived ,i feel rich and joyfull and thankfull to be who i am and where i am and its only because i know the Truth ,my spouse is here and weve been in lockdown together for almost 12 full months ,only seeing our mothers and only doing grocery shopping and we havent gone insane yet ! This site has helped me a lot and im thankfull for it and everyone who comes on it ,may God bless us all and bring us all closer to each other and closer to Him more and more each day untill the VERY best days are upon us all .
Good morning all! How is Sacha this day? I am thinking about looking out from the flat window and what you may see. I do hope you have love ones to help you with this and thats. I have never crossed a sea so far in my life, maybe someday still. I have a Native American by birth spiritual Christian brother who had two visions by dream just ahead of Covid 19 coming the the US. The Angel in his dream said that from across the sea which he could see in the finish by looking through the sea, that two events were to come. Not long after the first event would be another and not long after that may be the end. Perhaps the message was just for the brother. This vision was a year ago in early January. So I wonder, and so my eyes and ears and prayers wonder. Perhaps this brother's dream was only for him. Anyway, looking out of the flat with an enlightened heart their must be souls that are not ready. I am glad for this short time we and I include all, can meet here and discuss our relationships with Jesus to the best of our understandings. My love has increased, so I see the value. Keep the faith. Thank you!
If any one seeks the truth they shall find it . Read your KJV and Pay little attention to internet prophets , there are 1000s of them . Trust the word of God and verify it . With the word of God 2 Tim 3 .16 . Or most likely be deceived by men's interpretation of the Bible .
Jesus said many will come in my name .... they have been around a long time now .
God Bless the true seekers . But stick with the scriptures The Lord never disappoints! Amen
Evangelist John Dillard Sr on Acts 16:9 - 3 years ago
"Macedonia Call" how many churches have built there ministry/doctrine around just this scripture?
Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow Him and denominations are not unifying the bride of Christ/The Church. The word of God is the doctrine. Study it, pray on it and live it.
That's how we win souls for Christ. I say this because many have witnessed the division of churches and some split with great fault lines being dawn. Scriptures tells us that the shepherd was struck and the flock was scattered. But Gods word tells us that they all came together again after witnessing the death of Jesus and in great conflict as to what to do next...Jesus became their focus when He appeared in the burial garden and on the road to Emmaus and when they gathered together and broke bread and Jesus came to them and supped with them and ministered unto them and comforted them. He educated them on what was to come. That it is our call. To gather in His name. Brake bread together and comfort one another and edify one another with the words and teachings of Christ.
Let's stand for Christ and not be scattered in this time of great tribulation. Let's witness to those who are lost and do not be afraid of who we offend. Let's teach the truth by speaking the truth. Be bold. Let's open our hearts even if they get broken. Let's return to God with thanksgiving and praise. This nation has smooth knees. We need to get back on them and pray that God will hear our prayers from heaven. We must repent and turn from our evil and wicked ways. Our nation is divided but let not the church. Our nation needs us. Let's show the world love. Agape love.
That's the call. God Bless You and May He keep you.
Thank You so much for your speedy response. Yes, I agree totally with your assessment of the Apostle Paul/Asia and his obeying the Holy Spirit. At times we seem to forget the two words threaded through the scriptures both old and New Testaments--TRUST AND OBEY
Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.' After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them." ( Acts 16:6-10)
"Asia" in the Book of Acts is modern day Turkey or Asia Minor. The cities of Phrygia, Galatia, Mysia, Bithynia and Troas are all in Asia Minor. In the beginning of Acts, chapter 16, Paul was already in "Asia" (Turkey) with the decree from Jerusalem. He had picked up Timothy in Lystra and continued in verse 4 to spread the news in southern Turkey. However, once Paul got to Phrygia (verse 6), the holy spirit kept him from preaching. So Paul and his companions moved on again and again until it was revealed to him in a vision in Troas that he was urgently needed in Macedonia (northern Greece). We believe that this was the main reason God forbade Paul from preaching in Asia Minor. It soon became clear to Paul and his companions that they would not have been where they needed to be had they lingered in Galatia any longer. Therefore, verse 6 is less about God forbidding Paul to preach in Asia and more about Paul's trusting God's divine timing.
I think clearly we are seeing that the Holy Spirit directs our appointments divinely. It was that way then, as it is today in this time. If we pray and submit to evangelizing; the Holy Spirit will lead us to those who are ready to hear.
One plows the fallow ground of our hearts in prayer; another sprinkles the see of Gods Word; next our intercessors rain on the seed with our prayer ministry; the Lord of the Harvest sends reapers (evangelists) to bring in the harvest. This is how Jesus planned it.
When the prison guard feared that Paul & Silas had escaped prison (but had not), he became so convicted by their actions & no doubt, by the words that he would have heard them speak, that he wanted to know the way of salvation.
Paul's simple word was clear, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house." Acts 16:30-34.
So we see that salvation can only come by hearing the Gospel & for each person to respond to it personally. This verse does not suggest 'household salvation/baptism', where if one person is saved then the others in the house are too. No, each one is responsible to believe & respond. And for young ones who may not be able to, then it's the parent's responsibility to teach them.
And the amazing thing we learn, Paul & Silas did all this (sharing the Gospel to the guard's family at night & baptizing them straightaway) & then returning back to be put behind bars, to be released the following day.
It may not be our timing or our method; but the LORD'S way is always best.
May we press on and seek to learn more of our LORD and KING through scripture.
GOD bless all on this forum. I pray that everybody had a peaceful time in CHRIST name during Christmas. Have a happy New Year everyone!
The LORD to shine HIS glorious face on all who trust and believe in HIM.
December 26, 2023
This again shows us how God can use His children in so many ways to bring the Gospel to the unsaved. And especially when the unsaved are in great need, their ears & hearts are more open. Trouble is, so many believers lead careless lives making the Lord & the Gospel a laughing stock & a derision to so many. Though Paul & Silas were prisoners, the jailor soon realized that these prisoners were men of God, that God was with them, & they had a life-giving message for him (& his household).
Act 16:26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
Act 16:27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
Act 16:28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
Not every person is going to get married. It's not a law. Apostle Paul was never married...
Co 7:6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.
1Co 7:7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
1Co 7:8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
1Co 7:9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
May God Bless You and Your House. And stay steadfast in His word and endure for the Glory of Gods Kingdom we will call home one glad day. Amen. We are a child of the King. Hallelujah !
Sowing The Seeds Until His Great Harvest
John E. Dillard, Sr.
Jesus taught in Mark 9:39-41 about the attitude of a servant.When Jesus bent down to write in the sand twice, what did He write? ( John 8:6:8:8)Jesus recorded my sins and the day He came looking for me and I accepted Him as savior & they where to be never remembered and I became a new man.Was set free saved by the grace of God.The Holy Spirit teaches me all about Gods word.Read the next verse in 2 Tim 3:17 before assuming that a person is an internet prophet.That's the division I wrote about in my post.I posted what was laid on my heart.I spoke the truth.We need to realize that we may be the only Bible that the world will ever read.If we live it. It will show.If we love it.It will show.If we treat all as Jesus commands, with love.It will shine.A house divided can not stand.My first post ever:I wrote of my experience with a church as an evangelist.The Macedonian Call Acts 16:9.And the gospel was presented as comfortable and private. No coming forward as to embarrass anyone of their decision for Christ. That was not a preparation for what Christ followers must and will endure.Jesus sure did not have a very comfortable life being the King of Glory as a man here in this world of pain.He hurt and wept.He taught and prayed.He read the word of God to the people in the temple.Are we not to do as Jesus did? Jesus associated,loved and cared for those who were cast out and least desirable.That's why wrote about denominations.The Gospel is very simple, and man makes it difficult.Please don't twist another mans heart for God by the words that divide.My heart,it breaks daily for a lost and dying world.That's my focus.My Love and Prayers towards all.Our work here is not done.Don't let up or give in.
Still Sowing The Seeds Until His Great Harvest
John E.Dillard,Sr.
Carleton
Jesus said many will come in my name .... they have been around a long time now .
God Bless the true seekers . But stick with the scriptures The Lord never disappoints! Amen
Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow Him and denominations are not unifying the bride of Christ/The Church. The word of God is the doctrine. Study it, pray on it and live it.
That's how we win souls for Christ. I say this because many have witnessed the division of churches and some split with great fault lines being dawn. Scriptures tells us that the shepherd was struck and the flock was scattered. But Gods word tells us that they all came together again after witnessing the death of Jesus and in great conflict as to what to do next...Jesus became their focus when He appeared in the burial garden and on the road to Emmaus and when they gathered together and broke bread and Jesus came to them and supped with them and ministered unto them and comforted them. He educated them on what was to come. That it is our call. To gather in His name. Brake bread together and comfort one another and edify one another with the words and teachings of Christ.
Let's stand for Christ and not be scattered in this time of great tribulation. Let's witness to those who are lost and do not be afraid of who we offend. Let's teach the truth by speaking the truth. Be bold. Let's open our hearts even if they get broken. Let's return to God with thanksgiving and praise. This nation has smooth knees. We need to get back on them and pray that God will hear our prayers from heaven. We must repent and turn from our evil and wicked ways. Our nation is divided but let not the church. Our nation needs us. Let's show the world love. Agape love.
That's the call. God Bless You and May He keep you.
Sowing The Seeds Until His Great Harvest
Evangelist of The Gospel of Jesus
John E. Dillard, Sr.
"Asia" in the Book of Acts is modern day Turkey or Asia Minor. The cities of Phrygia, Galatia, Mysia, Bithynia and Troas are all in Asia Minor. In the beginning of Acts, chapter 16, Paul was already in "Asia" (Turkey) with the decree from Jerusalem. He had picked up Timothy in Lystra and continued in verse 4 to spread the news in southern Turkey. However, once Paul got to Phrygia (verse 6), the holy spirit kept him from preaching. So Paul and his companions moved on again and again until it was revealed to him in a vision in Troas that he was urgently needed in Macedonia (northern Greece). We believe that this was the main reason God forbade Paul from preaching in Asia Minor. It soon became clear to Paul and his companions that they would not have been where they needed to be had they lingered in Galatia any longer. Therefore, verse 6 is less about God forbidding Paul to preach in Asia and more about Paul's trusting God's divine timing.
One plows the fallow ground of our hearts in prayer; another sprinkles the see of Gods Word; next our intercessors rain on the seed with our prayer ministry; the Lord of the Harvest sends reapers (evangelists) to bring in the harvest. This is how Jesus planned it.
Paul's simple word was clear, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house." Acts 16:30-34.
So we see that salvation can only come by hearing the Gospel & for each person to respond to it personally. This verse does not suggest 'household salvation/baptism', where if one person is saved then the others in the house are too. No, each one is responsible to believe & respond. And for young ones who may not be able to, then it's the parent's responsibility to teach them.
And the amazing thing we learn, Paul & Silas did all this (sharing the Gospel to the guard's family at night & baptizing them straightaway) & then returning back to be put behind bars, to be released the following day.