All Discussion PAGE 1155

Before we knew Him , He knew us . Much love in Christ .

There are differences in the two passages you gave, viz Acts 15:1-20 & 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 (I've included the whole portion to understand the reason for these instructions).

In Acts 15, the problem was that of requiring circumcision of the Gentile converts to align with Jewish believers' expectation. The apostles disagreed, not wanting to put "a yoke upon the neck of the disciples", that it was only "through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they" (v 11). To go back to the Law, even of circumcision, negates the free Grace offered to all through Jesus' death. Therefore, the decision was made that no such imposition would be made, but that those four requirements ('decrees') be observed. Why so? These were Gentiles who lived in a society that had no law or compulsion to heed certain things that the Jews found abominable. Rather than discuss each of those conditions, the point was that, these converts needed to observe these 'decrees', not only to satisfy the Jews, but also to desist from any entrance of fornication which was rampant in their society & worship.

In 1 Corinthians 8, what seems as a paradox to Acts 15, is actually a Truth we hold onto, to the liberty we have in Christ, but that Truth (even the right that we have) is constrained because of the "weak conscience" of another, that we don't become a stumbling block to him. We know that an idol is nothing (v4), but some aren't convinced about that; then to see a brother partaking of 'meats offered to idols' can introduce anger, confusion, & maybe "perish" (v11) in faith. In today's application, if we have people over for dinner & have pork & wine also as part of the meal, should we first ensure that the invitees won't be offended by those things? Some might say, 'who cares what they think?' The biblical stand should be abstention from those things for the sake of those who believe (or eat) differently.

Hopefully, you can appreciate that these two accounts are not quite the same.

I am in agreement with Terry here.

Jesus does not want us to be overly worked up about the timing of prophecy, because only God the Father knows when.

Jesus Himself, when He was on earth, said he did not know when some things would take place:

But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

Mark 13:32 (KJV)

Before His ascension, Jesus was pressed by his disciples about the time of fulfillment of some prophecies. He responded by saying they should not be too worked up about the timing of an event which God only controls, but that they should focus on the job of soulwinning instead, after receiving the Holy Spirit:

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:6-8 (KJV).

One thing we know for sure: Christ is not coming back until the world has been reached with the Gospel:

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Matt 24:14 (KJV)

Why? Does it say Amos3:13-Amos3:16.

Dgjot,

I'm responding to your reply without reading any of the responses, so my thoughts will stay focused. Just incase there's repeating._..

Being you're still alive, it's not final judgement: Matthew 4:17, Acts 17:30, 2Peter 3:9, in context read whole chapter. Psalms 48:14, Proverbs 10:12, Proverbs 13:14, Ezekiel 33:11, Ezekiel 18:32,

it could be warning from GOD: Psalms 118:18,

or attack not from GOD,: Ephesians 6:12,

Psalms 90,

Jeremiah 18:8,

Psalms 37,

You are angry because of injustice it seems: Exodus 21, Exodus 22, Leviticus 20, Numbers 35, Proverbs 8:36, Genesis 18:19, Proverbs 21:3,

Psalms 73, Jeremiah 27:7-18, Isaiah 58, Isaiah 59, Matthew 25:31-46, James 2,

Ephesians 6:10-18, Ephesian 4:26, Psalms 82:3, Ecclesiastes 5:8,

Hopefully these are helpful

The Spirit choses to whom and what spiritual gift or gifts He gives- hope that He gives the gift that is most needed in one's life not sure He gives multiple gifts? Whatever gift He gives He gives to be used to the glory of God I think Jesus said it best when they asked what should one do and He responded to love God with all your heart, soul and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself on this rests all the law and the prophets he emphasized love - He is right - and in John 3:16 for God so loved the world He sent His only begotten son. Agape love - we can't understand fully this love but we r to love one another as Christ loved it was love that the father accepted his wayward son back and celebrated his return but I agree - to have gifts of wisdom , knowledge , ministry , etc wonderful but to truly love wow that is hard to find to have that ability to love your enemy? Love those that persecute you? Those that revile you? That is a mark of a true Christian I feel if there is not an outward pouring of love for God and for fellow man . Gifts don't matter

His father joseph qualifies him to be of the tribe of Judah, seeing joseph is from the house and lineage of David.

The Oklahoma City Bombing and 911 were done by muslims, it was also an inside job by masonic obligarchs. muslims families have killed their own family members in America, who have shown signs of leaving islam, or by their own suspicions, even when they do not have any real proof a family member will leave islam. sharia is already being practiced by muslims in the United States, and when they recite the koran they are reciting 350 death chant passages from the koran against Christians and Jews in their mosques, homes, and in public when they speak arabic. I hate the koran for it is diabolically evil. I do not hate muslims, but I hate their sin. The shirners are also muslim.

When I was at a dollar tree there were two incidents were two muslim women were giving me an evil eye stare. It is crazy how muslims are taught to hate Christians, Jews and other non-muslims.

It is easy for you to say what you are saying now, but when they cut off your hand and leg as the koran commands them to do to Christians, Jews, and other non-muslims, you may by that time have a different viewpoint. I am not wishing that on you or anyone, just saying. When they kidnap American children and women, and force them into sex slavery, you will wish you would have warned people of the horrors of islam. We have time to educate people about the brainwashing tactics of islam now, while there is this small window of time left. muslims are being brainwashed, and it is very sad. It is not a child's fault, who happens to be raised in islam.

If a 2 Chronicles 7:14 and John 3:16 does not take place in America, then the anti-Christ followers will take over this nation, and it will be given over to the stranger within our gates. Read Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28. Jesus Christ is our only hope, only He has the power to save this nation from doom and gloom.

I want America to be a nation's that shines Christ's Light. There are still a remnant of Believers in America who reverence Christ.

Kay, My thoughts exactly.

Michael, I am sorry for your loss. My mom just died last Saturday from a two week battle with sepsis. Most of us (10 kids) were able to spend days with her in the hospital until she took a turn for the worse on Friday evening. I had spent 3 separate days with her in those two weeks. I had prayed with and for her, encouraged her to know that Jesus is with her and will never leave her, and gave her comfort care throughout the day. When she passed, I felt so joyful knowing that she was with Jesus forever in heaven.

I hope that you will be encouraged in your recovery from the loss of your mother. Everyone grieves in different ways. But it really is wonderful knowing that our loved ones believed and trusted in Jesus. We rejoice that they are receiving the fulfillment of their hope of salvation and eternal life. God bless you.

I pray in the name of God Almighty. I pray that your son reconnected with you. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ and know. God brings our loved ones back in the most unusual way. God is preparing you Kay and certainly dear one He is with you.

Keep in touch.

Thank you. That one of my favorite passages to go to when I'm sinking. I have 3 surgeries coming up. But not serious. I ask the Lord, why me? I'm doing the best I can to win souls to You?

He said, My grace is sufficient to take you through this storm.

You sermon gives me comfort. Thank you.

Oh Dear one. You made me laugh with that last part of little heart. That's the problem I have a small heart that seems to disappear. I thank you for telling me about your son. My heart goes out to him and I will keep him in my prayers. It's a story like that that makes me go wow. I am hoping God makes everything right soon. I'm praying for you as well Kay. Keep in touch dear one.

Thank you dear one yes though I don't see the outlining and have so many questions unanswered. It's a silent period. And that's what hurts the most. I thank you for reaching it out. That's what drives me is when people don't give up on you. But I know what your saying. God hasn't given up on you. Don't give up on God.

GiGi i'm telling you what you said about we all bear each other's burdens really spoke to me. I understand we've all gone through a lot. I thank you for being so kind. You really know your Bible. For does it not say. A soft answer turns away wrath.

Blessings to you and keep in touch. I will continue to pray for you.

Your sons will be delivered God never lets one of his sheep girl. I am reminded of the good Shepherd who even when one of his sheep go astray God always brings them back. Just keep in mind God always brings back our loved ones in the most unusual way. When God does bring your loved ones back he looks down with a big smile.

You are always remembered in prayer. God hasn't forgotten you brother. I am reminded of the story of David. Just wait through he went though the Bible says he was a man after Gods own heart. David so are you. God had a purpose through us all. Stay encouraged and know. We are all praying.

Johannes, Your friend is steering you the wrong way. Anakin was in Star Wars, not Harry Potter. Star Wars teaches false belief about God. Harry Potter is full of witchcraft and sorcery. Stay clear of anything that promotes, glorifies, or instructs in occultic practices that the Bible prohibits.

Read the Gospels in the Bible to learn about Jesus, and only read the Bible concerning Him. You will find in Him the answer to our greatest and deepest need-that of being saved from our sin and wrongdoings.

Whatever you're going through I'll know God will deliver you. Remember this Jesus said my father is always at work. I like to listen to the song by Leeland called Waymaker

I'm sorry I offended you. This was a post from ACLJ attorneys that petition the UN To rule against these offenses. I was oblivious to the escalation of public violence. I mean no offense. I just can't turn a blind eye to violence against Christians, because they are Christ followers. I'm just asking for prayer for these poor people.

There's a lot going on in Africa now. Only the northern part has water. The rest of it is in total drought and locust. All their cattle are dying from no water.

If anyone wants to pray for these Christians, thank you.

Admin can remove that post if the want to.

As I am reminded God always has a way of bringing back those special people in our lives. God doesn't blatantly do it because then we may feel like it might be just a coincidence instead the mystery of God is this God always and I don't mean sometimes I said always brings back our loved ones in the most unusual way. Lord God I wanna pray for her daughters that they will come back to her. Lord we know you fight for us everyday. Jesus said my Father does not rest. Lord we know they are coming back soon in Jesus name we believe it and receive it. So shall it be

Hi Gabriel, I am sorry you are in so much anguish. I will keep you in my prayers. I hope you will consider what Donna has suggested: To seek God, His kingdom, and His righteousness first, before all others, in all circumstances. Seek to glorify

God in your life right now. Despite the great pain you are experiencing, God will walk with you through this. He loves you more than you could ever know and is able to do what seems impossible. At times when I have been at my lowest, going through dark valleys, I have used my alone time to pray, read the Word, and in repentance for my sinfulness. God forgives us every time we come to Him for mercy and grace. I also focused on the greatness and perfection of God so that my "eyes" were no longer upon myself and my circumstances but on His glory and the wonder of His revelation of Himself to us in the Word.

But I do realize that many of these words from us may ring hollow for you right now. But please know that we all mean well for you and are very concerned for you. Many of us here will be praying for you. Please keep coming here and sharing your grief. We bear one anothers' burdens this way and this promotes healing of our brokenness.

Couldn't of said it better. I stand with you in agreement

Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ I come to you with a heart that is heavy. I've been a Christian for going on three years. I live with my In laws and wife and three kids. None of my family members are Christian and although they aren't I still pray everyday for their salvation and try my absolute hardest to display light all the time in a house full of darkness and demons. I ask for your prayers for it's only getting worse. I've applied for housing but never got a response back but always hopeful. I've been coming to more understanding with the word of God and when I do Satan attacks me at full strength with temptation and lies and every weapon in his arsenal. It sometimes brings me down because he will use my wife and family against me but when they are fighting I pray in my mind. I find adequate times to either go outside or sneak to the restroom to kneel and pray. I know his angels are all around me keeping me in all his ways. I know through God I am made more than conqueror. I've done many mistakes but I know God has forgiven me and made me clean. My marriage seems to fail everyday because my wife doesn't know how to listen to me. She always fights me on everything. She wants to be superior and for the most part she has. I try to stay calm and believe me the only one stopping me from going down the shallow end of the pool is the Lord himself. Just right now my 19 year old son who has no respect for me or his mom and his grandparents got in a fight. It's getting worse and worse but yet inside I have something they don't have and that's peace. I may get mad or sad but I know God is with me and I try to show that and reiterate that to them but no one seems to listen. Is the love of many really waxing cold spoke by Jesus in Matthew 24 ? I still have to believe my family belongs to the Ling above all. Thank you

You'll make it through. Just around the corner is greatness. Keep the faith brother.

Prayer does work. I am thankful. God is amazing. Even if our darkest hour when we do not know He answers. Keep me posted.

If you're the parent of the "girl" you should want to keep her safe. To dress a girl more modestly, not bringing attention to her feminine shape will help keep predatory behavior away from her. GOD likewise wants women protected, the scripture isn't to ruin fun, it's also about undue, unwanted attention. 1Timothy 2:9-10,

Hopefully my perspective is helpful

Ruth all will be well. It is amazing how God takes us from being lost to found. I'm reminded. The good shepherd. When even one goes astray God always I didn't say maybe. God always brings them back. In the most unusual way. Stay in faith.

I definitely will. God I pray for Gordon that you lay only your hands on him and that this will be a testimony.

Know that we as a community are praying for you and know that God heals in more ways than one.