To compare, here's two similar terrible situations
Ps.34:19-Many are the afflictions of the righteous:but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
Acts 14:22-We must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of GOD
The KING of DARKNESS,the Devil, showed to JESUS all the kingdoms of the world,the glory of them,and said:All will I give thee,if thou fall down and worship me.Mat.4:8-9.
Re.13:1&15:
1 I stood upon the sand of the sea(John was a citzen of Israel),and saw a(MAN)Beast rise up out of the sea(Gentile nations),having 7 heads,10 horns, upon his HORNS 10 crowns(CROWNS UPON HORNS?),and upon his heads a NAME of blasphemy.
15 And he-MAN Beast of earth-Re.13:11-a false messiah- John 5:43-47,had power to give life unto the Beast's image,that the image should speak,who worships not the image must be killed.
Daniel 3:2-20
The KING sent to gather the princes,governors,the captains,judges, counsellors,all the rulers of the provinces,to come to the dedication of the image he had set up.They stood before the image and an herald cried:To you is commanded,O people,NATIONS,and languages,that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet,flute, harp,and all kinds of musick,ye fall down and worship the image the king has set up:Whoso falls not down and worships shall be cast into the burning fiery furnace.But Shadrach,Meshach,Abednego,O king, have not regarded thee,they serve not thy gods,nor worship the image you has set up.So in his rage and fury the KING commanded to bring them,and said:Is it true,O Shadrach,Meshach,Abednego,do not ye serve my gods,nor worship the IMAGE I have set up?When you hear the sound of the cornet,all kinds of musick,ye fall down and worship the image I have made;well:if not,ye shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace;who is that GOD that shall deliver you out of my hands?
O king,our GOD whom we serve is able to deliver us from furnace,thy hands,and we will not serve thy gods,nor worship the image you have set up.
Daniel 12:1->1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time(because the archangel Michael stands up): and at that time(the current time-the seventh and last millennium or the seventh and last GOD's Day), thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book (according Re.7:1-14.Take a look). JESUS prophesied, saying: Matt.24:15 & 21:
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
21...then shall be great Tribulation(Dan.12:1& Acts 14:22),such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time(to this current time, time of the last GOD's Day),no, nor ever shall be.
By the way, it's very important to know who comes first: Michael or JESUS?
Michael the archangel is one like unto the Son of man, the difference is that Michael is a warrior, JESUS the Savior, He is the stone which is become the head of the corner. There is no salvation in any other(except in JESUS Christ):for there is none other NAME under heaven given among men, whereby we MUST be saved.
Basically, no matter the opposition- we are able to over come it and go forward in the work of the LORD. Not easy, but that is what we are called to do. Remember, it is not our job or responsibility to save the lost; only to plant the seed.
May we be obedient, diligent, and faithful in our walk with the LORD.
Merry Christmas everyone and have a prosperous New Year.
Your thinking is from human perspective, a stumblingblock, not from GOD's perspective- Matthew 16:23-23.
In Romans 5:9 Paul was speaking of the salvation of the wrath, NOT of the salvation of the tribulation. It seems you don't know to distinghish between WRATH and TRIBULATION. When Paul, author of Romans, returned to Lystra, and Iconium and Antioch- Acts 14:22-, he said to the believers to exhort the disciples to continue in the faith, because we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of GOD(as is written in Revelation 11:15-18 and 1 Cor.15:24-26).
Furthermore, you repetidly say in your post the Father WRATHED against His Son, the Christ, the Messiah, what you are preaching will NEVER happended, GOD the Father NEVER wrathed against His Son, so what you wrote is devilish, in fact is satanic. As was revealed to Isaiah "Surely he -JESUS, the Messiah- hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows, He was WOUNDED for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the CHASTISEMENT WAS UPON HIM (NOT THE WRATH OF THE FATHER AS YOU IN MALIGN SENSE WROTE) and with His stripes we are healed. Yeah, GOD NEVER wrathed against His own Son. By the way, your evil post is a confirmation of what is written the Word of GOD: "he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth"- John 3:31:
Your interpretation of Scriptures is not different of the man of sin, son of perdition- Genesis 3:1, but equal. GOD forbid us.
Well, in fact "no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him- Matthew 11:27. It's it.
Written by Paul. Paul's Inscription is on all thirteen of his letters.
II. TO WHOM IT WAS WRITTEN:
It was written to Timothy who was pastoring in Ephesus and its territories, because out of Ephesus went the missionary journeys. So, Timothy not only was pastor at Ephesus, but also several churches. We know at least the churches that are in the book of Revelation.
III. THE HISTORY OF TIMOTHY:
His name mentioned 24 times in the New Testament. Timothy was from Lystra and was saved during Paul's first missionary trip ( Acts 14:19-20; 16:1-2). His mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, were godly Jewish women, and we see that in 2 Timothy 1:5. They were Jewish, they were raised on the scriptures, and they also had been saved under Paul's ministry, and had a great influence over Timothy's life.
Timothy was about 15 years old when he met Paul.
Timothy's father was a pagan Greek ( Acts 16:1; II Timothy 1:5).
Timothy was raised hearing Old Testament Scriptures ( II Timothy 3:14-15).
He joined Paul, along with Silas and Luke, during their second missionary trip ( Acts 16:3).
Paul had Timothy circumcised so that he might have the freedom to preach the gospel in Jewish synagogues ( Acts 16:3; I Corinthians 9:20).
Because his mother was Jewish, he is considered Jewish, even though his father was a Greek. Now had it been reversed, and his father was Jewish and his mother a Greek, he would not be considered Jewish. The mother has to be Jewish to be considered Jewish.
1 Timothy and Titus were written between Paul's first and second imprisonment. And 2 Timothy was Paul's last letter that he wrote, some believe hours before he was executed outside of Rome. Tradition says that he was beheaded.
But then you have Philemon which goes with Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. The reason why Philemon is there on the end is because the final four letters are the only four letters written to individuals. And that's how they canonized scripture. They put the individual letters at the end and put the church letters at the front.
So that's why Philemon is on the end, but it really was part of the prison epistles, or prison letters.
I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Written by Paul. Paul's Inscription is on all thirteen of his letters.
II. TO WHOM IT WAS WRITTEN:
To Timothy who was pastoring in Ephesus
III. THE HISTORY OF TIMOTHY:
His name is mentioned 24 times in the New Testament. Timothy was from Lystra and saved during Paul's first missionary journey ( Acts 14:19-20; 16:1-2). His mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, were godly Jewish women. In fact, Timothy was taught the Old Testament scriptures since he was a little boy. So, he has a scriptural background.
Timothy was about 15 years old when he first met Paul. And when Paul writes his letter to Timothy, he's approximately 35. So, he has spent approximately 20 years with Paul in ministry learning.
Even though Timothy's mother and grandmother were godly Jewish women, his father was a pagan Greek ( Acts 16:1; II Timothy 1:5).
Do True Believers go through great tribulation? Mt.24:21-22 (21) For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. (22) And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. (great tribulation is the time period the antichrist forces all to accept a mark, which is called the mark of the beast. This time period is shortened by God because True Believers are the ones who will be persecuted during this time.) Now a look at the meaning of (tribulation)#2347; it means pressure, afflicted (-tion) anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble, to crowd, suffer tribulation. Imagine not being able to go in a grocery store to buy food for your family, no medications, more than likely no electricity, or buying fuel for cars unless you have the mark of the beast! Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that WE MUST THROUGH MUCH TRIBULATION enter into the kingdom of God. The word (disciples)#3101; it means a learner, pupil. 1.Pet.1:7 That the trial of your faith being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 2.Tim.3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Phil.1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. 1.Pet.4:12-13 (12) Beloved, think it not strange concerning the (fiery trial) that is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (13) But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christs sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. The word (fiery)#4451; it means calamity as a test. Let your faith be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ!
Thanks again Jimbob for your thoughts on this. Tribulation or Great Tribulation? I see a difference. The apostles, the early Church & believers today are not exempt from tribulation; it will come to us as declared ( Matthew 13:21; John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Romans 8:35; 2 Corinthians 7:4; etc): not just physical hardships, but certainly the exercises by the enemy against us, even to testings of faith & martyrdom. We are not insulated from any of these, nor should we expect to be, but what of the Tribulation sent by God our Father? You shared 1 Thessalonians 3:4, "For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know." You understand that Paul was referring to the Great Tribulation, of God's Wrath. I don't see that at all in his discourse, rather, that Paul was describing his own afflictions (vv 3,7 & coupled with 1 Thessalonians 2:2,9,14). I see a clear difference between the two expressions of Tribulation: that which comes to all of us, & that which is only directed to haters of God & His Christ.
What then are we not appointed to? To our daily tribulations, even to suffering or dying for Christ, or to God's Wrath to unbelievers? I note that you agree to this: that believers won't face the outpouring of God's Wrath against a Christ-rejecting World, by your understanding that this outpouring will happen only after the believers are caught away (i.e. post-tribulation). The contention then is: is God's Wrath the same as the Great Tribulation? I believe the Great Tribulation is still to come - we haven't in the least begun to experience anything of it now. When it starts, we know that the time of the end is at hand and believers will be caught away before the world begins to feel the Mighty Hand of God against them. (cont'd).
"They know not, neither will they understand; they walk in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are out of course. I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the Most High. But ye shall die like men; and fall like one of the princes. Arise, O God, judge the earth; for thou shalt inherit all nations."
Here the judges appointed over Israel were called "gods" because they represented God before the people when they judged matters. But God speaks ill of them because they were wicked and made unjust judgments. He was not affirming that they were indeed, divine beings, nor that they would or could become so. No, rather, God was judging them to be mere men who will face death as every human will.
In Acts 14:11-15 says, "And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia; The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter, and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. Which when the apostles, Barnabus and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein."
Here, the people were so sure that Paul and Barnabas must be gods because they had miraculously healed a crippled man. But the apostles were grieved that the people would treat them as gods and wished to sacrifice to them. They refused such worship and pointed the people to the living God instead.
Hi Cindy. As far as Paul & Silas being imprisoned together, you can find this full account in Acts 16:16-40. I'm unsure if you're referring to healing that Paul administered by the Holy Spirit's Power, but there are accounts in Acts 14:8-10 and Acts 28:8,9 of this.
Or, if you want to read the many other verses pertaining to healing, then this Site has helps on this topic & others. At the top of this page, go to 'More', then to 'Bible Verses About Various Topics' (under Bible Study Help). Then go to 'H' and search for 'Healing, etc.'
Matthew 6, Luke 4:40, Matthew 12:15, Luke 6:19, Psalms 139, Psalms 107:20, Matthew 15:30, Luke 9:11, Matthew 4:24, Matthew 14:14, Mark 6:13, Acts 5:6, Acts 14:9, Matthew 10:8, Mark 16:17,18, John 16:23, Luke 11:9-11, context Luke 11:2-13, James 5:13-20,
Hopefully these are helpful & encouraging & healing to you, that you likewise will help others Matthew 10:8,
Hi Alleylee. I agree with what Ryan has shared with you about the apostolic position ending with the Apostle Paul. However, there seems to be a reference to Paul's companion, Barnabas, also being referred to as an apostle ( Acts 14:14). Even as the word, 'apostle' (in Greek, 'apostolos') means 'a messenger or one sent on a mission', which gives this word a more general meaning, one should be careful in seeking an appointment to apostleship. Today, the word 'missionary', or 'servant of the Lord, a preacher of the Gospel', may better fit the ministry of carrying the Good News to others/other nations. The Apostolic Church is one type of Fellowship that fosters the positions of apostles, prophets, etc. You may or may not find yourself at variance with their other beliefs concerning the Trinity, Holy Spirit baptism, falling from Grace, etc.
As a simple man, my understanding of faith is based on belief, trust, obedience, and thanksgiving, from our mind to our heart, a relationship offered by God through the sacrifice and resurrection of His Son Jesus, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Faith is a responsibility likened to marriage referred to many times in the bible. Our commitment and love are shown by our actions, which come from our hearts to our hands as in James 2:14-17 which is sometimes misunderstood as works for salvation.
This faith is a gift we have been given, its growth is dependent on how it is fed. Jesus said faith as small as a mustard seed can move a mountain, that shows how large it can grow in the word of God and prayer. We can sometimes hinder its growth as said in Col. 2:8 following the majority down the wide road when the truth is down the path that has grown up from the lack of traffic.
It will be tried, we have been told we will be tempted and will have tribulation in this world that many say we will be spared, John 16:33Acts 14:22, but that builds patience, James 1:3. We see we will need if we are here, we will need in the great tribulation Rev. 13:10.
The growth of our faith is to add "virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity' 2 Peter 1:4-8.
This may not be what you are looking for but just my thoughts.
The Lord Jesus taught two different gospels in vs. 14-15 all Christians are familiar with the gospel that brings about salvation by faith without works, but most Christians are not familiar with the gospel of the kingdom by faith with works. The main message of the apostles while the Lord Jesus was alive was the gospel of the kingdom, Mat. 10:7-8 they never preached the message of the gospel as long as Christ was alive, yet the Lord Jesus taught both gospels while he was alive. Christ Jesus dying on a cross for the sins of the world, causes the sinner to become a Christian, on the day of salvation his spirit enters the kingdom of God, during the first dispensation from the time the Son of man died on the cross, until the Son of man returns. However, the next dispensation which is for a millennium, no Christian has a promise to enter unless he meets the conditional promises spoken of by the Lord Jesus and the apostles. Mat. 7:21, Acts 14:22, Mat. 5:10 After the second dispensation has ended, the new heaven begins with the final dispensation of the kingdom of God, not all Christians will be able to enter that kingdom of God if they have buried their talents, Mat. 25:14-30 or they do not have on a wedding garment, but only those believers who received glorification as all others will be outside that kingdom of God, the city New Jerusalem as dogs, needing the leaves from the tree of life for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22:2 and 14-15
Hello Bee V. Thank you for sharing all that is on your heart, especially your agony over your husband's spiritual state.
But to your first question: "What verses apply to a Christian wife who was a fornacator before she was married?" I'm assuming that the woman in question wasn't a believer at the time of her indiscretions. But even if she was a believer, almost all sin is forgivable when truly repented of & cast aside, as we read in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." And as Paul & Barnabas urged the Gentiles to "turn from these vanities (sins of idolatry & false worship) & turn unto the living God" ( Acts 14:15). Forgiveness from God comes when we repent of our sins & purpose in our heart to turn from them.
And then to your husband, and particularly the state of his soul before God & his disbelief in the authority & veracity of the Scriptures. This is always a hard area to deal with as once a person has in his mind that something is false, then any proof given may well be rejected. However, I would base my discussion with him on: on what basis was he saved (just from a man's word, or from that word that originated from the Bible)? If he has doubts about the Bible, then he should have doubts about his salvation, the reality of God & Jesus, & in fact much of history of that time. Onto Page 2.
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.
The time frame of the book of Acts, appears to be many years. Starting right about the time of the Resurrection of Jesus CHRIST. Please note Acts 1, Acts 2, - Acts 4:34-35, shows time passage, because those events cannot be done in one day, but over time. Acts 7, young man Saul, Acts 8,
Acts 12 again shows process of time, note Acts 12:25, Acts 14:21-28, again Acts 15, note Acts 15:33,36, Acts 27, Acts 28:11,
Judas Iscariot, with the other eleven, were never apostles while they travelled around with Jesus. They were called Disciples (i.e. a student, a follower of a Rabbi or teacher). They were only known as Apostles after Jesus died, arose from the grave, & He sent them out into the world. Apostle, means 'one sent out; a messenger'.
After Judas Iscariot died, Matthias was appointed as his replacement & this appointment was from God ( Acts 1:24-26, i.e. the eleven prayed asking God to direct them to this new disciple). So, men did not choose Matthias, God did by their casting of lots. And this had to be, as Peter declared, by referring to the fulfilment of Psalm 41:9; Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8.
True, we don't hear of Matthias, but the lack of information doesn't mean that he just disappeared & went back to his occupation, or whatever else. We don't hear again of several of the other disciples either after Acts 1:13.
Paul was an apostle of Jesus Christ. As was Apostle Barnabas ( Acts 14:14), James (the Lord's half-brother; Galatians 1:19), possibly Timothy & Silas ( 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:6, if Paul was using 'we' to refer to them as apostles as well). And Paul often had to emphasize his apostleship to the Churches, & even defend it, as believers were being seduced to believe otherwise (as much of 2nd Corinthians indicate).
So, from what we read in the Scriptures, Matthias was the twelfth disciple, being an apostle, & subsequently, Paul & others were either called by the Lord to apostleship, or considered as apostles because of their ministry of getting the Gospel out.
Paul wrote two letters to Timothy who was pastoring the church in Ephesus. Timothy's name is mentioned 24 times in the New Testament. Timothy was from Lystra and he was saved during Paul's first missionary journey ( Acts 14:19-20; Acts 16:1-2)
His mother Eunice, and his grandmother Lois, were godly Jewish women. In fact, Timothy was taught the Old Testament scriptures since he was a little boy. So he has a scriptural background. Timothy was about 15-years-old when he first met Paul. And when Paul writes his letter to Timothy, he's approximately 35. So he has spent approximately 20 years with Paul in ministry learning.
Even though Timothy's mother and grandmother were godly Jewish women, his father was a pagan Greek. ( Acts 16:1; 2 Timothy 1:5). Timothy was raised hearing Old Testament Scriptures. ( 2 Timothy 3:14-15). He joined Paul, along with Silas and Luke, during second missionary trip. ( Acts 16:3).
Paul had Timothy circumcised so that he might have the freedom to preach the gospel in Jewish synagogues. ( Acts 16:3; 1 Corinthians 9:20). He could not do that unless he was circumcised. Timothy was ordained by Paul and the Presbytery. ( 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6). He accompanies Paul on his third missionary trip. ( Acts 19:22; Acts 20:4; 2 Corinthians 1:1, 1:19).
Timothy ministered in at least five churches as Paul's representative:
Timothy was with Paul during Paul's first imprisonment ( Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; Philemon 1:1) and went to Philippi after Paul's release. ( Philippians 2:19-23). Timothy was around 35-years of age when Paul wrote I Timothy. Timothy also suffered imprisonment. ( Hebrews 13:23).
I've understood it to be similar to Simon called Peter: Matthew 4:18, Matthew 10:2, different than Acts 8:9, & Luke, Acts 10:18, Acts 13:1, Acts 13:9, Acts 14:2, notice in Acts, the same book, there are multiple names referenced even a wind, Acts 27:14, Acts 27:8, Hebrews 11:18,
Matthew 1:6 Jesus called Christ, John 4:25, Luke 6:15, John 1:42, John 11:16, not Colossians 4:11,
Romans 2:17, Romans 7:3, same supposed writer as Acts , also Romans 9:26
Matthew 26:14, Luke 23:33, John 19:13, John 19:17, Acts 6:9, Revelation 11:8,
Revelation 12:9,
Luke 2:4, Luke 8:2, John 21:2, different than Acts 9:11,
Please read Matthew 24, & Mark 13, Jesus' words : Matthew 24:4 "And Jesus answered and said unto them, take heed that no man deceive you" ._.._.._.. Matthew 24:7-9, "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilence, and earthquakes, in diverse places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my names sake." ._..
Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." ._.._
Matthew 24:21-22 "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."
And except those days should be shortened, there shall no flesh saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." ._._._.
Matthew 24:29-30 "immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be shaken:
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."
Also repeated in Mark 13,
Deuteronomy 4:30
Matthew 13:20-21
John 16:33
Acts 14:22
1Thessalonians 3:4,
Hopefully these are helpful in you study of the Word
Yes, Matthew 2:2, Luke 23:51, John 4:22, John 8:31, John 11:45, Acts 14:1, Acts 17:1-4, Acts 21:20, Acts 22:12, Paul himself was,is Acts 26:4, Revelation 7:5,
My understanding is, this is the deception of deceptions and will cause the great falling away, 2 Thessalonians 2:3. Part of this deception is that the great tribulation and the wrath of God are taught as being the same thing. We must understand the wrath of God comes after the second coming of Jesus not before. Matthew 24:29-31Mark 13:24-27.
It developed in the 17th Century, and it quickly led to an understanding that the rapture of the church would be an event separate from and before the second coming of Christ. It was made popular by John Darby, and he is thought by many to be the originator but not. C.I. Scofield, with the study bible with footnotes, helped promote this doctrine of man. It started as pre-tribulation and still mostly believed in.
We as humans sometimes look for the easy way out, and many preachers oblige to fill the money plate that makes merchandise of people, 2 Peter 2:3. Scripture does not say we will be spared tribulation it says the opposite, Acts 14:22John 16:33. It is debated that although all Christians go through some tribulation, there is yet a great tribulation to come those true believers will not have to undergo. So, who are these, Revelation 7:13-14Revelation 20:4
Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
The mark and saving our physical life is the temptation, that so many don't believe they will be here to face, that is the great deception. Keep from does not mean we will be spared from being killed it means to spiritually guard (watch), keep intact, Hebrews 3:6. The believers in Jesus in the past were not spared being beheaded, burnt on a stake, fed to the lions, why should we.
Hi Billy. In the early Church, after Christ's death & resurrection, the apostles appointed managers of God's people. Elders & deacons were appointed (e.g. Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 3:10). Elders were to teach & guide Christ's Church according to the Word, for they must give account before God in their very serious & responsible position ( Hebrews 13:17). And of course, those blessed with pastoral (shepherding), teaching, evangelism, etc. endowments, also helped in the blessing & spiritual growth of the Church & propagation of the Gospel.
Unfortunately, many Fellowships today appoint committees & councils for managing Church affairs. Admittedly, Church administration is much more complex now than was encountered in the fledgeling Church, but returning back to the simple setup as given, is preferable. Indeed, the elders are tasked to oversee & manage Church affairs & I would say that all matters, even suggestions from the deacons, should be given due consideration & prayerful response. If the eldership refuses to listen to those expressing concern or giving suggestions, then there would be a fault in their understanding of being God's servants. The elders should not be overlords ( 1 Peter 5:1-4), rather lead by example, being willing & ever ready to serve the Church, knowing that they too are brethren with Christ's flock & are answerable to their Chief Shepherd.
What can you do about the problem in the Church? Not much, if this special committee refuses to listen to needs & suggestions. If it has been formerly put to them on paper & you cover their important position & their response in prayer, then you will need to leave the matter in the Lord's Hands. Jesus said that He will build His Church - He has the last word, not the committee.
Like Mishael said there are many opinions on this and your question is there any scriptural support for pre-tribulation I would have to say no. God has not promised us to be spared tribulation, it is pretty much the opposite, John 16:33Acts 14:222 Thessalonians 1:4. The Great tribulation and the wrath of God is two different things. God will spare us his wrath, 1 Thessalonians 5:9 His wrath will be on the unrighteous, Romans 1:18.
People looking to be raptured and taken to heaven before the beast shows up and the persecution worldwide starts will not be prepared and this may cause the great falling away. Some have taken the seventh week from Daniel and other scriptures to paint a beautiful picture that is not scriptural. Millions of dollars from movies, books, tv preachers have been made on this theory that started in the 1700s
Jesus told us in Matthew 24:29-31Mark 13:24-27 it will be after the tribulation. There is more but this should answer your question, if we are living when it starts, we will go through it, Matthew 10:22. We must do what Jesus told the disciples when they asked him about the end. The first thing He said was Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
There will be a great temptation coming, and we must be strong in our faith in His word, even unto death, because we have this promise. Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
I will comment on versus 19-21; we are warned by the Apostle Paul in these versus that if Christians live an ungodly lifestyle, they will not inherit the kingdom of God. In order to understand the warning we must first understand the difference between entering the first dispensation of the kingdom of God, and inheriting the second dispensation of the kingdom of God. All Christians, upon being born again enter the kingdom of God, as in John 3:5 & Colossians 1:13 The Lord Jesus taught during this first dispensation of the kingdom of God, it is within the heart of all believers. Luke 17:20-21 We got into the kingdom of God by unconditional promises, through faith without works, as part of the foundation that Christ Jesus laid. Yet when we speak about inheriting the kingdom, we cannot talk about this first dispensation of the kingdom of God at all, seeing the word used here is inheriting, meaning, the Apostle Paul is referring unto the second dispensation of the kingdom of God, known as the millennial kingdom. Not all Christians will make it into this kingdom, although they will all go to heaven, yet to make it into the kingdom of heaven, it is not a free gift, rather you must earn entrance by meeting conditional promises, as in Matthew 7:21 and as in Acts 14:22 and as in Matthew 3:5 and Matthew 3:10 All of which speak of entering the millennial kingdom of heaven by faith with works, as you meet the conditions spoken of in those chapter versus. On the other hand, if a Christian lives an immoral lifestyle, as mentioned here in these seventeen sins, he is denied entrance into the millennial kingdom of God, and will remain in heaven until the thousand year kingdom is over.
Hi Alex N. In your response to conditional promises, you wrote about the kingdom of God, as though all Christians already have this in them, I should clarify this statement therefore to you, the first dispensation of the kingdom of heaven is inwardly, it lasts for 2,000 years, from the time the Lord Jesus died until he returns, according to the Lord Jesus in Luke 17:20-21 all Christians have the kingdom of God in their heart, this is also taught in John 3:5, all Christians enter the kingdom of God when they are born again, The Apostle Paul affirms this truth in Colossians 1:13, however, this is not what I was speaking about in conditional promises, I spoke about the millennial kingdom of God, which has not happened yet, no Christian has entered this yet, all scriptures place conditions upon entering that kingdom of God. I will say this, we made it into the first dispensation of the kingdom by faith without works, but to make it into the millennial kingdom, it is by faith with works. Please read Matthew 7:21 only if a Christian does the will of God can he make it in, this is a condition attached to making it in the kingdom. Read Matthew 25:14-30 unless you used your talents you cannot make it into the joy of the Lord, being the millennial kingdom, again a conditional promise to get it, or read Acts 14:22 as we must suffer much tribulation in order to make it into the kingdom, another conditional attached to making it into the millennial kingdom of heaven. Again read the warnings of why Christians will not make it into that millennial kingdom in 1 Cor. 6:9-10 & Galatians 5:19-21 & Ephesians 5:3-5 as a result of living a godless lifestyle, you lose your inheritance of entering into the millennial kingdom of God, in order to rule and reign for a thousand years. As concerning your topic of the man child teaching us all things, that prophecy is for the coming of Elijah in Malachi 4:5-6 it is not the ministry of the man child. I hope this explains conditional promises.
Here the apostle Paul gives warning unto all Christians concerning the millennial kingdom, he warns if Christians live an ungodly lifestyle of immorality in these seventeen sins or the like, they cannot inherit the kingdom of God. This warning is specifically speaking about not inheriting a kingdom, it is not speaking of Christians who live immoral lifestyles cannot go to heaven. The Kingdom of God is based upon conditional promises, Christians must qualify in order for them to make it into the millennial kingdom of God, otherwise they will remain in heaven until the thousand year kingdom has expired before being resurrected. The Apostle Paul gives this same warning in 1 Cor. 6:9-10 and Ephesians 5:3-5 Even the Lord Jesus taught conditional promises must be met before a Christian is counted worthy to enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 7:21 The Lord Jesus taught if we bury our pounds we are denied entrance into the Millennial kingdom of Christ, as we must meet the conditions to qualify us. Luke 19:12-27 Again, the Apostle Paul taught conditional promises are required to make it into the millennial kingdom, as we must through much tribulation enter that kingdom of God. Acts 14:22
Ps.34:19-Many are the afflictions of the righteous:but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
Acts 14:22-We must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of GOD
The KING of DARKNESS,the Devil, showed to JESUS all the kingdoms of the world,the glory of them,and said:All will I give thee,if thou fall down and worship me.Mat.4:8-9.
Re.13:1&15:
1 I stood upon the sand of the sea(John was a citzen of Israel),and saw a(MAN)Beast rise up out of the sea(Gentile nations),having 7 heads,10 horns, upon his HORNS 10 crowns(CROWNS UPON HORNS?),and upon his heads a NAME of blasphemy.
15 And he-MAN Beast of earth-Re.13:11-a false messiah- John 5:43-47,had power to give life unto the Beast's image,that the image should speak,who worships not the image must be killed.
Daniel 3:2-20
The KING sent to gather the princes,governors,the captains,judges, counsellors,all the rulers of the provinces,to come to the dedication of the image he had set up.They stood before the image and an herald cried:To you is commanded,O people,NATIONS,and languages,that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet,flute, harp,and all kinds of musick,ye fall down and worship the image the king has set up:Whoso falls not down and worships shall be cast into the burning fiery furnace.But Shadrach,Meshach,Abednego,O king, have not regarded thee,they serve not thy gods,nor worship the image you has set up.So in his rage and fury the KING commanded to bring them,and said:Is it true,O Shadrach,Meshach,Abednego,do not ye serve my gods,nor worship the IMAGE I have set up?When you hear the sound of the cornet,all kinds of musick,ye fall down and worship the image I have made;well:if not,ye shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace;who is that GOD that shall deliver you out of my hands?
O king,our GOD whom we serve is able to deliver us from furnace,thy hands,and we will not serve thy gods,nor worship the image you have set up.
That said,Get ready
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
21...then shall be great Tribulation(Dan.12:1& Acts 14:22),such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time(to this current time, time of the last GOD's Day),no, nor ever shall be.
By the way, it's very important to know who comes first: Michael or JESUS?
Michael the archangel is one like unto the Son of man, the difference is that Michael is a warrior, JESUS the Savior, He is the stone which is become the head of the corner. There is no salvation in any other(except in JESUS Christ):for there is none other NAME under heaven given among men, whereby we MUST be saved.
Get ready
May we be obedient, diligent, and faithful in our walk with the LORD.
Merry Christmas everyone and have a prosperous New Year.
December 24, 2023
Your thinking is from human perspective, a stumblingblock, not from GOD's perspective- Matthew 16:23-23.
In Romans 5:9 Paul was speaking of the salvation of the wrath, NOT of the salvation of the tribulation. It seems you don't know to distinghish between WRATH and TRIBULATION. When Paul, author of Romans, returned to Lystra, and Iconium and Antioch- Acts 14:22-, he said to the believers to exhort the disciples to continue in the faith, because we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of GOD(as is written in Revelation 11:15-18 and 1 Cor.15:24-26).
Furthermore, you repetidly say in your post the Father WRATHED against His Son, the Christ, the Messiah, what you are preaching will NEVER happended, GOD the Father NEVER wrathed against His Son, so what you wrote is devilish, in fact is satanic. As was revealed to Isaiah "Surely he -JESUS, the Messiah- hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows, He was WOUNDED for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the CHASTISEMENT WAS UPON HIM (NOT THE WRATH OF THE FATHER AS YOU IN MALIGN SENSE WROTE) and with His stripes we are healed. Yeah, GOD NEVER wrathed against His own Son. By the way, your evil post is a confirmation of what is written the Word of GOD: "he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth"- John 3:31:
Your interpretation of Scriptures is not different of the man of sin, son of perdition- Genesis 3:1, but equal. GOD forbid us.
Well, in fact "no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him- Matthew 11:27. It's it.
I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Written by Paul. Paul's Inscription is on all thirteen of his letters.
II. TO WHOM IT WAS WRITTEN:
It was written to Timothy who was pastoring in Ephesus and its territories, because out of Ephesus went the missionary journeys. So, Timothy not only was pastor at Ephesus, but also several churches. We know at least the churches that are in the book of Revelation.
III. THE HISTORY OF TIMOTHY:
His name mentioned 24 times in the New Testament. Timothy was from Lystra and was saved during Paul's first missionary trip ( Acts 14:19-20; 16:1-2). His mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, were godly Jewish women, and we see that in 2 Timothy 1:5. They were Jewish, they were raised on the scriptures, and they also had been saved under Paul's ministry, and had a great influence over Timothy's life.
Timothy was about 15 years old when he met Paul.
Timothy's father was a pagan Greek ( Acts 16:1; II Timothy 1:5).
Timothy was raised hearing Old Testament Scriptures ( II Timothy 3:14-15).
He joined Paul, along with Silas and Luke, during their second missionary trip ( Acts 16:3).
Paul had Timothy circumcised so that he might have the freedom to preach the gospel in Jewish synagogues ( Acts 16:3; I Corinthians 9:20).
Because his mother was Jewish, he is considered Jewish, even though his father was a Greek. Now had it been reversed, and his father was Jewish and his mother a Greek, he would not be considered Jewish. The mother has to be Jewish to be considered Jewish.
1 Timothy and Titus were written between Paul's first and second imprisonment. And 2 Timothy was Paul's last letter that he wrote, some believe hours before he was executed outside of Rome. Tradition says that he was beheaded.
But then you have Philemon which goes with Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. The reason why Philemon is there on the end is because the final four letters are the only four letters written to individuals. And that's how they canonized scripture. They put the individual letters at the end and put the church letters at the front.
So that's why Philemon is on the end, but it really was part of the prison epistles, or prison letters.
I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Written by Paul. Paul's Inscription is on all thirteen of his letters.
II. TO WHOM IT WAS WRITTEN:
To Timothy who was pastoring in Ephesus
III. THE HISTORY OF TIMOTHY:
His name is mentioned 24 times in the New Testament. Timothy was from Lystra and saved during Paul's first missionary journey ( Acts 14:19-20; 16:1-2). His mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, were godly Jewish women. In fact, Timothy was taught the Old Testament scriptures since he was a little boy. So, he has a scriptural background.
Timothy was about 15 years old when he first met Paul. And when Paul writes his letter to Timothy, he's approximately 35. So, he has spent approximately 20 years with Paul in ministry learning.
Even though Timothy's mother and grandmother were godly Jewish women, his father was a pagan Greek ( Acts 16:1; II Timothy 1:5).
Thanks again Jimbob for your thoughts on this. Tribulation or Great Tribulation? I see a difference. The apostles, the early Church & believers today are not exempt from tribulation; it will come to us as declared ( Matthew 13:21; John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Romans 8:35; 2 Corinthians 7:4; etc): not just physical hardships, but certainly the exercises by the enemy against us, even to testings of faith & martyrdom. We are not insulated from any of these, nor should we expect to be, but what of the Tribulation sent by God our Father? You shared 1 Thessalonians 3:4, "For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know." You understand that Paul was referring to the Great Tribulation, of God's Wrath. I don't see that at all in his discourse, rather, that Paul was describing his own afflictions (vv 3,7 & coupled with 1 Thessalonians 2:2,9,14). I see a clear difference between the two expressions of Tribulation: that which comes to all of us, & that which is only directed to haters of God & His Christ.
What then are we not appointed to? To our daily tribulations, even to suffering or dying for Christ, or to God's Wrath to unbelievers? I note that you agree to this: that believers won't face the outpouring of God's Wrath against a Christ-rejecting World, by your understanding that this outpouring will happen only after the believers are caught away (i.e. post-tribulation). The contention then is: is God's Wrath the same as the Great Tribulation? I believe the Great Tribulation is still to come - we haven't in the least begun to experience anything of it now. When it starts, we know that the time of the end is at hand and believers will be caught away before the world begins to feel the Mighty Hand of God against them. (cont'd).
part 3 continued..
"They know not, neither will they understand; they walk in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are out of course. I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the Most High. But ye shall die like men; and fall like one of the princes. Arise, O God, judge the earth; for thou shalt inherit all nations."
Here the judges appointed over Israel were called "gods" because they represented God before the people when they judged matters. But God speaks ill of them because they were wicked and made unjust judgments. He was not affirming that they were indeed, divine beings, nor that they would or could become so. No, rather, God was judging them to be mere men who will face death as every human will.
In Acts 14:11-15 says, "And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia; The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter, and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. Which when the apostles, Barnabus and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein."
Here, the people were so sure that Paul and Barnabas must be gods because they had miraculously healed a crippled man. But the apostles were grieved that the people would treat them as gods and wished to sacrifice to them. They refused such worship and pointed the people to the living God instead.
see next post....
Or, if you want to read the many other verses pertaining to healing, then this Site has helps on this topic & others. At the top of this page, go to 'More', then to 'Bible Verses About Various Topics' (under Bible Study Help). Then go to 'H' and search for 'Healing, etc.'
Hopefully these are helpful & encouraging & healing to you, that you likewise will help others Matthew 10:8,
As a simple man, my understanding of faith is based on belief, trust, obedience, and thanksgiving, from our mind to our heart, a relationship offered by God through the sacrifice and resurrection of His Son Jesus, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Faith is a responsibility likened to marriage referred to many times in the bible. Our commitment and love are shown by our actions, which come from our hearts to our hands as in James 2:14-17 which is sometimes misunderstood as works for salvation.
This faith is a gift we have been given, its growth is dependent on how it is fed. Jesus said faith as small as a mustard seed can move a mountain, that shows how large it can grow in the word of God and prayer. We can sometimes hinder its growth as said in Col. 2:8 following the majority down the wide road when the truth is down the path that has grown up from the lack of traffic.
It will be tried, we have been told we will be tempted and will have tribulation in this world that many say we will be spared, John 16:33 Acts 14:22, but that builds patience, James 1:3. We see we will need if we are here, we will need in the great tribulation Rev. 13:10.
The growth of our faith is to add "virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity' 2 Peter 1:4-8.
This may not be what you are looking for but just my thoughts.
God bless,
RLW
Hello Bee V. Thank you for sharing all that is on your heart, especially your agony over your husband's spiritual state.
But to your first question: "What verses apply to a Christian wife who was a fornacator before she was married?" I'm assuming that the woman in question wasn't a believer at the time of her indiscretions. But even if she was a believer, almost all sin is forgivable when truly repented of & cast aside, as we read in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." And as Paul & Barnabas urged the Gentiles to "turn from these vanities (sins of idolatry & false worship) & turn unto the living God" ( Acts 14:15). Forgiveness from God comes when we repent of our sins & purpose in our heart to turn from them.
And then to your husband, and particularly the state of his soul before God & his disbelief in the authority & veracity of the Scriptures. This is always a hard area to deal with as once a person has in his mind that something is false, then any proof given may well be rejected. However, I would base my discussion with him on: on what basis was he saved (just from a man's word, or from that word that originated from the Bible)? If he has doubts about the Bible, then he should have doubts about his salvation, the reality of God & Jesus, & in fact much of history of that time. Onto Page 2.
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.
Acts 12 again shows process of time, note Acts 12:25, Acts 14:21-28, again Acts 15, note Acts 15:33,36, Acts 27, Acts 28:11,
Acts 18:11,18, Acts 19:10,22, Acts 20:3, Acts 24:27, Acts 28:30
Hopefully these are helpful
Judas Iscariot, with the other eleven, were never apostles while they travelled around with Jesus. They were called Disciples (i.e. a student, a follower of a Rabbi or teacher). They were only known as Apostles after Jesus died, arose from the grave, & He sent them out into the world. Apostle, means 'one sent out; a messenger'.
After Judas Iscariot died, Matthias was appointed as his replacement & this appointment was from God ( Acts 1:24-26, i.e. the eleven prayed asking God to direct them to this new disciple). So, men did not choose Matthias, God did by their casting of lots. And this had to be, as Peter declared, by referring to the fulfilment of Psalm 41:9; Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8.
True, we don't hear of Matthias, but the lack of information doesn't mean that he just disappeared & went back to his occupation, or whatever else. We don't hear again of several of the other disciples either after Acts 1:13.
Paul was an apostle of Jesus Christ. As was Apostle Barnabas ( Acts 14:14), James (the Lord's half-brother; Galatians 1:19), possibly Timothy & Silas ( 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:6, if Paul was using 'we' to refer to them as apostles as well). And Paul often had to emphasize his apostleship to the Churches, & even defend it, as believers were being seduced to believe otherwise (as much of 2nd Corinthians indicate).
So, from what we read in the Scriptures, Matthias was the twelfth disciple, being an apostle, & subsequently, Paul & others were either called by the Lord to apostleship, or considered as apostles because of their ministry of getting the Gospel out.
Paul wrote two letters to Timothy who was pastoring the church in Ephesus. Timothy's name is mentioned 24 times in the New Testament. Timothy was from Lystra and he was saved during Paul's first missionary journey ( Acts 14:19-20; Acts 16:1-2)
His mother Eunice, and his grandmother Lois, were godly Jewish women. In fact, Timothy was taught the Old Testament scriptures since he was a little boy. So he has a scriptural background. Timothy was about 15-years-old when he first met Paul. And when Paul writes his letter to Timothy, he's approximately 35. So he has spent approximately 20 years with Paul in ministry learning.
Even though Timothy's mother and grandmother were godly Jewish women, his father was a pagan Greek. ( Acts 16:1; 2 Timothy 1:5). Timothy was raised hearing Old Testament Scriptures. ( 2 Timothy 3:14-15). He joined Paul, along with Silas and Luke, during second missionary trip. ( Acts 16:3).
Paul had Timothy circumcised so that he might have the freedom to preach the gospel in Jewish synagogues. ( Acts 16:3; 1 Corinthians 9:20). He could not do that unless he was circumcised. Timothy was ordained by Paul and the Presbytery. ( 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6). He accompanies Paul on his third missionary trip. ( Acts 19:22; Acts 20:4; 2 Corinthians 1:1, 1:19).
Timothy ministered in at least five churches as Paul's representative:
1) Thessalonica ( 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 3:6)
2) Corinth ( 1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10; 2 Corinthians 1:19)
3) Philippi ( Philippians 2:19-23)
4) Berea ( Acts 17:14)
5) Ephesus ( 1 Timothy 1:3)
Timothy was with Paul during Paul's first imprisonment ( Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; Philemon 1:1) and went to Philippi after Paul's release. ( Philippians 2:19-23). Timothy was around 35-years of age when Paul wrote I Timothy. Timothy also suffered imprisonment. ( Hebrews 13:23).
Hope this helps!
Matthew 1:6 Jesus called Christ, John 4:25, Luke 6:15, John 1:42, John 11:16, not Colossians 4:11,
Romans 2:17, Romans 7:3, same supposed writer as Acts , also Romans 9:26
Matthew 26:14, Luke 23:33, John 19:13, John 19:17, Acts 6:9, Revelation 11:8,
Revelation 12:9,
Luke 2:4, Luke 8:2, John 21:2, different than Acts 9:11,
Acts 1:23, Acts 9:36,
Colossians 3:15, 1John 3:1,
Hopefully these are all helpful in your study
Please read Matthew 24, & Mark 13, Jesus' words : Matthew 24:4 "And Jesus answered and said unto them, take heed that no man deceive you" ._.._.._.. Matthew 24:7-9, "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilence, and earthquakes, in diverse places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my names sake." ._..
Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." ._.._
Matthew 24:21-22 "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."
And except those days should be shortened, there shall no flesh saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." ._._._.
Matthew 24:29-30 "immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be shaken:
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."
Also repeated in Mark 13,
Deuteronomy 4:30
Matthew 13:20-21
John 16:33
Acts 14:22
1Thessalonians 3:4,
Hopefully these are helpful in you study of the Word
Deuteronomy 4:29,30,31, 1Samuel 26:24, Matthew 13:20-21, John 16:33, Acts 14:22, Romans 5:3, Romans 8:35-39, Romans 12:12, 2Corinthians 1:3-5, 1Thessalonians 3:4, 2Thessalonians 1:6, Revelation 1:9, Revelation 2:9,10,22,
There seems to be a difference between tribulation & The great Tribulation,
Matthew 24:21, Romans 2, Revelation 7:14,
Matthew 24:3-51, Mark 13:4-37,
John 3:15-21, Matthew 25:31-46,
My understanding is, this is the deception of deceptions and will cause the great falling away, 2 Thessalonians 2:3. Part of this deception is that the great tribulation and the wrath of God are taught as being the same thing. We must understand the wrath of God comes after the second coming of Jesus not before. Matthew 24:29-31 Mark 13:24-27.
It developed in the 17th Century, and it quickly led to an understanding that the rapture of the church would be an event separate from and before the second coming of Christ. It was made popular by John Darby, and he is thought by many to be the originator but not. C.I. Scofield, with the study bible with footnotes, helped promote this doctrine of man. It started as pre-tribulation and still mostly believed in.
We as humans sometimes look for the easy way out, and many preachers oblige to fill the money plate that makes merchandise of people, 2 Peter 2:3. Scripture does not say we will be spared tribulation it says the opposite, Acts 14:22 John 16:33. It is debated that although all Christians go through some tribulation, there is yet a great tribulation to come those true believers will not have to undergo. So, who are these, Revelation 7:13-14 Revelation 20:4
Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
The mark and saving our physical life is the temptation, that so many don't believe they will be here to face, that is the great deception. Keep from does not mean we will be spared from being killed it means to spiritually guard (watch), keep intact, Hebrews 3:6. The believers in Jesus in the past were not spared being beheaded, burnt on a stake, fed to the lions, why should we.
God bless,
RLW
Unfortunately, many Fellowships today appoint committees & councils for managing Church affairs. Admittedly, Church administration is much more complex now than was encountered in the fledgeling Church, but returning back to the simple setup as given, is preferable. Indeed, the elders are tasked to oversee & manage Church affairs & I would say that all matters, even suggestions from the deacons, should be given due consideration & prayerful response. If the eldership refuses to listen to those expressing concern or giving suggestions, then there would be a fault in their understanding of being God's servants. The elders should not be overlords ( 1 Peter 5:1-4), rather lead by example, being willing & ever ready to serve the Church, knowing that they too are brethren with Christ's flock & are answerable to their Chief Shepherd.
What can you do about the problem in the Church? Not much, if this special committee refuses to listen to needs & suggestions. If it has been formerly put to them on paper & you cover their important position & their response in prayer, then you will need to leave the matter in the Lord's Hands. Jesus said that He will build His Church - He has the last word, not the committee.
Like Mishael said there are many opinions on this and your question is there any scriptural support for pre-tribulation I would have to say no. God has not promised us to be spared tribulation, it is pretty much the opposite, John 16:33 Acts 14:22 2 Thessalonians 1:4. The Great tribulation and the wrath of God is two different things. God will spare us his wrath, 1 Thessalonians 5:9 His wrath will be on the unrighteous, Romans 1:18.
People looking to be raptured and taken to heaven before the beast shows up and the persecution worldwide starts will not be prepared and this may cause the great falling away. Some have taken the seventh week from Daniel and other scriptures to paint a beautiful picture that is not scriptural. Millions of dollars from movies, books, tv preachers have been made on this theory that started in the 1700s
Jesus told us in Matthew 24:29-31 Mark 13:24-27 it will be after the tribulation. There is more but this should answer your question, if we are living when it starts, we will go through it, Matthew 10:22. We must do what Jesus told the disciples when they asked him about the end. The first thing He said was Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
There will be a great temptation coming, and we must be strong in our faith in His word, even unto death, because we have this promise. Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
God bless,
RLW
Here the apostle Paul gives warning unto all Christians concerning the millennial kingdom, he warns if Christians live an ungodly lifestyle of immorality in these seventeen sins or the like, they cannot inherit the kingdom of God. This warning is specifically speaking about not inheriting a kingdom, it is not speaking of Christians who live immoral lifestyles cannot go to heaven. The Kingdom of God is based upon conditional promises, Christians must qualify in order for them to make it into the millennial kingdom of God, otherwise they will remain in heaven until the thousand year kingdom has expired before being resurrected. The Apostle Paul gives this same warning in 1 Cor. 6:9-10 and Ephesians 5:3-5 Even the Lord Jesus taught conditional promises must be met before a Christian is counted worthy to enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 7:21 The Lord Jesus taught if we bury our pounds we are denied entrance into the Millennial kingdom of Christ, as we must meet the conditions to qualify us. Luke 19:12-27 Again, the Apostle Paul taught conditional promises are required to make it into the millennial kingdom, as we must through much tribulation enter that kingdom of God. Acts 14:22