Discuss Acts 15 Page 2

Hi Sinrpaul.

Preachers are to preach the gospel.

Preaching the rapture doesn't bring salvation. The Good news is the message of the cross.

We should be Preaching consequences of sin if we don't accept Christ as Lord and savior.

I engage in discussions on eschatology to show the Lord is going to make good on his promises to Israel. And those unfulfilled promises will be fulfilled in the Millennium. Also the Church and Israel are distinctive.

Acts 15:14-16. Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

"AFTER THIS" I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

Romans 11:25. For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

Revelation is a climax of what you studied in the 65 other books.

If you don't have some understanding on those books you won't have much understanding on eschatology.

Gid bless.

Hello Ronald,

I am not wishing to debate either. Thank you for your input.

I read last night in Acts 15:6-11. Peter says that God had chosen him to preach to the Gospel to the Gentiles so that they would believe. He went on to say that God gave the Gentiles the Holy Spirit just as He had done for them in Jerusalem. So, apparently, Peter was preaching the Gospel to Gentiles before he knew Paul.

My point is that it is wise to avoid hard and fast views concerning how the Gospel spread nor when the church began because I think that God is the only One who truly knows what He did in those days, as He builds the church and chosen whom will preach the Gospel and where.

We have the book of Acts an the writings of Paul, Peter, John, James, and Jude to reveal some information about the church in the 1st century A.D. But this is not a running history that includes the work of all the other apostles, nor the others of the 120 who were in the room at Pentecost. if we did, we would know better how things transpired. Since Scripture does not include a full account of the workings of the church at this time, perhaps we can be satisfied that the Word of God concerning the Gospel of Jesus was spread throughout the known world during that century by Jesus' apostles and disciples as well as from Believer to those in their sphere of influence. That is the important matter, in my opinion. When the apostles became apostles or began their work or when the church truly began are somewhat peripheral matters to me. But since there is this discussion on these topics, we can share what the Scriptures say about this to one another and share what we learned from them.

I appreciate your instruction to me. It helps me.

Certainly, man cannot be the judge of another's salvation, because we don't see or know what God sees & knows. If I might direct you to Acts 1:13 (James with the others were gathered in an upper room for prayer, etc.); Galatians 1:19 (James was an apostle); Acts 15:13-21 (James was a member of the Jerusalem Council); James 2:1 ("My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons": and this verse shows us that James had put his trust in Jesus & this epistle was to his 'brethren', the believing Jews who were scattered, living in other lands). In my understanding, James appears to have the same spiritual awakening & expression of faith in Jesus, as any of the other apostles. Do you see a problem here?

Restoration

In today's sermon it was brought to attention how all our relationships will be based on love for one another once we are with the Lord. This certainly should bring to mind verses such as 1 Cor. 7:11 on those who out of necessity have separated from one another in a marriage situation. Sadly; there can be contentions even among brothers in Christ who are true believers; such as that of Paul and Barnabus in Acts 15:2. I have this situation now personally with a brother in the Lord who I am declining at present to meet with personally because there have been several intense discussions that have been more like confrontations involving myself and others. It seemed prudent to address this honestly; as I have worked to mend our relationship and have continued to communicate online; but I don't want a brief visit out of town to leave further unresolved issues. There are other concerns that I will not get into here. There are several factors when it comes to continuing or not with fellowship; such as unrepentant sin in others and how it affects others in the faith; and situations where we don't sense either peace or guidance in the Holy Spirit. What is important to us is to seek forgiveness; and not harbor bitterness. It should ultimately focus on doing others good; as we would want ourselves to be treated. It is vital to clearly spell out any sin when we take things on the course Christ has laid out for us for church discipline. 1 Corinthians 5:1 shows how the most heinous sin can be forgiven; but that there must be at times expulsion from fellowship if restoration cannot be met through warnings after one on one; and the warnings of multiple leaders; and the final step of an entire congregation being made aware of a situation.

Anyone truly in Christ is grateful for exhortation and God's chastisements on sins. It is His honor and glory that is at stake; as well as that of His Body. Praise the Lord for glorification; when our sin ends

Hello David:

Yes I understood the same way you do. I just wanted to ensure that we saved as many people on this site. That is why it is important to take time to explain based on the Bible. The Book of Acts is a transitional book. Luke did a magnificent job inspired by God writing the chain of events after Jesus Christ died on the cross. Peter and the rest of the Apostles concentrated on preaching to the Jews, but when they have rejected it three times Paul went to the Gentiles. But Jews and Gentiles today can be saved by the mystery of the Gospel of Paul 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. We are saved by grace through faith. We are baptized by trusting on Jesus Christ's death, burial and resurrection meaning trusting on the blood of Jesus Christ. Christ Jesus already went to the most Holiest of Holy to sprinkle His own blood as the Jews did on earth. So anybody today can be saved by that blood. Once you are saved, the mysteries are revealed by the Holy Spirit. We are the Body of Christ, the Bride of Christ, knowing Christ in you.

Romans 16:25; Galatians 1:9-12; Galatians 2:1-14; Acts 15:11; Roman's 2:16; 1 Peter 1:10-12; 1Peter 1:18-20;

1Corinthians 4:1

Colossians 1:18; Colossians 1:24-27; Ephesians 1:13; Romans 8:9-11; Ephesians 4:30; 1 Corinthians 3:16 and many more I can share. So knowing we are saved, we know the mystery of the rapture. 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Romans 9:1; 2 Corinthians 11:31; Galatians 1:20; 1 Timothy 2:7

Revelation 3:3. We are watching and praying with thanksgiving.

We are on the last days and we want all to be saved. We are here on earth to fulfill God's purpose - To trust God and to do God's will. Nothing of anything good we do. Rejoice evermore! I am so happy to communicate with you David. Have a blessed weekend.

It is by the preaching of the Gospel of truth that Jesus Christ continually draws all men to Himself. {Eph.1:13; Acts 15:7-8}

Does God draw all people to salvation? Yes! God is not willing that any should perish { 2 Pet. 3:9; Ezek 33:11; Jn. 3:16-17; 1 Jn. 2:2} We are saved by God's Grace, through faith in Jesus Christ's Sacrificial death, burial and resurrection {Eph.2:8}. God created every human being with a free will and a measure of faith { Rom. 12;3} with which to either believe or reject the Gospels' message of eternal salvation. {Rom.1:16-18; 1 Pet. 1:25; }

God knew beforehand what each individual's decision would be. God is all knowing; totally aware of every single action, every thought and word that comes out of the mouths of every human individual; since before the creation of the world. { Jer. 1:5; Psa139:1-4; Psa.139:13-16: Heb. 4:12', 13}

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,

Acts 18:11,18, Acts 19:10,22, Acts 20:3, Acts 24:27, Acts 28:30

Hopefully these are helpful

Jim,

You can find in Acts 15:22-29 you can read the response of the Jerusalem council with Paul and Barnabas concerning whether Gentile believers are required to be baptized to be saved. The decision was "NO". So, it is not required of N.T believers. It is not a sin to be circumcised, though, as long as one is not being circumcised in order to gain favor with God, as it doesn't do that. But many chose to have their sons circumcised still in many cultures. It is o.k. to do so.

John 1:51, Luke 24:51, Mark 16:19, Acts 1:2, Acts 1:9, = Jesus was taken up

There appears to be multiple men with that name: Luke 6:16, Acts 15:27,32, John 14:22, Matthew 13:55, Acts 9:11, Acts 15:22, Acts 1:13,

A guy also from Galilee = Acts 5:37,

Matthew 27:5, Matthew 27:4-10,

It's best to study, keep reading, keep studying

Hi Phil.

Part 2.

Here's a similar argument between the Desciples in Acts 15:5-11. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

NOW THEREFORE WHY TEMPT YE GOD, TO PUT A YOKE UPON THE NECK OF THE DISCIPLES, WHICH NEITHER OUR FATHERS NOR WE WERE ABLE TO BEAR?

But we believe that THROUGH THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST WE SHALL BE SAVED,

( EVEN AS THEY.)

God bless.

The verse "the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath" ( Matthew 12:8) does seem to show that there is a justification for it to now be the day of rest and worship. We see evidence elsewhere of disciples meeting the "first day of the week" in Acts 15:30 and 20:7. Collections are also to be made on that day according to 1 Corinthians 16:9; but in that case it seemed to be specifically for Paul and it doesn't seem to indicate that was when they would always fellowship together. Colossians 2:16 could also relate to not disputing when we meet together. It doesn't seem any demand is to meet on Sunday; and Messianic Jews still do so on Saturday.

The verse about the Sabbath being made for man indicates that there is a superior principle involved. Namely; those things called "works" on the Sabbath that were added laws to the original statute were not to be considered legitimate. Whereby; a legitimate need such as eating; feeding animals; or healing men were frequently used as examples of how those principles of mercy; love and justice were to supercede superficial legalistic practices. Thus; Jesus would quote the scripture about Daniel and the shewbread as justification for His actions and that of the disciples. Those laws that were in effect specifically for the Jews were eventually superceded by grafting in of Jews and Gentiles; and since Christ is God in the flesh honoring Pentecost (which had a significant prophetic indication of Christ's fulfillment at the Ascencion after the Resurrection) we now are under grace. We are now under a New Covenant; which allows us to fulfill the law as He ever lives to intercede for us and His Spirit remains within us. (see Hebrews 7:25; Ephesians 1:13-14). There is no Temple; and animal sacrifices hence Jews have no way to follow former purification rites. We can choose to rest on Saturdays; or Sundays as I see it-just as we can still celebrate the Passover. Obviously there is much controversy here on this subject.

Part 3.

In Acts 15 the Disciples have a counsel on whether the Gentiles should be circumcised and keep the law, then Peter stands up to address the matter. Acts 15:7-11. Here you have the apostle Peter "A Jew" saying in verse 11, we Jews shall be saved in the same manner as the Gentiles! (By faith) "He's declaring "we jews have to come to the Lord by a new covenant".

This is the new birth spoken by Jesus in John 3:5 when speaking to Nicodemus. This is that which is spoken in

Jeremiah 31:31-34.

So here we have a new birth that provides a new nature that is generated by the Holyspirit. You see aspects of this in

Romans 6:1-23. Also, this is what is meant in John 4:21-24.

Here we have the quickening spirit by the second Adam that gives life under a new covenant where the old covenant brought death to the fleshly descendants of the first Adam. 1 Corinthians 15:45-50. and 2 Corinthians 5:1-6.

Ephesians 2:1-5 sums it up.

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

"AGAIN We're not talking about "Justification" we're talking about sanctification. Romans 5:1-21 handles justification.

GRAFTED INTO THE VINE BY THE RESURECTION OF CHRIST.

John 15:1-5.

Romans 6:6.

Now take these chapters in order-

Romans 6:1-23.

Romans 7:1-25.

Romans 8:1-39.

We are Justified and Sanctified by the blood of Christ and given a new nature under a new covenant that bares fruit by the power of the Holyspirit.

God bless.

Hello John. We are not specifically told where James was when he wrote this epistle, but we do know that he was a recognized leader in the Jerusalem Church ( Acts 12:17; Acts 15:13; Acts 21:18 are verses alluding to James' position there). So it can be assumed, without certainty of course, that James penned this letter from Jerusalem & directed his message to the "twelve tribes scattered abroad" ( James 1:1), since he was already in Jerusalem.

"...it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled [...]

from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well." Acts 15:28-29

Amen.

I see it that way aa well.

I believe When the Lord comes for the church then he deals with Israel the first fruit. "As a nation,'

I believe they will be driven to come to the Lord

"His way " I believe that is what Peter is saying here in Acts 15:11. 'But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ WE (SHALL) BE SAVED, EVEN AS THEY."

Also James elaborate on it in the same discussion. Acts 15:13-17. "And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:

Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

(16) "AFTER THIS I WILL RETURN,: and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things."

You noticed verse 16? AFTER THIS. .After what? Hes done with the Gentiles. I believe Paul deals with this in Romans 11. Particularly Romans 11:11-36.

Also we know it's future, David's temple didn't exist in that day, nor does it exist today.

God bless.

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.

Again, the reason certain epistles are considered to be questionable is because they do not agree with the teaching of Jesus, the Holy Ghost, and the Apostles.

Here is another glaring example from the 1st epistle to the Corinthians:

"...take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak." 1st Corinthians 8:9

The author(s) of 1st Corinthians claim Christians enjoy the liberty to eat meats that have been offered to an idol in the temple of an idol.

Christians are NOT at liberty to eat meats that have been offered to idols. In Acts 16:4-5, we're told Paul preached the exact opposite. "...abstain from meats offered to idols [...] from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well." Acts 15:29

1 Corinthians 7:25-28. It's true that this advice wasn't received from the Lord, but Paul gives this instruction to the believers (married & unmarried) in response to the "present distress" (some read it as an 'impending time of suffering'). I don't see anything wrong with an apostle giving advice concerning a situation that the Church is in, or maybe, facing, that hasn't first come from the Lord. He has every right to do so, just as the preacher today shares not only from the Word, but also his personal impressions & encouragements or warnings about events (good or bad) happening around them. This is not Paul's doctrine - it's his teaching, advice for the times they were in. And the believers could have disregarded this advice if they wished, without it being a sin; but the consequences were before them.

In Acts 15:5-30, these were apparently a particular sect of the Pharisees & they believed in Jesus Christ. However, as with the problem with Peter (Galatians chapter 2), here too these men couldn't understand nor accept that Gentiles were not bound by the old Law & of circumcision. Therefore, the determination made by the apostles & elders remained faithful to the Law of the New Covenant in Christ. These believing Pharisees needed to be taught, as also in regards to Peter.

With Acts 5:27-29 & Romans 13:1-7, we see two entirely different scenarios. The first, when the 'powers that be' oppose Christianity & the preaching of the Gospel, and the second, when citizens are required to follow governmental laws for the good of the country. If one should believe that we should not obey the govt that opposes the Gospel, then that belief needs to be effected in other instances, such as refusal to pay taxes, abide by road rules, etc. I doubt if there would be many that would put into practise such an thought.

We should not pick & choose verses to support a belief, rather understand the whole counsel of God given in His Word & yes, even holding onto apostolic teaching.

Hi Giannis.

Here we have those who wanted the Gentiles to be circumcised. A seal "Binding them to the law."

And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

Acts 15:7-11.

Did you catch what Peter said? He says we "Jews" shall be saved even as they "Gentiles" you would think it should be the other way around!! reminds you of Romans 11:25-26. Then James put it in sequence here in vs 16.

After this I WILL RETURN, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

This is all future.

Concerning Judas.

John 18:9.

That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

Judas had done already betrayed Jesus, but yet Jesus I have lost none!

Judas was never chosen to sit on the twelve thrones, Every time he was mentioned we were reminded that he was going to betray Jesus. Jesus called him a devil and a their BEFORE he betrayed him. He was never saved.

God bless you Giannis

I will be talking to you tomorrow.

Hi Giannis.

Again thanks for your reply.

We're in agreement with the blessings of Abraham to all people by faith.

But we are in disagreement that the keeping of the law binds those promises. Galatians 3:17 says otherwise.

You mentioned Matthew 19:28.

Now quoting you concerning judas.

Your quote:

"Remember that Jesus said to all 12 apostoles, including Judas, that they will sit on thrones to judge the 12 tribes of Israel. Did that come true for Judas? No, because Judas at the end walked another way. What is then happened to that promise given to Israel? It was gone as soon as they crucified Jesus and took some other way. God's promises are never unconditional,"

End quote.

Judas didn't catch Jesus by surprise and he was prophesied to betray Jesus in the old testament. And early on in John 6:70.

Take a look at the verse you referred to.

"And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have FOLLOWED ME, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

Several things here.

Jesus sitting on his throne doesn't depend on his disciples following him. If so it wouldn't be still expected after Christ was crucified, as seen here in Acts 15:14-17. and elsewhere in scripture after the crucifixion.

Jesus says That ye which have FOLLOWED ME. A desciple is one that follows one's teachings . Does that sound like Jesus?

When were they sent out with the power and influence of the Holyspirit? After Jesus resurrection and after the death of Judas. Paul was born out of due season. There's your twelve.

Concerning 1949. yes they're in the land but is Christ sitting on David's throne?

They won't behold him as a nation until they say blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord. And is the lion laying down with the Lamb? Is the devil chained a thousand years? None of the Millennium prophecies have been fulfilled. See Isaiah 65:19.

God bless.

Hi Giannis.

Are we heirs of the promise? Yes.

Are we as Issac children of promise? yes. These particular promises you are referring to in " Galatians 3:17." has nothing at all to do with " Replacement theology "

Here we are talking about promises to the NATION OF ISRAEL

All through the scripture God promised to restore "THE NATION OF ISRAEL." and set up a literal kingdom here on earth.

Concerning Romans 9:6-8.

vs 6, Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For "THEY are not all Israel, WHICH ARE "OF" ISRAEL:

This verse doesn't include us Gentiles at all. At this particular junction. Paul is making a distinction between the natural seed and the spiritual seed of the natural / Kinsman offspring.

There has always been an remnant. The distinction is to show the seed is not recond on birthright alone, if so the Ishmaelites would be included.

Key verse: Romans 9:3.

Are we Paul's

kinsman in the flesh? No.

John 10:16. says there is 2 sheep folds that will come together and become one.

Israel is one of these sheep folds.

These verses doesn't apply to us.

Romans 11:1-5.

Romans 11:25-26.

Romans 11:27.

Here in Romans 11:28-30. notice the distinction in the words like "they" and "their" that shows there's 2 distinctive groups.

"As concerning the gospel, "THEY" are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, "THEY" are beloved for the fathers' sakes.

For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through "THEIR" unbelief:"

God will turn again to the NATION OF Israel.

Acts 15:14-17.

The context of my post is on a literal Kingdom here on earth and we are not the children/nation of Israel whom certain promises was given to.

God bless.

Connie,

That is a great question. I did not know the answer, but I did an internet search and found this. I cannot confirm the accuracy, but here's what I found:

There were 7 people named JUDAS in The Bible.

1. An ancestor of Jesus ( Luke 3:30-31)

2. "Judas the Galilean"mentioned by Gamaliel at the Sanhedrin. ( Acts 5:37)

3. One of the 12 apostles (aka: Thaddaeus-"son of James") ( Luke 6:16)

4. Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. ( Mark 3:19)

5. One of Jesus' half-brothers. ( Matthew 13:55)

6. A man from Damascus (on the 'street called Straight') where Paul went after he was blinded ( Acts 9:11)

7. Judas (aka:Barsabbas)-who was called a prophet and a 'leading man' among the disciples, sent with Paul and Barnabas to deliver the letter on circumcision to Antioch and encourage the congregation ( Acts 15:22, 30-32)

Hey Jay,

The word creed comes from the Latin credo, "I believe." a set of beliefs of Christianity, and without believing these creeds salvation cannot be obtained. I have been told this in different denominations of churches I have gone to. "You cannot be a Christian unless you believe these creeds". Many Christian bible discussion web sites will not let you on unless you profess these creeds.

My understanding of scripture.

You must believe that God exists. Hebrews 11:6

You must believe Jesus is the only begotten Son of God.,18 6:40; 1 John 4:14-15, 5:5, 5:10

You must believe God gave His only Son for us to have eternal life John 3:16

You must believe Jesus came in the flesh 1 John 4:3 2 John 1:7

You must believe that Jesus is the Christ 1 John 2:22

You must believe Jesus died for Your sins. 1 Corinthians 15:2-3

You must believe God raised Jesus from the dead. Romans 10:9

You must believe we are saved by Jesus' life Romans 5:10

Being baptized in the name of Jesus. Acts 2:38 Acts 8:16

You must believe we are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus 1 Corinthians 6:11

You must believe we obtain salvation only in Christ Jesus. John 14:6 2 Acts 4:12 Timothy 2:10

Are there any scriptures saying you must believe in these creeds for salvation?

Are these creeds similar to what the sect of Pharisees tried to do in Acts 15? What did Peter say? Acts 15:7-11

God is not the author of confusion. 1 Corinthians 14:33

God bless,

RLW

Hello April. Just to add to Daniel's very good advice he's given you; what you're wanting to do in reading through the Bible in a year is very commendable. You can get guidance from the Web, if you search for 'Reading the Bible in a year', & it will give you a systematic reading program, sometimes reading a couple of Old Testament chapters & one New Testament chapter per day. Though this might be a good way of reading as much of the Scriptures as you can, you need to keep in mind that there is no 'saving' merit before God in having accomplished such a great task. What is important is that you understand what you are reading (i.e. not necessarily from an in-depth study), but you allow God's Spirit to guide you & help you apply the Truths you learn, in your life. Bible reading is a discipline, & when you truly desire to learn more about God, His Son & Holy Spirit, and Christian living, even absorbing the Word in smaller chunks will be very useful to you. A good Study Bible, with its cross-references & footnotes, can also be very useful. There are many good ones out there; I use the Ryrie Study Bible (in KJV).

And as Daniel has written, no one will go to hell for not reading the Bible right through. People only go to hell if they refuse the offer of salvation that God has given to us, through His beloved Son. Some might want to get to Heaven their own way (by following various religions or philosophies, doing good works, self-harming, etc.), but the only way possible is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved ( Acts 15:11; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9). When we believe & are born again by God's Spirit, His Spirit indwells in us, seals us as belonging to God ( Ephesians 1:3-14), & ministers special Grace & Wisdom to us to live this new life. So, when Jesus comes for His own or we go through the portals of death, all who have His Spirit in them, who are marked as belonging to God, will be taken to be with Him - that is His Promise & Guarantee. Blessings.

Hello Mac. Btw, I'm not the same Chris who wrote to you much earlier; and also, I think you should have written in your first paragraph, "Saturday is the only day God blessed", in keeping with your belief.

Those, like yourself, who believe that the Sabbath is the "day God blessed & sanctified", need to also consider some other questions on this matter.

Questions such as: to whom was this Law (& indeed all Laws), given? What was the purpose of these Laws?

What is the meaning & requirements of the Sabbath? Was it any more than a rest day, a cessation of all work?

Is the Church that is formed under the New Covenant, obliged to come under those Laws (this Church which now comprised both saved Jews & Gentiles)?

When there was an instance in Acts 15:1-31, where the demand for Gentiles to be first circumcised & to keep the Law of Moses to be saved had to be dealt with, what was the response & apostolic decision? I'm sure you know the passage well. Did the apostles ever require the Gentiles, or any new believer, to come under the Mosaic Law?

If the Old Law only brought condemnation ( 2 Corinthians 3:6-17) & had to be done away with through Christ's Death, how is the Christian now able to know & fulfil the Laws of God?

If a believer now believes that he needs to keep the Laws & Sabbath in particular, can he condemn another who doesn't & who has understood the liberty Jesus gained for him to obey, to live, to worship God, as the Holy Spirit directs ( Romans 8:1-4; Galatians 5:1-4,18,25)?

Just a few questions to consider - not expecting answers, but hopefully to direct your mind to the full meaning of the full redemption we now have in Christ Jesus: redemption from sin's penalty & redemption from the Law's curse. We now obey many more Laws of God, more than what was given to the Jews to obey, & we do so from the continual ministry & power of God's Spirit.

The apostle Peter gave the answer to this question about the Gentiles being circumcised, in that God would not have us to put a yoke upon the Gentiles, that neither the disciples, nor our fathers could keep. We are all saved, Jews and Gentiles by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ by grace, not of works lest any man should boast. Paul said all boasting must be in the Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. About celebrations every man must be fully persuaded in his own mind not to set a stumbling block before our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us be at peace with all men and follow holiness, for without holiness no man will see the Lord. So all of our righteousness is imputed by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His holiness is imputed to our account by faith

Rachel.

Part 3.

God chose Israel in time; He chose the church in eternity. Since God made the choice in eternity, there has not arisen anything unforeseen to Him which has caused Him to revamp His program or change His mind. He knew the end from the beginning (see Acts 15:18).

First of all, we've seen that He chose us-and that's a pretty hard pill for us to swallow. Secondly, the Father predestinated us to the place of sonship. Thirdly, the Father made us accepted in the Beloved.

I cannot repeat often enough that election is God's choosing us in Christ. I emphasize again that men are not lost because they have not been elected. They are lost because they are sinners and that is the way they want it and that is the way they have chosen. The free will of man is never violated because of the election of God. The lost man makes his own choice. Augustine expressed it like this: "If there be not free will grace in God, how can He save the world? And if there be not free will in man, how can the world by God be judged?" Here again is Paul's strong statement, "What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid" ( Rom. 9:14). Now if you think that there is some unrighteousness with God, you had better change your mind.

Predestination is never used in reference to unsaved people. God has never predestinated anybody to be lost. If you are lost, it is because you have rejected God's remedy. It is like a dying man to whom the doctor offers curing medicine. "If you take this, it'll heal you." The man looks at the doctor in amazement and says, "I don't believe you." Now the man dies and the doctor's report says he died of a certain disease, and that's accurate. But may I say to you, there was a remedy, and he actually died because he didn't take the remedy. God has provided a remedy.

See part 4.

Hi Lorri, glad to meet you.

From what I have read, and T. Levis has given Scripture, the just causes for one to divorce a spouse are;

1) If the other spouse is unfaithful-adultery

2)If the other spouse abandons the marriage and reconciliation is not possible-such as if the other spouse marries another.

3)If the other spouse is abusive, separation and eventually divorce may be in order.

Deuteronomy 24:1-4, Matthew 5:31-37, Matthew 19:3-12, Mark 10:2-12,

Is it OK to divorce what are just cause for one