Discuss Acts 16 Page 5

Part II (Previous) Gospel of the kingdom

Rightly Divided From ( 2 Timothy 2:15) From "Things That DIFFER!":

Gospel Of The GRACE Of God =

Gospel of the Uncircumcision ( Galatians 2:7; Galatians 6:15; Romans 4:9-11)

Preached first by Paul, then his companions ( Acts 13:38-39; Acts 20:24; Acts 16:31; Romans 3:24)

The Mystery Program for The Gentiles ( Ephesians 3:1-3; Colossians 1:25-27; Romans 16:25)

The preaching of The Cross as Good News ( 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4)

Gospel to be believed = Christ's Work ( Romans 5:6 Romans 5:8 Romans 5:10; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

Salvation By GRACE Through faith plus nothing ( Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 4:5; Titus 3:5)

Justification by faith without works emphasized ( Romans 3:28; Romans 4:5,16; Galatians 2:16)

Repentance as a synonym for faith ( Acts 17:30; Acts 20:21; Acts 26:20; Romans 2:4)

Involves reconciliation to God and man ( Romans 5:10-11; Romans 11:15; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Ephesians 2:16; Colossians 1:21)

Covers Paul's letters Romans - Philemon (Also Acts 9-28)

Not under the law ( Romans 5:20-21; Romans 6:14; Galatians 5:6)

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IMKane, hope this was helpful answering your Great questions.

Please Be Richly Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, And Edified!

Thank you brother ChrisE, I was afraid that I did understand you, as you wrote about this in your comments.

Re: 1 Corinthians 1:17. I believe that Paul "was not sent to baptize", as his calling & ministry was specifically to the preaching of the Gospel & for the establishing of assemblies of believers particularly among the Gentiles, to whom he was called. However, he did baptize Crispus ( 1 Corinthians 1:14, Acts 18:8) & Gaius ( Romans 16:23), & others, such as the household of Stephanus ( 1 Corinthians 1:16), though this seemed not to be the thrust of his ministry. So the fact that he did baptize (& I doubt if we could interpret the word to be 'baptize with the Spirit'), it must prove that water baptism was still performed as prescribed by the Lord in Matthew 28:19. How else would you read this?

I can understand where Ephesians 4:5 & 1 Corinthians 12:13 (as examples given by you) refer to baptism by the Spirit, however, the other references ( Colossians 2:12; Galatians 3:27; & Romans 6:3-4) clearly imply that believers were baptized in water. So yes, I see two baptisms: one for identification & the other, for bringing into the Body of Christ & infilling.

In your mind, would Scriptures such as Matthew 28:18; Acts 8:13; Acts 8:36; Acts 9:18; Acts 10:47,48; Acts 16:15; Acts 16:33; Acts 18:8; Acts 19:5; & Acts 22:16, be speaking of Spirit baptism? I ask, as I've attempted with great difficulty to reinterpret those verses to mean anything other than immersion in water. Yes, there is the ONE Baptism that is important, that from the Spirit, yet the Scripture is replete with examples of water baptism following repentance as an act of identification. Now if I could find a verse to show the annulment of it, I would be forced to re-think this matter. Thank you for sharing those thoughts brother.

Hello David. It seemed that at this particular time, the Lord had other plans for Paul (& Silas). As you recall, in Acts 16:1-5, Paul was already in Asia (Minor) ministering, & he wanted to continue to reach out to those regions (as he had a heart for them, seeing that he was also from there: from Tarsus, Cilicia). So as he purposed to go further in Phyrgia & Galatia (v6), the Spirit forbad them from pursuing this course & wanted him to turn the opposite way, to head towards Greece (Macedonia, in particular). So he obeyed & got to Mysia, but I think Paul wanted to do a quick stop in Bithynia (NE of Mysia), but here again, the Spirit detected a wrong path by the apostle.

So from Mysia, Paul & Silas touched the coast at Troas (v8), when the purpose of this detour was revealed to Paul; that he had an appointment amongst the people of Macedonia (v9). And there in Macedonia, in Philippi, he met several folk: Lydia, an evil spirit possessed girl, & a jailer & probably others we're not told of. After this, he continued his journeyings in that region (chapter 17). Even though, Paul's ministry was pressing in Asia, the Spirit had another, maybe more urgent work in Macedonia for him to fulfil. Paul did however go back into Asia on his Third missionary journey.

ANY OTHER FEARS can be relieved eternally, by giving your heart, mind and life to Jesus Christ right this minute.

Respond: Believe, Repent, Confess, Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior

To be saved, we must believe that Jesus is Lord and believe that He died for our sins. This confession acknowledges before God that we are unable to attain righteousness on our own and that we accept His plan for our lives.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. Amen! Acts 16:31

Yet to all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. Book of John 1:12

[Dear God, I believe in you and that your Son, Jesus Christ, is Lord. I believe in His sacrifice for my sins and His resurrection from the dead. I repent and ask forgiveness for my sins and I'm deciding now to follow you. Please, come into my life through the gift of your Holy Spirit. It is in the Lord Jesus' name that I ask and receive, Amen.]

The Bible says doing these things with sincerity means YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN. (Follow Jesus) and you will have eternal life in heaven.

1 John 5:13

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Use caution in trusting your feelings, as feelings change. Stand on God's promises- they never change. If you backslide, pray a prayer to re-commit.

1 John 1:6-10, 1 John 2:1

ANY OTHER FEARS can be relieved eternally, by giving your heart, mind and life to Jesus Christ right this minute.

Respond: Believe, Repent, Confess, Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior

To be saved, we must believe that Jesus is Lord and believe that He died for our sins. This confession acknowledges before God that we are unable to attain righteousness on our own and that we accept His plan for our lives.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. Amen! Acts 16:31

Yet to all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. Book of John 1:12

[Dear God, I believe in you and that your Son, Jesus Christ, is Lord. I believe in His sacrifice for my sins and His resurrection from the dead. I repent and ask forgiveness for my sins and I'm deciding now to follow you. Please, come into my life through the gift of your Holy Spirit. It is in the Lord Jesus' name that I ask and receive, Amen.]

The Bible says doing these things with sincerity means YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN. (Follow Jesus) and you will have eternal life in heaven.

1 John 5:13

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Use caution in trusting your feelings, as feelings change. Stand on God's promises- they never change. If you backslide, pray a prayer to re-commit.

1 John 1:6-10, 1 John 2:1

Page 2.

In very truth, God accepts the penitent sinner purely on the act of true repentance for sins & faith in the Lord Jesus Christ ( Acts 16:31-33). That's the Holy Spirit's Work to draw you to God & give you faith to believe ( Ephesians 2:8,9). Water baptism doesn't save or even help in the saving of a person's soul - only one's faith in Christ's finished Work on the Cross does. If anything we do (even baptism) is added to faith, then it's no longer faith but of works ( Titus 3:4-6), & one can then unwisely say "I helped in securing my salvation". Our salvation lies only in the Cross & in believing it to be so. But baptism is an important step in a believer's Christian life.

I pray the Lord would help you & guide you in your difficult situation at home & provide a clear way to proceed with a water baptism with the consent of your husband. Every blessing in Christ.

Hi Are. Yes, the jailor was asking about a spiritual salvation. He was the head keeper of the prison, any escape would mean that he would pay the price for it - whether being jailed himself or executed for his ineptness. When Paul & Silas appeared before him, they found him about to commit suicide, for he believed that that would be the better option for him. So this jailor was so relieved that these two men didn't escape & that their honesty & fear of God and probably the Gospel message that the jailor heard from them, prompted him to realize his own sin & his need for such a wonderful Saviour.

This again shows us how God can use His children in so many ways to bring the Gospel to the unsaved. And especially when the unsaved are in great need, their ears & hearts are more open. Trouble is, so many believers lead careless lives making the Lord & the Gospel a laughing stock & a derision to so many. Though Paul & Silas were prisoners, the jailor soon realized that these prisoners were men of God, that God was with them, & they had a life-giving message for him (& his household).

When the jailor asked; Sirs, what must I do to be saved? Was he referring to salvation (spiritual saving) or physical saving - from the wrath of his superiors after Paul and Silas were miraculously released?

To be saved, we must believe that Jesus is Lord and believe that He died for our sins. This confession acknowledges before God that we are unable to attain righteousness on our own and that we accept His plan for our lives.

"...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved..." Acts 16:31

"Yet to all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38

"I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" Luke 5:32

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

There's a link on the red page: "Become A Christian", that explains the whole process.

For me: Jesus submitted to be baptized in water by John the Baptist. He was fulfilling a prophesy.

Baptism is simply us following Jesus as his disciple in a simple act of obedience.

It never occurred to me to dispute water baptism. It truly was desiring to leave my old life and rise up in the new life.

Amen Vicki.

That will be the most important thing for those who will be here.

Myself and many others prepared not to be here. One way or another we be about our fathers business. Do the work!!!

John 6:28-29. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye BELIEVE ON HIM WHOM HE HATH SENT..

Acts 16:31 And they said, BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Matthew 28:19-20. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

For now we preach the message that saves lives.

The Cross!!

Amen

Matthew 20:28. Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Matthew 28:19-20. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

JESUS COMMANDED HIS DISCIPLES TO GO OUT AND SHARE THE GOSPEL, AND THEY DID!

IT WAS IMPORTANT ENOUGH FOR THEM TO DIE FOR.

Today it is the least interesting topic of scripture.

John 3:14-16. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 10:9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Acts 16:30-31. And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

John 12:24 . Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.



John 10:1. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

Let us not treat the gospel like a history book,

And Let's understand the necessity of it.

God bless

REPENTANCE NOT NEEDED FOR SALVATION - ONLY BELIEVING

Dear readers, I have heard lots of sermons that teach that one must repent to be saved. I believe this is a false doctrine because NOWHERE in the whole Bible does anyone teach it. All the Scriptures teach is just believing:-

But what does the Bible actually teach about salvation and about repentance? Here are a few verses:-

John 1:7

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

John 1:12

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

John 6:29

Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Acts 15:11

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

Acts 16:31

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Romans 3:22

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Romans 10:9

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

REPENTANCE IS: TO turn from what you were doing wrong to doing it right. Its actually more of a turning. And repentance does not necessarily mean "repent from your sins". In fact in the Scriptures, God repented more than anyone else. Does that mean He is a sinner? NO!! He turned from doing what He wanted to do at first! e.g

Jonah 3:9-10

Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.

Act 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Act 16:26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

Act 16:27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

Act 16:28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

Proverbs 18:22 - Whoso findeth a wife finds a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

Not every person is going to get married. It's not a law. Apostle Paul was never married...

I don't know of any passage where Jesus says a man should or should not be married. Paul was a single man and he provided this advise.

Co 7:6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

1Co 7:7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

1Co 7:8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

1Co 7:9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

Acts 16:28, Paul shouted, saying do not hurt yourself we are all here. Because the jailer assumed he was going to be killed by the prisoners he was about to commit suicide but Paul intervened and yelled "do not hurt yourself" as the earthquake rumbled the prison releasing the prisoners free.

Did Jesus say a man should married , in his teaching?.

On what occasion did Paul make this statement.Do not harm yourself for we are all here

"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."

Acts 16:31

Dear Sacha,

If you're a Christian and don't believe Jesus is Lord then that is mystifying. If you don't believe in the many scriptures in the Bible that say not only Jesus is the son of God, but is God, then that is mystifying. You are in the minority who believe that. Many think saying such things as what you just said is a heresy, but I wouldn't go so far- I think it's just misunderstanding in the same way the other person did. Much of it involves falsely assuming a format like this: "Jesus has one title, therefore he can't (with my own human interpretation) have other titles, because my personal reasons." You suggested that Jesus is not Lord, but that's a foundational belief in Christianity and is throughout the Bible. It's sad that someone has to also assume false motives of another Christian too. Did you pray to God the Father about this before posting such controversy?

Examples of Jesus is Lord: Link

Romans 10:9

Romans 6:23

Philippians 2:10-11

Luke 6:46

Isaiah 44:6

John 13:13

1 Thessalonians 4:16

2 Timothy 1:8

Acts 16:31

1 Corinthians 12:3-5

Did you reach each of the above?

Romans 10:9 for example says: ""That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."" - some translations word it as "...if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord..."

Deut 6:4, Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

This verse is similar to: 1 John 5:7-8, John 10:30, and John 1:1, John 1:14, and so many others that say Jesus is God. This doesn't mean Jesus is God the Father, but Jesus is God the Son.

When it says "we are one" that does not mean they are separate. It means they are one. So, when a man says they can't be one, or Jesus is separate somehow, because it says they are 'one' that idea self-contradicts itself. I believe the Bible as it is written.

Thanks and Praise be to God Almighty. Thank you for the encouragement.

May God Bless You and Your House. And stay steadfast in His word and endure for the Glory of Gods Kingdom we will call home one glad day. Amen. We are a child of the King. Hallelujah !

Sowing The Seeds Until His Great Harvest

John E. Dillard, Sr.

As a follower of Jesus,we must have very thick skin.That's because of the rocks that are hurled at us daily.Even by those that read the Bible.Words matter and we will have to give an account of every one of them.

Jesus taught in Mark 9:39-41 about the attitude of a servant.When Jesus bent down to write in the sand twice, what did He write? ( John 8:6:8:8)Jesus recorded my sins and the day He came looking for me and I accepted Him as savior & they where to be never remembered and I became a new man.Was set free saved by the grace of God.The Holy Spirit teaches me all about Gods word.Read the next verse in 2 Tim 3:17 before assuming that a person is an internet prophet.That's the division I wrote about in my post.I posted what was laid on my heart.I spoke the truth.We need to realize that we may be the only Bible that the world will ever read.If we live it. It will show.If we love it.It will show.If we treat all as Jesus commands, with love.It will shine.A house divided can not stand.My first post ever:I wrote of my experience with a church as an evangelist.The Macedonian Call Acts 16:9.And the gospel was presented as comfortable and private. No coming forward as to embarrass anyone of their decision for Christ. That was not a preparation for what Christ followers must and will endure.Jesus sure did not have a very comfortable life being the King of Glory as a man here in this world of pain.He hurt and wept.He taught and prayed.He read the word of God to the people in the temple.Are we not to do as Jesus did? Jesus associated,loved and cared for those who were cast out and least desirable.That's why wrote about denominations.The Gospel is very simple, and man makes it difficult.Please don't twist another mans heart for God by the words that divide.My heart,it breaks daily for a lost and dying world.That's my focus.My Love and Prayers towards all.Our work here is not done.Don't let up or give in.

Still Sowing The Seeds Until His Great Harvest

John E.Dillard,Sr.

Thank you Sacha! Love to hear the details of a believer's life and setting. Love to see the area too somehow, someday. One year is a very long time to not get to see the mothers and to stay indoors. At our home we are five. My daughter 20, son 19, son 15 and wife younger than I. Our home is happy and peaceful thanks to the grace of God. Have a nice after noon over there. Not quite 8:30am here.

Good afternoon Carleton ,thankyou for you encouraging message ,the view out of my flat is quite nice today ,lots of sunshine and blue sky and fluffy white clouds ,the air is cool and fresh and its starting to feel like spring ,im in the north east of england ,the coldest dampest and apparently the most deprived area of england ,i dont feel deprived ,i feel rich and joyfull and thankfull to be who i am and where i am and its only because i know the Truth ,my spouse is here and weve been in lockdown together for almost 12 full months ,only seeing our mothers and only doing grocery shopping and we havent gone insane yet ! This site has helped me a lot and im thankfull for it and everyone who comes on it ,may God bless us all and bring us all closer to each other and closer to Him more and more each day untill the VERY best days are upon us all .

Good morning all! How is Sacha this day? I am thinking about looking out from the flat window and what you may see. I do hope you have love ones to help you with this and thats. I have never crossed a sea so far in my life, maybe someday still. I have a Native American by birth spiritual Christian brother who had two visions by dream just ahead of Covid 19 coming the the US. The Angel in his dream said that from across the sea which he could see in the finish by looking through the sea, that two events were to come. Not long after the first event would be another and not long after that may be the end. Perhaps the message was just for the brother. This vision was a year ago in early January. So I wonder, and so my eyes and ears and prayers wonder. Perhaps this brother's dream was only for him. Anyway, looking out of the flat with an enlightened heart their must be souls that are not ready. I am glad for this short time we and I include all, can meet here and discuss our relationships with Jesus to the best of our understandings. My love has increased, so I see the value. Keep the faith. Thank you!

Carleton

If any one seeks the truth they shall find it . Read your KJV and Pay little attention to internet prophets , there are 1000s of them . Trust the word of God and verify it . With the word of God 2 Tim 3 .16 . Or most likely be deceived by men's interpretation of the Bible .

Jesus said many will come in my name .... they have been around a long time now .

God Bless the true seekers . But stick with the scriptures The Lord never disappoints! Amen

Great post! Keep it out there.

"Macedonia Call" how many churches have built there ministry/doctrine around just this scripture?

Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow Him and denominations are not unifying the bride of Christ/The Church. The word of God is the doctrine. Study it, pray on it and live it.

That's how we win souls for Christ. I say this because many have witnessed the division of churches and some split with great fault lines being dawn. Scriptures tells us that the shepherd was struck and the flock was scattered. But Gods word tells us that they all came together again after witnessing the death of Jesus and in great conflict as to what to do next...Jesus became their focus when He appeared in the burial garden and on the road to Emmaus and when they gathered together and broke bread and Jesus came to them and supped with them and ministered unto them and comforted them. He educated them on what was to come. That it is our call. To gather in His name. Brake bread together and comfort one another and edify one another with the words and teachings of Christ.

Let's stand for Christ and not be scattered in this time of great tribulation. Let's witness to those who are lost and do not be afraid of who we offend. Let's teach the truth by speaking the truth. Be bold. Let's open our hearts even if they get broken. Let's return to God with thanksgiving and praise. This nation has smooth knees. We need to get back on them and pray that God will hear our prayers from heaven. We must repent and turn from our evil and wicked ways. Our nation is divided but let not the church. Our nation needs us. Let's show the world love. Agape love.

That's the call. God Bless You and May He keep you.

Sowing The Seeds Until His Great Harvest

Evangelist of The Gospel of Jesus

John E. Dillard, Sr.

There's a link on the red link page. This is from item 3.

Respond: Believe, Repent, Confess, Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior

To be saved, we must believe that Jesus is Lord and believe that He died for our sins. This confession acknowledges before God that we are unable to attain righteousness on our own and that we accept His plan for our lives.

"...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved..." Acts 16:31

"Yet to all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be BAPTIZED every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38

"I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" Luke 5:32

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

Hope this helps :)

This tells you about battling witchcraft