Discuss Acts 17 Page 2

Jerry.

Part 4.

EL-OLAM [el-oh-lahm]: "Everlasting God" ( Psalm 90:1-3) - God's nature is without beginning or end, free from all constraints of time, and He contains within Himself the very cause of time itself. "From everlasting to everlasting, You are God" ( Psalm 90:2).

EL-GIBHOR [el-ghee-bohr]: "Mighty God" ( Isaiah 9:6) - the name describing the Messiah, Christ Jesus, in this prophetic portion of Isaiah. As a powerful and mighty warrior, the Messiah, the Mighty God, will accomplish the destruction of God's enemies and rule with a rod of iron ( Revelation 19:15).

Those are just perhaps a few of the names of GOD.

Here's another article that might help.

Who is God? - The Fact

The fact of God's existence is so conspicuous, both through creation and through man's conscience, that the Bible calls the atheist a "fool" ( Psalm 14:1). Accordingly, the Bible never attempts to prove the existence of God; rather, it assumes His existence from the very beginning ( Genesis 1:1). What the Bible does is reveal the nature, character, and work of God.

Who is God? - The Definition

Thinking correctly about God is of utmost importance because a false idea about God is idolatry. In Psalm 50:21, God reproves the wicked man with this accusation: "You thought I was altogether like you." To start with, a good summary definition of God is "the Supreme Being; the Creator and Ruler of all that is; the Self-existent One who is perfect in power, goodness, and wisdom."

Who is God? - His Character

Here are some of God's characteristics as revealed in the Bible: God is just ( Acts 17:31), loving ( Ephesians 2:4-5), truthful ( John 14:6), and holy ( 1 John 1:5). God shows compassion ( 2 Corinthians 1:3), mercy ( Romans 9:15), and grace ( Romans 5:17). God judges sin ( Psalm 5:5) but also offers forgiveness ( Psalm 130:4).

See Part 5.

FYI: The KJV in many places is a 'free translation'. the LXX [Septuagint] is an even more free translation of the Hebrew and yet the apostles quote the LXX is very many places in the NT. Additionally, Paul quotes a pagan poet in Acts 17:28.

The KJV is itself went through a number of revisions. The version currently published by the Trinitarian Bible Society contains [rightly or wrongly] words and phrases found in NO GREEK MANUSCRIPT.

My earlier question re the source of the words "of Christ" in Romans 1:16 is an example of this issue.

As far as I am able to ascertain NO Greek MS has those words. The earliest I have found is in the 1519 Greek and Latin New Testament of Erasmus. Those words, "of Christ" in Romans 1:16 may be one of Erasmus's 'conjectural emendations'.

I will continue to research that source.

Allow me to add that the translation philosophy employed by the translation committees of the KJV is probably THE BEST POSSIBLE, notwithstanding the occasional failures in applying that philosophy.

NUNC VIVAMUS

Friend,

Quoting you;

Pay attention to v25, "AND THIS WORD WHICH BY THE GOSPEL IS PREACHED TO YOU." so it means literally the Word of God, not Christ, etc"

Isa 49:8 "for a covenant to the people"

1 Pet 1:23, says 'LIVETH & ABIDED FOR EVER" the Scriptures are the words of God that became the letter from what the apostles lived, wrote & preach from under the inspiration of the Spirit. 2Cor 3:4-6 The letter of any dispensation kills, it the Spirit along that gives Life, 1Cor 15:45

Paul says, Gal 1:12, but came by Rom 10:17 that was in his Rom 10:8 this is Word of Faith, the gospel that he preached.

He received it by the Grace of God that appears in his heart, bringing him & the rest the Word of Salvation.

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ in every heart, Christ preaching the Gospel to them diffusing the fragrance of His knowledge, to those who believe it becomes an aroma unto life, to the unbelieving an aroma unto death.

The incorruptible Seed by which we maybe born again, if received & no one is born again until they received Him in this manner of His spiritual appearances within their heart.

Jesus takes personal responsibility of us, to teach us Himself in the way that He, Himself live, walk & overcame all the temptations of the devil,. It's the Good News that the angel proclaim to the Sheppard's. Hebrews 1:2 Spoken unto us through His Son, the 1John 2:27

1Pet 1:24 is man preaching the incorruptible words of God, which in his human wisdom, learning & knowledge he contradicts, for he neither knows them because he doesn't obey them, although he professes them 1John 2:3-6

Friend, I understand were your coming from, this way of believing & living, at one time turn my world upside down.

Acts 17:6 I've had always been dull of hearing & slow of heart to believe all the Holy Spirit ever spoke to me. Now I am paying attention, as for as offenses, I'm dead to that part within me. 2Cor 10:3 . Ephesians 6:12 who seek to rule in the hearts & minds of mankind.

Page 2. Cheryl1655

The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 2:14,15, that the Gentiles who did not have God's Law served to them, do by instinct that which the Law contained - that Law (in some perceptive form) is written on their hearts & their consciences. So man, whether Jew or Gentile already had received knowledge of right & wrong, of the True God & false gods, of that knowledge pricking his heart when he knew he had done wrong, but he chose to suppress that knowledge & create his own beliefs, gods, & values. He may not know all about the True God, as Israel had known God, but each person had the evidence of God's essential requirements in their hearts; and this should cause them to turn to this 'unknown God' to worship & for help in dealing with sin that affected their hearts & consciences (even as some of the Athenians did in Acts 17:22-34).

And so the great need for the Gospel of Salvation is to go out into all the world ( Matthew 28:19,20), so that both the Jew under the Law & the Gentile without the written Law, might hear of the forgiveness, cleansing & redemption found only in Christ Jesus. There were Gentiles in the Old Testament days that were touched by God (e.g. those of Nineveh, Huram (king of Tyre), the Queen of Sheba, King Darius, etc.); they may not have fully turned from their gods to follow the True God, but we do see that Gentiles were also in God's Mind in those days, so none was without excuse.

But now through the Gift of His Son, God has reached out to ALL men everywhere, that they may find spiritual healing & a restored relationship through faith in Jesus' Name ( Acts 17:30).

John 16:8 conclusions (for now).

I thought it fitting to also point out how those in leadership will also be held accountable on this subject. There are few in ministry who will ask the congregation to pray for their needs; or who will openly acknowledge when they have done something amiss. Specifically; it is methodologies that are often held from worldly experience that are used to build up ministries; such as slick advertising campaigns. I prefer to hold to the seeker unfriendly camp; or perhaps what has been coined "your worst life now". Such advice is exemplified in Paul's harsh retort to the Corinthians who were living "like kings" at the time ( 1 Cor. 4:8). Sounds familiar; right? It would be wonderful to see the Gospel preached out of envy ( Philippians 1:15-16). That would be the case if the world was being turned "upside down" ( Acts 17:6); but in truth there are few that want to go down in a blaze of glory which the martyrdom at the time exemplified.

Exhortation; or iron sharpening iron ( Prov. 27:17) is also becoming a rare art heading toward extinction. Sin may be covered by the blood; but undoubtably still can lead to death; at least as far as the body is concerned. Such is the case with 1 Corinthians 11:30. For us to not have some awareness of the Holy Spirit convicting us of sin after salvation ignores passages such as Galatians 5:17. It is easy to ignore the desires of the Holy Spirit in the contentious struggle and just focus on the struggle with the flesh; for conflict to occur evidence of the Spirit's sanctification must be present. Again; without such things all of our "good deeds" simply are a remake of our actions to satiate God to the best of our ability; without ceding control to the Lord's authority and power. His RIGHTEOUSNESS is the only way we are going to want to obey His commandments; the whole emphasis of Psalm 119 as an example. And the Bema Seat keeps us humble now; every action is judged ( 1 Cor. 3:13)

Hi S Spencer

We are not in the millennium it is after His second coming. He defeats the ten kingdoms/countries the army of Satan, the beast, and the false prophet at Armageddon the great supper of God, Rev. 16:12-16 Rev,17:12-14 Rev. 19:11-2. Then Satan is put in the bottomless pit, Rev 20:1-3.

Judgment of those in the first resurrection who will reign with Jesus Rev. 20:4-6, the kingdom is set up and will last for 1000 years, then Satan is released and deceives the world and gathers them, the number as the sands of the sea around the camp of the saints at Jerusalem to the last battle. Fire comes down from heaven and devoured them and Satan is cast into the lake of fire,

Then the white throne judgment of all who were not in the first judgment will be judged and all whosoever was not found in the Book of Life were cast into the lake of fire. Dan. 12:1-3 Matt. 12:36 John 5:28-29 Acts 17:31 Eccl. 12:14

We cannot put the people in 70 AD and the prince in the future. The door of the ark, the men of the city, the lambs of the flock, these things cannot be separated. It is the people that shall come, who are of the prince and this prince is not some future being who had nothing to do with 70 AD.

We know by scripture Jesus confirmed the covenant and we know by scripture He was cut off/crucified and we know by scripture by His death there is no more offering for sin, they ceased, Heb. 10:14-18

Matt. 24:14-15 can also have been for those in 66-70AD history records the believers in Jesus got out and went to Pella, Luke 19:43-44 Luke 21:20-21. My other posts should show my understanding is Dan. 9 does not apply to the end times it was a prophecy of the Messiah, Jesus, and the amount of time given to Daniel's people, the city of Jerusalem, and the temple, and the judgment for their abominations.

After the 70 weeks, the mystery of the Gospel that was hidden was revealed to the Gentiles, Acts 8:54-57 Acts 9:3-15 Acts 10:9-16 Rom. 11:25

God bless,

RLW

Yes Jema,

There is no substitute for spending time in the scriptures. And it is so very important as to how we approach the scriptures and our view regarding the very nature of the Bible itself.

If we fail to recognize that every book every chapter every phrase every word is from the very Mind and Mouth of God Himself; if we look at various passages as having different levels of authority; if we do not allow the Bible to be its own interpreter and it's own dictionary; if we begin to introduce the wisdom of man into our understanding rather than applying the principles that God lays down; if we do not come humbly to the Word of God recognizing that in ourselves we know nothing; if we do not come with a desire to be obedient to what we find in the Bible; we can easily be led into error rather than into truth.

And if we are believing something other than the Truth, we are believing, and perhaps teaching a Lie.

Ultimately it is God Himself that must open our spiritual eyes and ears in order to come to Truth regarding anything in the Bible as we compare scripture with scripture. And God does this on His timetable, not ours.

2 Timothy 3:16,17 ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

The Bible (part 2)

Luke 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures

John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Galatians 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

2 Peter 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

Revelation 22:18,19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

These are just a sampling of the many verses that speak about the scriptures, the Bible, the Word of God. They should be examined both in their immediate context and the context of the entire Bible if we are to come to Truth regarding the true nature of the Bible.

True Christ vs. Imaginary (further examination of confessors vs. possessors)

The parable of the wheat and the tares should be alarming to everyone; and necessary instruction. ( Matt. 13:24-30). It is said that the wheat and tares are indistinguishable from one another before they are fully ripened. It appears from this parable that God has His purposes for these two groups to remain until the end of the age. Most probably; this is testing for those who ARE true believers to ensure that they won't fall for the temptations of this world as well as false or compromised doctines as well as a lifestyle of sin. Again; our society in general doesn't seem to be finding too many newcomers to churches because of it is a novel practice; or the world is being turned upside down ( Acts 17:6) which were characteristic of the church in Apostolic times.

However; the "damnable heresies" ( 2 Peter 2:1) are increasing along with 1 Timothy 4:1-2; etc. are invading former solid denominations so that a person can have a sense of respectability and pride in church attendance that tells them what they want to hear. Part of this; of course is the result of decades of permissive society and decline of morals; both within and without the church walls; I have stated before no doubt that the destruction of marriages is what I consider to be the primary initial cause especially post World War 2 of what we see today.

A primary example here is how people look at 1 John 2:1-2 on confession of sin and forgiveness. While it is true that Christ's death took care of all sin; past and future; we still have to confess sin; and if someone has the Holy Spirit in them they cannot be content with sin ( Galatians 5:17). a LIFESTYLE of sin such as continual adultery; theft; fornication; and other actions means that ultimately we don't trust God as to His warnings such as in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 as to reaping what we sow; and don't trust Him to be in the driver's seat in our lives and our souls.

Hi Landry,

I agree with you, this subject is rooted in the soul being immortal that came from the Greek philosophical influence. My understanding, there is no scripture to support the soul being immortal. If someone is comforted by thinking their loved one who has died is in heaven am I going to tell them their wrong, No. Is it biblical? No, it comes from the Greek definition of death as the separation of the soul from the body.

The Hebrew word nephesh and the Greek word psuche, translated as the soul that is from Genesis 2:7 to Revelation 18:4. What is the soul? What is death if our soul which is the essence of who we are is immortal? If our soul that is who we are goes to heaven when this body dies why is there a resurrection of the dead?

The just and the unjust will be resurrected, Matt. 22:31 Luke 14:14 Acts 17:32 Acts 23:6 Acts 24:15 Acts 24:21 1 Cor. 15:12,13,21,42 Phil. 3:11 Heb. 6:2. 1 Cor. 15:16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 1 Cor 15:42-44 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

I will leave it there; I know discussions of this subject can get pretty dogmatic and I do not want to show any disrespect to those who hold that we go to heaven when we die there are many.

God bless,

RLW

Hello Charlie. I don't believe that the Old Testament Apocryphal Books were largely accepted by the Church. Many had accepted them as authoritative & scriptural & even included them in the Canon of Scripture (whether within the OT framework or as additions to it), but many didn't accept them for various reasons.

If you're enquiring as to why these books were not included or even removed from the Canon, then the reasons are many. Some of them are: they were never cited as books of reference in the NT (even though we have Jude 1:14,15 & 2 Timothy 3:8 as possible examples). These quotations by Jude & Paul do give some authoritative weight to those books, though they are only mentioned to strengthen the text, just as Paul referred to the Cretians ( Titus 1:12) & in Acts 17:28 (to the Athenian poets).

The Apocrypha books were never accepted by the Jews as divinely inspired writings & were never a part of the Hebrew canon. Those books were written during those 400 'silent years' between the Testaments. Both Jewish & NT sources agree that no divinely inspired prophetic utterance occurred at that time. Jesus never referred to them as He often did to the accepted OT Scriptures. As well, even though some Truth can be gleaned from those books, they do also contain errors, both in historical matters & doctrine. When any writing, then or now, gives details that are contrary to what has been given to us (even that of the NT Apocrypha), then they must be held in suspicion. Many do read from those apocryphal books & have even asked on this Site about their authenticity & authority, but I've always shared that if one is inclined to read or study from them, that they do so guardedly & with utmost care (watching for historical & doctrinal inaccuracies), always resorting to the accepted Canon of Scripture as their final authority.

Houston...we have a problem

As we sojourn through life; there are many pitfalls which we should avoid whenever possible. It is helpful to seek wisdom as Proverbs makes clear it is more valuable than silver and gold (chapter 3; verse 14). Whatever our mission; we do well to consistently check off the boxes; as it were in evaluating how committed we are in our walk as well as be careful to avoid being ensnared in things that so easily entangle us ( Heb. 12:1) in order to run the race to the end.

God; of course is the "captain of our salvation" ( Heb. 2:10) and the author and finisher of our faith ( Heb. 12:2). Having set forth on our trajectory; and not having "shot ourselves in the foot" to cause us to skew off of the path we have Christ as our High Priest; as well as the Body of Christ placed in strategic places. Of course; a lot depends if they are fully aremed as Ephesians 6 describes. Satan always sets out to find the weakest link; and as we know a loose bolt and such can wreak havoc on a jet engine. We can so often consider only our own affect when we fall away rather than collateral damage to others who the Lord would like to use us for as a minister of reconciliation ( 2 Cor. 5:18).

He uses all things for the good for those who LOVE HIM (shouting intentional from Romans 8:28). If we are invaded by hostile forces; and we are walking in the Spirit you can be certain that your light is shining before men thus bringing out that behavior.

Persecution of course is promised for all who would be Godly in Christ Jesus ( 2 Tim. 3:12 and elsewhere). Boldness; however as Paul had helped to spread confidence among the brethren because of His excellent testimony. Would it be that we would be turning the world upside down ( Acts 17:6) rather than those who the world is making shipwrecked ( 1 Tim. 1:19).

Not that I usually quote secular artists but Neil Young said it is better to burn out than fade away (my my hey hey). Let us go out in a blaze of glory.

Spiritual eyes part 4.

Getting back to the Great Commission; the examples in Acts are things which we will not experience unless we are out there sharing our faith. It is hard to imagine today a Phillipians 1:15 situation where there is envy for those who are "turning the world upside down" ( Acts 17:6). At least in the USA it seems the impact is minimal; and probably largely due to a fear of persecution.

Prayers such as freed Peter in Acts 12; as well as Paul's release in Acts 16:25-28 are sorely needed today; of course that involves remembering missionaries and those in bonds today ( Hebrews 13:3 which certainly sounds like something Paul would have authored).

Prayer can err on both being presumptuous as to God answering things a certain way or not being boldly presenting our petitions to His throne ( Heb. 4:16). Yes; there are times when we contend with God; such as when I would guess happened when James was killed with the sword in Acts. We shouldn't use Esau's example of praying with tears as an excuse not to have heartfelt prayer; he was only concerned with the results of his sin. Sadly; I have seen very few times when tears flow because of grief and loss; I'm sure a lot of us myself included would be greatly edified by more tears of repentance realizing how great the Father's love is for us. Therefore; praise and adulation of the Lord and His Holiness; as well as our own sad state in comparison should be something starting church services and other gatherings as a routine practice. As my friend in Pittsburgh stated a couple years back when he started early morning prayers; he was "desperate for prayer". Something needed by more believers today.

Along with knowing when to act is also knowing when to wait on the Lord. Patience is a virtue I surely need more of but it is something commonplace in those possessing mature faith and good fruit in their walk. Wrestling with God all night in prayer is also commendable like in Genesis 32:22-32

Hi GiGi...Pt 1

About Judas, it is true that we don't know much about him apart that he eventually became a thief and kept stealing money from the bag ( John 12:6), so it seems he had some issues with money. I have also heard those theories about Judas but I don't know where they rely on, in which writtings.

I am sorry about your sons. My son also left the faith when he was 15, now he is 20, although he was born in the church. But we must trust God that He will eventually find a way to draw them back. This is a promise to believers, remember what Paul and Silas said to the guard in Philippi, Acts 17:31, "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, AND THY HOUSE.". There isn't much we can do on our own apart from praying and talking to them, if and when they wish to hear. I know very many cases of parents who didn't quit and insisted in praying about their kids and finally saw marvelous results. So be encouraged.

Now about the belief of OSAS I believe they found a method to overcome all those cases we see in the Bible, about believers who mess their salvation up, but also cases in the real life. The method is called "not truly saved". What does that mean? I know people who believed, were born again, lived a sanctified life for years, sacrificing many things for their faith, like their fame, even their job, they lost friends and relatives but sometime in their lifes for their own reasons they decided to go back to the sinful world and live as before. Weren't they truly saved? So what were they doing all those years in the church? What for? Were they masochists? Because being a christian means mainly sacrificies in every aspect of your life.

In the parable of the prodigal son we see a happy end, but in real life the end is not always happy. I always have in mind a couple such cases in my church. People who I met and had companionship with them for a long time.

Hey 0817880641,

From the creation of Adam until the flood there were 1656 years based on the Masoretic text or 2256 years based on the Septuagint. Only 6 books in Genesis so there is so much that we have not been told. When the flood came all that was left were eight people, Gen. 7:13,23 and they were descendants of Adam and Eve, so all mankind today came from Adam and Eve, all the rest of the people were destroyed in the flood.

Tradition places Adam and Eve as the male and female on day six and Chapter 2 is a more in-depth description of day six. With an open mind to hear, and an honest deep study of Genesis 1 and 2 you may find the purpose of the first Adam was not to populate the world but was the figure of Him that was to come, Jesus. If you study this take note of the words earth and field will help.

When God formed Adam from the dust of the ground, He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and Adam became a living soul, God did not give Adam a soul. 1 Cor. 15:47, earthy means temporal, time-based, looks like mortal, we are appointed to die Heb. 9:27.

All mankind today are descendants of Adam and Eve the same blood, Acts 17:26, there is one flesh of mankind, 1 Cor. 15:39. If there were people before Adam and Eve this earth has only been created once, the word replenish, means fill not fill again.

Nonetheless, it will not change we only can obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, what the Bible is about.

The Bible does not contradict itself; man does. Speculations on things we have not been told create confusion and division, Satan's favorite tools.

God bless,

RLW

Dear Alysasamaksm,

Jesus instructed His disciples to make disciples of all nations (through the gospel) and to baptize these disciple in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and for them to teach these disciples all that He commanded of them. Matt. 28:19.

Alyssa,we are to believe the truth about Jesus for salvation, which is the gospel message of His sinless life to fulfill all the requirements of the laws for us, His physical suffering and death on the cross to satisfy the offense of our sins to God and bring forgiveness of sins, and His bodily resurrection, that brings to us justification before God and the guarantee that we will be resurrected bodily and be glorified at His second coming. We are to believe that He is God in the flesh, the eternal Son of the Father who, though God and Spirit, became man while keeping all His divinity, to be our Saviour according to the promises made throughout the Old Testament.

Alyssa, these are the basic beliefs for one to believe for salvation. We are to believe that our salvation lies solely in Jesus and we receive this salvation by faith through grace upon receiving the truth of the gospel. Water baptism is a command of Jesus26:20for those who come to faith in Him. ( Matt. 28:19)

Peter preached as such in His sermon at Pentecost. ( Acts 2:28) and again in Acts 3:19. Paul preached as such in Acts 17:30 and 20:21 and 26:20. Preaching repentance and turning to God in faith in Jesus through the gospel message. The practice of those who believed was to be baptized following conversion.

So, while it is not absolutely necessary for salvation for one to be baptized, Jesus did command believers to be baptized, just as He commanded people to believe in Hm to be saved. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward spirtual cleansing and of being crucified with Christ and buried (thus the waters of baptism) and raised with Christ (thus the coming out of the waters of baptism) and seated with Him in the heaven.

Hey Jesse,

My understanding: Due to the flood all of mankind today are descendants of Adam and Eve through the sons of Noah. We don't look alike but we have the same blood and the same skin, Acts 17:26 1 Cor. 15:39. Satan has twisted it so that we look at each other as different races when there is only one race created by God through His only begotten Son Jesus.

Today we see people as either Jews or Gentiles with the Gentiles of many religions. We see in Deut. 7:6 God said to Israel "God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself above all people that are upon the face of the earth." If we look at what God said to Abram in Genesis 12:1-3 "and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed," this is pointing to the coming of Jesus.

Israel was chosen by God for his plan of salvation as Jesus said to the woman at the well, John 4:21-24 how we worship the Father is about to change for salvation is of the Jews. Salvation came through Israel the chosen people, who today are called Jews came the chosen One, the Anointed One, the Messiah/Christ Jesus the Son of God. Through Him, all the families of the earth will be blessed. We also see this in Matt. 12:17-21 Isaiah 42:1-4

Gal. 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

Gal. 4:4-5 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Gal. 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Whosoever is in Jesus, the Chosen One, by Him becomes the chosen people of God Jew or Gentile. Matt. 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen. Matt. 20:16 1 Cor. 1:27 Eph. 1:4 2 Thes. 2:13 Rev. 17:14. Jesus will return and reign and the chosen will reign with Him.

God bless,

RLW

Michael Homan, yes, what you described reminded me of the Bereans in Acts 17:11, they seached in God's Word to see if what they heard was truth. God Bless

Thanks Mel8 for your reply to Tammy. It is very encouraging when someone is willingly taught by the word. Mat. 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. We think of the Bereans being more noble because they searched the word daily, but maybe just as important "they received the word with all readiness of mind". Acts 17:11 God Bless our understandings.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

In Acts 10, read what the Lord told Peter when he was on the rooftop in a vision. It was not about water baptism. And we know it was not about food.

Acts 10:17, " Now while peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate",

V18, " And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there."

V19, "While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee".

V20, "Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing:for I have sent them".

V21, "Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ya are come?"

V22, " And they said, Cornelius the centurion, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear the words of thee."

I do not see anywhere in the bible where the Lord was upset at Peter speaking or preaching water baptism.

Show me.

Also, the Lord gave Peter the keys to the kingdom in Matthew 16:19,

"And I will give unto thee the keys to the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven". Peter preached Acts 2:38 & he was not in error doing so.

Hi Mary gbu but lemme give ya my slant on water baptism...God wanted a New Covenant in the blood of Jesus...When Jesus had taken the cup he said this is the New COVENANT in my blood drink ye all of it...If water cd have atoned for the sins of the world then our lord shed his blood in vain and the Cross that New Covenant was just foolishness...Johns baptism was still under the old covenant...Jesus said the law and the Prophets were till John...Since that time the Kingdom of God is preached....But he that is least in the Kingdom is greater then John...Mary love ya but you are in essence saying the blood the Cross that new covenant on Calvary was not factual....Water Baptism will atone for our sins which is not true...

...Thats y the Lord was so upset with Peter commanding water baptism...When God Almighty had just made a new covenant in the blood of Jesus the lamb of God...3 times the Lord rebuked Peter with that sheet with all the unclean animals which is the Church that made Clean only by this new covenant in the blood of Jesus....Not by water baptism the old covenant cleasing...Its a slap in the face of God and the lamb of God when you fail to acknowledge this NEW Covenant on Calvary...We cannot mix 2 covenants...Remember this New Covenant included the very Blood of God Almighty.. Acts 20:28

Even John who gave us water baptism tells us t behold the lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world...Thats y John told Jesus I have need to be baptised of you... Acts 10 :12...impling the blood of the lamb that New COVENANT....But after that Peter understood the vision he says then remembered I the words of our lord..John baptised you with water but I will baptise you with the H.G n fire...That New Covenant in his blood...Thats y Paul was so reluctant to water baptise he knew it wd make the Cross the blood of no effect... 1st Cor. 1:17...We cannot mix 2 Covenant...But the church was young and there was still water baptism going on...They didnt realize th Blood.Gbu

You are the temple of God IF you are born again You must have the power of the Holy Ghost + baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. Bible says water baptism is for the remission of sins.

Many ppl argue. Yet there is scripture. Maybe they are not sons of God yet. They can be but maybe not just yet.

How do you know you are filled w the Holy Ghost? How do you know you have Christ dwelling in you? You do not receive the Holy Ghost when u believe. Even the devil believes. The book of Acts is where the church began. P!ease read it all. It's still happening today. Oh boy there's a lot of people that don't have the love of the truth. They are in their flesh and it will be the downfall of man.

Proverbs 3:6,

1Thessalonians 3:7-13, 1Thessalonians 5:28, 1Thessalonians 1, Acts 17:16, Paul, away from his friends, longing to see many, can relate.

Hopefully you find some hope & comfort in these scriptures.

Knowledge of good and evil part 4.

The conclusion is that once Adam and any one of us started in the course of sin; then the mind was permanently ingrained with that memory; and all the desires to repeat such actions were the default mode against which there was no effective resistance apart from the Spirit of God. God would "wink" at certain things ( Acts 17:30) as specifically referring to idol worship. There were some such as Rachel in the O.T. who would be with God's people but secretly carrying family idols with her. There are other things such as "concubines" which no matter how culturally defined basically were "politically correct" versions of harlots. The situation of multiple wives and such brings out the unique situation when at first there was only a sister for instance; for Cain to marry.

We can look at the ancient conquests and widespread carnage; and go through much angst with the tough verses where God Himself commanded widespread slaughter. That is a subject which I may have touched on and could some more in the future.

What IS certain; however is that much of these things were due to sins that Israel specifically committed and of course the book of James states that people war because they lust after things they cannot have. ( James 4:2). We also had a national political and religious state where the law of the land was to be enforced directly from God's commandments. Again; there is a level of responsibility that His Covenant people had above any other nations; but the same principles are involved.

In general; there has to be a submission to God's authority involving a trust relationship which is based on His Covenant(s); namely today in the New Covenant that Christ has brought into effect. ( Heb. 9:15). All good gifts come from God above ( James 1:17). That is referring specifically to spiritual gifts; but certainly all blessings in life have Him as the source.

Let us follow Romans 12:2 and be transformed by renewal of mind.

Hi Timothy. Just looking at the Scriptures on Luke, I note that he was a close friend of the Apostle Paul, who referred to him as 'the beloved physician' ( Colossians 4:14). He is also spoken of as a "fellow labourer" ( Philemon 1:24).

During Paul's second missionary journey, Luke connected with Paul in Asia Minor ( Acts 16:6-11. Verse 10 particularly indicates this: "WE endeavoured to go into Macedonia"). Luke was then left in Philippi ( Acts 17:1: "THEY", Luke excluded) and then re-connected with Paul to travel with him on the third missionary journey ( Acts 20:5: "US").

Luke also accompanied Paul on his journey to Jerusalem & then to Rome and was with Paul during his imprisonment there ( 2 Timothy 4:11: which you had quoted). So, you can see that Luke, with many others (in the Church & on the 'mission field'), played a vital role in Paul's ministry & provided him with fellowship & encouragement. And of course Luke's medical knowledge, no doubt would have been useful to both Paul & maybe those in such need in their travels.

Hi Dgjot,

I have a different perspective worth sharing.

You said there's nothing Christian about the Catholic church- I'd like to share another view.

If you were to make a matrix in a spreadsheet showing all the religions and their tenants, whether they believe in God, Jesus, that He's God, died for the forgiveness of your sins, salvation, the Bible is truth, etc. you would have far more columns of the Catholic row checked off than Buddhist, Hindu, Islam, etc. Mormonism would have even less commonality than Catholic, but more than Islam, etc. So, I don't know if you actually believe what you said, but it can be proven that Catholicism is more Christian than Buddhism, for example.

I believe Catholicism may have started out a more pure Christian beliefs, but has deviated and become corrupted. With that being said that doesn't automatically mean all of its members are or that they are all going to hell. God is the judge. There likely are members of good quality Christian churches who will go to hell, so we can't paint with a broad brush.

The things I disagree with is the praying and worshipping of Mary- violation of the ten commandments That takes the focus away from Jesus and puts it on his earthly mom, which is just weird, because most of the Bible is about Jesus. Mary is hardly even mentioned in comparison. I also don't like their statues which can be idolatry. I also don't agree with the pope, a man who they claim is a higher authority and intermediary, which the Bible already says Jesus alone is out mediator. Those are the main things I think are off track, along with legalism, ritualism, wokeism, and rampant hypocrisy, and scandals. But of course if someone grows up going to a Catholic church and doesn't know anything else, we should be gentle. Remember Paul how he found common ground with the people who worshipped all kinds of Greek gods, how he was gentle how he presented the gospel as their "unknown God". Acts 17:23 God bless.

There is a phrase I heard while travelling: "Same, but Different"

This might explain the seemingly paradoxical relationship of the trinity or Godhead. Exactly how much the same are they and exactly how different are they? We don't know, we're only humans with limited capacity to comprehend this and no Earthly experience with this relationship. We only know what God's word says...

1 John 5:7

"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."

John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

1 Kings 8:60 That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else.

John 1:1-2 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Mark 12:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

Isaiah 44:6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

Matthew 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

Isaiah 9:6

John 10:38

"...the Father is in me, and I in him."

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

1 John 5:20

"And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life."

Acts 17:29

"Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or sto

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

1 Timothy 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;"

Hello Jacqui,

I agree with you that this forum is an open forum for people to express their beliefs. It is also a forum for discussion which Giannis and Adam, myself and you are doing when we reply to a post.

I believe like Giannis and Adam in this way:

In Scripture the word "Godhead" is used 3 times: Acts 17:29, Romans 1:20, and Colossians 2:9.

The Greek words, Theoion, Theoites, and Theotis are used for this word. It means ALL that constitutes Who and What God is. So the what denotes His nature or essence (GK. ouisa) and the Who denotes the three distinct persons within the one Godhead where all three possess the same Divine Essence totally (100%) and equally so (no degree of difference between three of how much of this essence they each possess. They all three possess this essence completely, to the fullest sense, and eternally.

Jacqui, this is classic Christian teaching within the Christian church for 2000 years. You can go to site like: Got Questions, Compelling Truth and others to understand what God's essence is and how He can be one God, yet three persons, but not three Gods with divine essence.

I believe what has been classically taught in the church from Scripture that God is purely Spirit. He is not made of matter in His essence. He created all matter. Jesus, in His human nature is made of matter, but before He became man, He was always Spirit like the Father and the Holy Spirit. He still possesses this Godhood (essence) but also still possesses his humanity, too.

To continue, God, not being made of any matter, does not have parts or components like all creatures have. We have physical parts (hands, body) made of matter, and soul parts (mind, emotions) and a spiritual part. Animals also have components to their essential nature. Take away absolutely life sustaining parts and we and animals cease to exist. Angels also, though spirits, have a component nature. They have spiritual bodies but also, minds, and wills, like us. ...continued

Part 2

So the revelation of God's Truth to the saints is primarily done through the church, through the ministries given to the church for exactly this reason. But many believers, and mainly those who want to stay alone and do not wish to be members of any christian congregation, refuse that idea and try to become pastors and teachers ... to themselves, and feel OK with that, because they wrongly think God is ready to deal with then on a personal basis. Of course God reveals some elements or a deeper understanding of His Word specifically to somebody (we all have that experience) but the main teaching is done through the church. It is the churche's task to put right doctrines in the right order and explain the scriptures. Commentaries are also very helpful and it may be also a way that God responds to our search. Isn't it a series of commentaries that a pastor does when he is preaching in the church? What he is a preaching is explanations of scriptures of the Gospel. It is an oral commentary, isn't it? And if one is willing to hear a preaching, why aren't they willing to read a commentary?

People who refuse to listen to others and rely on their own understanding of the Bible, wrongly believing that God will lead them to His truth, sometimes come out with horrible beliefs. A virtue in the character of a christian, demanded by God, is one being humble. Humble means that I don't place myself above all the others but listen to others as well, and if they are not right, OK then I can reject their beliefs. But I have to have an open mind and use the written Word of God as a ruler. Acts 17:11 "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so

And often we have to wait, some things take time to be understood. It's like Maths. One can not do diferentiation or intergration if not learning to add and subtract numbers first.

Have a nice and blessed weekend.