Good question, and thank you for the respectful tone. From a Mid-Acts dispensational view, the tension dissolves once we keep Israel's kingdom program distinct from the Body of Christ. In the Lord's earthly ministry and early Acts, the Twelve were sent to Israel with a priestly commission: preach the kingdom, call the nation to repent, and baptize the believing remnant ( Matt 28:19; Mark 16:15-18; Acts 2:38; 3:19-21). Water baptism there was covenantal identification and preparation for a promised priestly nation ( Exod 19:5-6), accompanied by signs ( Mark 16:17-18) seen functioning in Acts ( Acts 5:12-16).
But when Israel continued in unbelief, Christ revealed to Paul "the dispensation of the grace of God" and the previously hidden "mystery" ( Eph 3:1-9; Col 1:25-27). In this present dispensation, we are now saved by the gospel of Christ's cross and resurrection alone ( 1 Cor 15:1-4; Rom 3:24-28; 4:5; Eph 2:8-9). Entrance is by one Spirit baptizing us into one Body ( 1 Cor 12:13), hence Paul can say there is "one baptism" ( Eph 4:5) and also, strikingly "Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" ( 1 Cor 1:17).
What of the Lord's commands in Matthew and John? They stand true for the audience addressed. Matthew 5:18 affirms the Law's authority until all is fulfilled; Christ is its end for righteousness to everyone that believes ( Rom 10:4) and the Body is not under the Law ( Rom 6:14). John 14-15 speaks to kingdom disciples under the New Covenant promises to Israel ( Jer 31:31-34), about abiding in the Vine and keeping His commandments in that program.
Luke 18:17 highlights the posture of faith, not a ritual that secures salvation. Therefore, today water baptism is a good testimony, but it does not add to the finished cross-work nor effect salvation. The saving baptism in this age is the Spirit's, placing us in Christ the moment we believe.
Hello Doodie65. The references you gave refer to the Church located in Smyrna and Philadelphia respectively. These, as all the other Church gatherings mentioned in these two chapters, refer to those believers living in Asia Minor, now modern Turkey. These two Fellowships in Smyrna and Philadelphia were praised for their faithfulness to the Lord in spite of their sufferings and temptations. But in both locations, the "synagogue of Satan" is mentioned, which may be what you are enquiring about.
Even though these Fellowships were established by the apostles & those who traveled with them, after the ransacking of Jerusalem in AD70 by Gen Titus of Rome, many more Christians and Jews dispersed all over the Roman world. So when we get to these two chapters of the Book of the Revelation, we read of these Churches and their trials and spiritual condition in not only a pagan society, but also being affected by the Jews who also established themselves there and set up synagogues. You can read an instance where the Apostle Paul ministered to the Jews in one of their synagogues in Ephesus ( Acts 18:18,19).
So, when Jesus speaks to the Apostle John from Heaven in Revelation 2 & 3, we can understand that at least those two Church groups (Smyrna & Philadelphia) were being harrassed by the Jews living there. We are not told what they actually did to the Church, but it seems the Jews there were particularly antagonistic towards the Gospel & the believers, blaspheming the God Whom they were supposed to be worshiping by rejecting His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus calls them "the synagogue of Satan", for the true God is not, and cannot be, worshiped if He is being blasphemed. As Satan filled the hearts of Ananias and Sapphira to lie to the Holy Spirit ( Acts 5:1-11) and they suffered for it, so too, Satan had filled the hearts of these erring Jews who did Satan's bidding & no doubt they too would not be spared, unless they repent; and some would ( Revelation 3:9). Blessings.
"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ"
Baptism connected to salvation
Not just symbolic - a required response of a good conscience
6. 2 Peter 1:5-10 - Add to your faith
"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue... knowledge... temperance... patience... godliness... brotherly kindness... charity
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall."
Not faith alone - one must add works
Doing these things = assurance of salvation
Summary
Peter preached:
Faith in Jesus as the risen Messiah ( Acts 2:36)
Repentance and water baptism for forgiveness ( Acts 2:38)
Obedience necessary to receive the Holy Ghost ( Acts 5:32)
Sanctification through obedience ( 1 Peter 1:2)
Salvation tied to baptism and holy living ( 1 Peter 3:21, 2 Peter 1:10)
This is in contrast with Paul's message of justification by grace through faith alone ( Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5), not by works.
Here are scriptures where Peter preached a message of repentance, faith in Jesus as Messiah, plus works (obedience, water baptism, etc.)-mainly directed to Israel as part of the "Kingdom Gospel" ( Matthew 4:17), distinct from Paul's "Gospel of the Grace of God" ( Acts 20:24).
Peter's Kingdom Gospel - Repentance, Faith, and Works
1. Acts 2:36-38 - Pentecost sermon
"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
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."
Repentance
Water baptism required for remission of sins
Holy Spirit as a result of obedience
2. Acts 3:19-21 - Second temple sermon to Israel
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord"
Repentance = condition for forgiveness
Tied to future kingdom blessings
3. Acts 5:32
"And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him."
Obedience (works) as a condition to receive the Holy Ghost
4. 1 Peter 1:2
"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ..."
Election tied to obedience
Sprinkling of blood = cleansing, yet connected with obedient response
Psalm 116:15 states Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
Now there are several meanings here; the general concept is that anyone who is a believer is highly valued; and is escourted to heaven immediately upon death as Paul also states "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" ( 2 Cor. 5:8).
This of course would encompass those who die from natural causes; those martyred or otherwise perish before they would otherwise due to human cruelty; accident; etc. We also see how some in the church of Corinth itself died because they weren't taking communion worthily ( 1 Cor. 11:30-32). Annias and Sapphira also met an early death due to sin ( Acts 5:1-11).
We also see some carrying the ark of the covenant wrong who were smitten in 2 Samuel 6:6-7 6 And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.
7 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.
I sense the Lord would want me to elaborate here. My point here is that sometimes death; particularly a sudden one can be tied into God "taking us out" as it were but that doesn't mean someone isn't going to make it to heaven. God wants us to die to selves; and many times He is patient with us taking time for us to bear fruit. Again; this is only some who are truly His I am mentioning here but sometimes they may be taken out for their own good. There are clearly times when such as with the Ark someone steps out of line inadvertantly. The fear of the Lord here is a good thing; and only a blood bought believer can understand the difference between being taken out this way and a nonbeliever having a similar fate. If we can look at God in this light we can compare this concept to the Rapture where we are suddenly transformed and the dead raised. Thus His glory wipes out our old self
Hello Free. The account given in 1 Corinthians chap 5 is only one example of a very sad indictment against the quality of believers in that Church. The way I understand Paul's response to that evil act & that man's ongoing relationship, was clearly to cast out (disfellowship) that perpetrator of evil so that the Name of Christ & His Church be not shamed.
And Paul actually condemns the Church as well, not as those engaging in such an act, but as being "puffed up" (v2), or becoming proud & aligning with such behavior. But the apostle lays his condemnation against that man who defiled his father's bed, by engaging with his mother, or more likely, his step-mother. Paul stated that rather than being proud of this deed, the Church should have consigned this sinner into Satan's domain (the world), that perchance he might come to his senses, repent of his evil relationship, and be restored into fellowship; or else, that he be punished that his end might be death. Remembering that in those days, as the Church was in its infancy & being established, the LORD took very strict & swift action for such sins; we can think of Acts 5:1-11 (of Ananias & Sapphira). Fortunately for the Church today, or maybe, unfortunately, judgement against sin is not so immediate, but we do have the Holy Spirit's persevering with us, or else we must suffer.
The sequel to 1 Corinthians 5 is found in 2 Corinthians 2:6-8, where apparently the Corinthian Church did take action against that man, by way of some punishment. But now Paul says, that even though he had a very heavy heart in this matter & probably other matters concerning that Church, the matter most pressing now was that this sinner has learnt his lesson and needs to be forgiven & received that further sorrow should not overwhelm him. All this serves to us a beautiful example of our need to be watchful for creeping-in sin, but if we fall, expect discipline, be quick to turn away from sin, and be restored into sweet fellowship.
This seemingly insignificant tale of Peter finding a fish with a coin in it to pay for his and Jesus' expected tax (other versions say 4 Drachma coin; so it covers for 2 each due) surely has some meaning. The point Jesus brings up is for the children to make others pay tribute; in some "token" if I can use the pun true children of God shouldn't be subject to others but others subject to them.
Christ shows in His humanity that insulting someone should be avoided at all costs so greater good can be accomplished.
Matthew 22:15-22 discusses rendering to Caesar what is owed and to God the same. This shows again the same theme that we can also extend to Romans 13:7 for the church. This isn't a subject I will go into in great length here; I will say in short it is the exception rather than the rule when situations arise which we must take a stand for God and against the rules of men; particularly as Acts 5:29 illustrates when told to keep our mouths shut about Christ.
From here on several things are apparent. The miracles Christ was doing are shut down; except for the healing of the blind mentioned in Matthew 20:29-34. Secondly Jesus spoke almost exclusively in Parables at this point and third His greatest excoriation of the Pharisees was about to commence and this takes up the entire chapter 23 of Matthew.
Jesus was basically in his last weeks at this point which takes up about a third of the Gospels as far as I know (my estimate).
It reminds me in a strange way of Revelation as the final judgments seem to take the same space or more than the first but encompass weeks or maybe a few months at most. Our Lord had to focus on the Disciples knowing they would abandon Him and need to have strength to continue until Pentecost after the shock of the death of Christ who they had communed with and been shepherded by for several years. Surely Jesus didn't minimalize their grief but showed them it was for their greater good to die
4. John 14:16, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that HE may abide with you for ever".
The word another (in grk allon) and the word Comforter (Parakleitos) are of masculine gender in grk.".
5. John 16:7, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter (masculine) will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send HIM unto you."
Jesus had to go so the Spirit took His place in guiding the church.
6. John 14:13-16, "13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.14He shall glorify me: for HE shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." Pay attention please, among others, to that " for he shall not speak of himself"
7. Acts 5:3-4, "3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou GAST NOT LIED UNTO MEN, BUT UNTO GOD " Lie to a thing?
8. Acts 10:19-20, "19While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
20Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I HAVE SENT THEM" Also 11:12, "And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:"
9. Acts 13:2-4, "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, SEPATATE ME Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.4So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus"
Proverbs 27:5 states that open rebuke is better than hidden love. Ideally; of course we should take a brother aside and express concern if it appears sin is having a negative affect on their witness. The opposite of confronting in love is likely gossip.
The world often looks for inconsistency in the lives of those proclaiming Christ. Thus; we may say that the first part of those who wish to undertake discipleship as a ministry is to have our own lives in order. Such actions early on in our walk should have given us sufficient experience with relationships that went south because we no longer wanted to go party with our friends and watch unseemly and unedifying programs on TV as two examples. As a test I recommend talking about the Lord; prayer and scripture reading with those who are in our local fellowship and after a few weeks see if we are invited out to eat after the service or to someone's house as much as we are used to. This is also part of discipline; we find out much of our time is spent alone if we sincerely want to be as iron sharpening iron ( Proverbs 27:17 interestingly in the same chapter as the previous quoted verse).
Such a challenge could easily be part of evangelism as well; since many will profess Christ. It may be easier; in fact to get through to someone outside their normal social circles where they don't have to keep up appearances.
I probably should have included this in my Gospel for Dummies post. Should we encourage NON believers to get away from sin when sharing the Gospel? The answer I would say is yes; albeit the principal thing is coming to Christ. Repentance MUST be preached however; the Spirit must move someone to desiring to follow God and grants repentance according to scripture ( Acts 5:31 and several other scriptures). Nonetheless certain sins in particular can kill us so we should warn people to flee fornication; for example.
Time is a big cost of discipleship and few spare it.
Hello Timmywynne. There are many Scriptures that point to the Triune Nature of God, and specifically, that Jesus Christ & the Holy Spirit are revealed to us from the very Being of God the Father. When we think of the Trinity, we know we won't find that word in the Bible, as it is purely a descriptive word of what the Bible declares to be the fullness of God's Being. So to the verses you seek, and you will need to read them fully in your Bible.
Of Jesus Christ: Isaiah 9:6,7 (an Old Testament Prophecy); Micah 5:2 & John 1:1-14 (from everlasting); Matthew 1:22,23; Mark 2:5-7; John 8:56-58; John 16: 27,28; John 17:4,5; John 20:27,28; Philippians 2:5-7; Colossians 1:15-17; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:13; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:8-10; 1 John 5:7; 1 John 5:20.
Of the Holy Spirit: Matthew 12:31; Luke 1:34,35; Luke 11:13; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7-11; Acts 5:3; Acts 8:29; Acts 13:4; Romans 8:14; Romans 8:26,27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 12:11; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 10:29; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 5:6.
The above are a few Scriptures that point to the deity of Jesus Christ & God's Spirit: all showing that they don't work independently from God, but have been sent out from God, from God's Being, to accomplish His Purposes in the world. And we know that Jesus, as the Word of God clothed with humanity, is the very expression of God to the world ( John 14:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 4:2). Hope these will help you in your study of this very important doctrine. Blessings.
You are free to disagree, and I truly respect that. However, I stand by what I have shared. If you have a copy of the Greek Text (Textus Receptus), you will see that this word (obey) used in Acts 5:32 is the word PEITHARCHOUSIN.
This Greek word is a compound word which comes from PEITHO which means persuasion, and ARCHO meaning ruler. If you are rejecting the interpretation of the word PEITHARCHOUSIN that I have shared, then I kindly encourage you to search this word out before rejecting its meaning.
I do agree with some of what you are saying. But you say that "God now" commands all men to repent." And then you say that it's not an option to be persuaded of. Are you saying that persuasion to repent is not an option? If that's what you are saying, how would one repent, make a decision to change the direction of their life, and surrender their life to Christ without first being persuaded by the Holy Spirit to do so? A man will not repent unless he/she is being persuaded to do so. John 6:44 says that "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him:"
Again, I do agree with some of the things you've said, but I would encourage you to please re-read what I shared about the word "obey," which I have taken from the Greek text. I do thank you very much for taking the time to read my post.
Brother, what you do is appreciated, you inspire study. I hope you do not mind this is my understanding, you say Jesus is not sitting on the right of God on His throne, that is an idiom, this means it is saying this is the person that has authority and power, and I agree but was given authority and power, but not with we will not see Jesus, Revelation 21:22. If we also read Ephesians 1:17-23 along with Acts 5:31 it says God exalted Jesus, exalted, the Greek word hupsoo means to lift or raise up, to exalt, raise high.
Ephesians 1:20-21, God raised Jesus and set Him; the Greek word kathizo means make to sit; I set, appoint a physical position of the power of the throne, that is God's divine power and authority over all of creation. After Jesus was raised from the dead, Psalm 8:6Philippians 2:9-10. This will be until all enemies are under His feet, 1 Corinthians 15:24-28. The throne can also mean sharing in honor and glory by overcoming as we see in Revelation 3:21.
Jesus has been given this position, we know God placed Jesus above all in heaven and earth and under the earth Ephesians 1:19-21. Jesus was raised in a glorified body, and we will be raised in a body as His, Philippians 3:21. Jesus ascended and is in heaven in that glorified body, Acts 1:10 and when He returns it will be in that same glorified body, Revelation 19.
The other words that throw light on this are Matthew 28:18 and John 13:3, given the Greek word didomi which means to give, to give something to someone, to bestow a gift, to appoint to an office, to supply, furnish necessary things. Something given to you that you did not have before it was given like salvation and eternal life is given, godliness, 2 Peter 1:3-8.
We also have Matthew 11:27 "All things are delivered unto me of my Father" delivered the Greek word paradidomi a close word to didomi properly to give, hand over, to deliver over with a sense of close personal involvement.
Acts 5:40 - And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
They didn't beat them. It is the word DEIRANTES for flogging or whipping. They were skinning them!
This is serious and that's why I bring this up. They actually had a room built for the flogging. They would take the shirts off, and they would shackle your arms up with your back towards the people. And you were actually standing in a trough. And as they were whipped and the blood came out, the blood would run down this trough and outdoors so it wouldn't collect in the room.
It's like a cat-o-nine tails and the whip literally had pieces of stone and glass in it. The term used here for "beating," in the Greek, it's like fileting a fish. It's literally ripping the skin off. What they wanted to do was make sure that these Christians were impressed that even though they couldn't do anything with them, they were going to leave them with this terrible, terrible condition.
I cannot help but be impressed at what they did in Verse 41!
Acts 5:41 - And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
They departed (Imperfect Tense)! They were continuing, and as they were going from the presence of the council, they were rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
Wow! Can you imagine these disciples carrying their robes, blood dripping down their backs as they're walking away, and they are saying "What an honor to be able to suffer for His namesake."
"Rejoicing" doesn't mean happiness. In the Greek, it has to do with satisfaction, much like an athlete would sense in an athletic contest. Even though physically you might get hurt, there's a certain satisfaction that you have in participating no matter how much it hurts you. That's what they felt. That was their attitude!
Acts 5:32 - And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
The word "obey" in the Greek is the word persuasion. And it is a Present Participle. To everybody who is obeying God, to everybody who is under the influence of the persuasion of God's Spirit, they are the ones who have been given the Holy Spirit.
When you submit to the Lord, He gives you His Spirit, and then you're continually under His influence.
Acts 5:33 - When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
Now when they heard that, they were cut to the heart. The term "cut to the heart" is the word for conviction, but it means to take a wooden saw and cut somebody in half. You can imagine what happened in their heart! And they took counsel to slay them.
Acts 5:34 - Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
Then he stood up, somebody who is in the council, and number one: he's a Pharisee. And number two: he's a doctor of the law. And number three, he had a reputation amongst the people.
The word "reputation" (TIMIOS) means valuable. He was estimated as high as you can go as far as reputation goes. And he commanded that the apostles be put outside so that he could talk to the group.
Acts 5:39 - But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
Those last three words, "fight against God" is one Greek word and it's a title. And its definition is God fighter. Do you want the reputation of being a God fighter? Then you better leave them alone.
Acts 5:29 - Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Verse 29 is one of the great verses of the bible. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, and notice the other apostles, because it's not just Peter this time.
All of the apostles were there, and all of them were saying the same thing. They said "We ought to obey God rather than men."
The word "ought" is the word necessary. Literally, it is binding. It is necessary, or binding that we obey God rather than man.
What they are saying is that God told us to go out and preach the word. You as the leaders are telling us to not preach anymore. We have to obey God rather than man.
Acts 5:31 - Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Him hath God exalted with his right hand. Whenever you see the term "right hand" in scripture, there is no word hand. It's an English idiom to try to translate the Greek idiom that just means "on his right."
In other words, when you get to heaven, you're not going to see God and then to the right of His throne here's another little figure over there called His Son on His right-hand side. You won't see that!
It's an idiom like we use if we say this person in my "right hand man." It means that this is the person that has authority and power.
So, when he says that Jesus is at the right hand, or at the right of God, what he's telling them is that Jesus Christ has all the authority of God. You can see why they would get angry!
The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew. Him hath God exalted with his right to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
What he's saying is that Jesus is the one that has the authority to give repentance and forgiveness of sins to all of Israel, talking to the religious leaders.
Acts 5:17 - Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
The Sadducees and the Pharisees were the two groups that were dominant within Judaism. The Sadducees did not believe in the afterlife. They did not believe in angels, and they did not believe in spirits.
So, they come, and they were the dominant ones leading within the Sanhedrin, and they were filled with indignation. The word indignation in the Greek is the word "to boil." They were boiling mad. They were raging mad!
Acts 5:23 - Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.
Saying, The prison truly we found having been shut. The word "shut" is called the Perfect Tense. "It's as locked and shut up as it was when we put them in there!"
Now, in all safety, that is, all the security measures were in place. Nothing was touched! And the keepers, (that is, guards) who were watching the prison.
They had been still standing there, another Perfect Tense.
Everything was the same as the night before! It's still locked up, all the security people in line, and even the guards still standing outside the prison.
And they look in and there's no prisoners! And he says when we had the place opened up, we found nobody inside.
Acts 5:24 - Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.
Literally in the Greek, that last phrase meant that they were worried about where this thing was going to lead. People are getting healed, people are getting saved, and now they find out that with the prison doors locked, and the guards still standing there, all of a sudden God's people got delivered! "Where's that going to lead?"
Acts 5:5 - And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
And while Ananias was hearing these words, he fell down and gave up the ghost. The phrase "gave up the ghost" is one Greek word EXEPSYXEN meaning he breathed out and that was it. He took his last breath, and he breathed out.
Acts 5:10 - Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
And she fell down immediately at his feet and yielded up the ghost. (Again, she breathed her last). And the young men came in and found her dead. Obviously, they are a little surprised. "What's going on here?"
And they carried her out and buried her. Literally in the Greek text, Verse 10 says "they buried her face to face with her husband." That's how the Greek text reads.
Acts 5:13 - And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.
And of the rest durst, (dared/ETOLMA) no man to join himself to them: but the people magnified or glorified them.
You talk about an opportunity for witnessing! The people just said "No way do I want to become a Christian. You lie and you're dead (referring to Ananias and Sapphira)! I don't want anything to do with them and that type of fellowship."
It's kind of interesting that the Lord continued to add people to the church, even in spite of all that! Mainly because it was the power of God saving people.
Hello Kuivaala: It's nice too meet you. I believe the people who post on this dissuasion platform are very loving and caring children of God, including me. I do love the Lord deeply.
We, in ourselves are not worthy when it comes to just ourselves, however, the sacrificial blood of Jesus does make us as God's children worthy of God's love and His salvation. In that way you are worthy. indeed, if you are born again and have accepted Jesus as your Savior then feel worthy in His sight.
Acts 5:41 - "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."
2 Thessalonian 1:11 - "Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:10 "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;" I hope these few scriptures help. If you go to a website called Bible Hub, if you don't have it already, you can find more verses. Just put "worthy of God" in the search bar.
I would like to ask you, if you don't mind, what do you mean by "shaking" Hello Kuivaala: It's nice too meet you. I believe the people who post on this dissuasion platform are very loving and caring children of God, including me. I do love the Lord deeply.
We, in ourselves are not worthy when it comes to just ourselves, however, the sacrificial blood of Jesus does make us as God's children worthy of God's love and His salvation. In that way you are worthy. indeed, if you are born again and have accepted Jesus as your Savior then feel worthy in His sight.
Acts 5:41 - "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer s? God Bless :) Ann
Would like to add that the actions of the two in this scripture was about being deceptive by conspiring. Conspiring is when people secretly make joint plans to do something different than what is expected. In this case they conspired against the Holy Spirit which is in the church. I can only wonder the various things that could have motivated or prompted them to conspire, plot and scheme against "the Lord and His anointed." This is a good example of what a believer shouldn't do, however if a believer by chance discovers that they are in error, then God is available to forgive only for the asking or grant mercy according to His will.
"And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet." Acts 5:2 KJV
A believer should not allow anyone even their own spouse to cause them to miss out or sin against God, as the scripture reads further both received the same judgment, although they conspired together, the husband was judged then the wife was asked whether their dealings with the Apostles were true and being judged separately received the same judgment as her husband. Each one had an opportunity to be honest and they valued their relationship above their love for God. The same God who created them both and allowed them to have a spousal relationship in the first place (not that only God provided for them to have the field in their possession). They put their trust in their relationship, by obeying each other and not obeying God. A believer should God obey first in all things, whether married or unmarried and this scripture is an example of that and how careful a believer has to be in their human interactions with others. Not just husband and wife, which is the highest human form of a human relationship, all human relationships, whether Mother/Father, Siblings, neighbors, employers, friends, family relations, any human relationship that a believer has, God should always be honored and obeyed first. A believer shouldn't choose a path or make a decision that is contrary to God's way.
If only they had the courage to say they did not want to participate or only wanted to contribute a certain amount. I see a lot in the bible about the human condition of failure to communicate. In this case, failure to communicate perhaps could have been based on pride ("the pride of life'). Perhaps, they sincerely wanted to give, however, both seemingly wanted to control the situation by privately agreeing to do something separately from what was agreed upon. We also notice in the scripture that nothing is private, God knows all things.
"Does the bible support a women Pastor or Bishop. I know already that the bible supports women in ministering the word, just to clarify."
Based on the qualifications of a Bishop, I do not believe the bible supports a woman Bishop based on qualifications ("This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work." 1 Timothy 3:1 KJV), however a Pastor may not necessarily be a Bishop and therefore a woman can be a Pastor or called to be a Pastor, I believe. In this scripture when the bible states a man desiring the office, I believe it is for a male to be a Bishop and not a female, since the qualifications entail having a wife and a man exhibiting leadership over his family and household.
A women and wife can be two different categories, although a wife is a woman, a unmarried woman is not a wife and is not subject to any man, only to God. The bible indicates if a married woman wants to do anything that she should ask her husband, husbands and wives should be on one accord in righteouness.
The subject has been brought up as rather common knowledge that many in the world suffer much greater persecution than we do in America at least up until this point; that appears to be rapidly about to change seeing the events of the last few months in particular. Part of what I have covered is the production of spiritual fruit; and how God uses hardships and trials to do this. Whatever our external circumstances; those today who are sold out for Christ know what it is like to be rejected; as well as having the enemy put a target on them. Necessary labor of the Great Commission is still being performed by a few faithful souls today but in the Tribulation is going to be "on steroids" as it were. Acts 5:41 often seems to be in the dust or some remote place in our thoughts in regard to rejoicing to suffer for His Name's sake.
Those who suffer that we know in the Tribulation should it be soon will also rejoice. We may wish we could be here but it is to THEIR advantage for us to be removed; or else they would never grow. Once the Rapture happens; many will realize how empty their life truly was after the shock of realization of what went down. I believe that there will be prayers in heaven for those about to be martyred ( Rev. 8:3-4 is one example). The parable of the 10 virgins seems on the surface to show the 5 foolish ones are hopelessly lost. This could represent some who thought they were believers or were believers that grew cold in their faith. A lot depends whether the last statement means "I never knew you" or "I know you not" as a lack of current intimate relation; and outer darkness could be being on the earth in the Tribulation or a representation of final hell. That is something I may have already discussed but could elaborate on. It behooves us to never be presumptuous in our faith; thinking we are bona fide Christians if our hearts are far from Him. In conclusion a great final harvest is coming.
Is. 19:20 says that God will send a savior and defender. ad God identifies the Savior as the Holy One of Israel ( a name of God) in Is. 43:3. In 43:11 God says that apart from Him there is NO Savior. Also Hos. 13:4
God calls Himself Savior in Is. 45:21; 49:26; 60:16. Jesus is called the Savior of the world John 4:42; Acts 5:31; 13:23, 1 Tim. 4:10,
the Father sent the Son to as Savior ( 1 Jn. 4:14)
and Jude 1:25 says that Jesus our only God and Savior and He should be glorified and honored the SAME as the Father who is God ( Jn. 5:23) thus claiming equality with the Father. (also see Jn. 5:18; Jn. 10: 30-38; 8:58)
So, in light of these truths of Scripture, It is fact that God alone is our Savior, and the Father sent His Divine Son into the world to save sinners.
Hallelujah! Because every human that has ever lived needs to be saved from their sins, and Jesus, God the Son, is this Savior, and no mere man can save anyone.
The fear of the Lord. With my scripture memory still lacking I will cite the verse "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" and then ask the readers to discover how many times that is mentioned and perhaps do a further study on the subject. Today's sermon was from 1 Peter specifically in verse 17 discussing how as believers we should have fear that in general isn't with terror but at times if we have sin in our lives it probably some of that should shake us up. The story of Ananias and Sapphira was examined as to the reaction of the church afterwards and the Holy fear and terror invoked ( Acts 5:1-11).
It is easy for us to sit in our comfy place and read about destruction of whole cities or the future Tribulation and not have it speak to us. Some want to symbolize some of the literal statements of judgment; but I am not focusing on that. We can look at events in the far past and future as so remote from us that we don't sense the relevance; specifically it's prompting us to get busy spreading the Gospel and keep ourselves unspotted from the world. ( James 1:27). With so many trying to predict the time the Lord is coming back and put together all the puzzle pieces can ignore the many CONDITIONAL promises which are just as true. Specific behaviors good or bad bear certain fruits as well as resulting in blessing or cursing. I have seen this true in at least one case warning a person about continuing in certain behavior (in that case I believe it was followed by a mental breakdown). We can't be sure when we will reap what we sow; it is for sure in final judgment. This seems very cut and dry; for instance verses talking about the insanity of a foolish man committing adultery. Proverbs 22:14 brings the point out that men who follow God escape these traps but the wicked are caught in their own traps that they try to ensnare others ( Psalm 141:10 also found in Proverbs and no doubt other Psalms).
Romans 13:1-7. You've asked a valid question from v2 & there are two ways of understanding it: is disobedience to the laws of civil govt bring on God's damnation or the condemnation by the dispensers of those laws? In context of the chapter, I believe that this applies to the latter, that of judgement by the magistrate. The Greek word here is 'krima', which applies to 'a judgement, a verdict, a condemnation'. So for whatever reason Paul is thinking of, the one who disobeys the laws, will face the judge (who sits under the authority of God for the good of society). So, one is not damned by God in this regard, but will be condemned by civil law, & yet God would expect us to be obedient to such laws, unless they are in opposition to His Own ( Acts 5:28,29), to His Laws we are subject first.
Philippians 2:12,13. The apostle writing to the Church, commends them for obeying the Lord, not only when he was with them, but also when he wasn't there; this shows that they were genuine in their faith & not 'putting on appearances' for Paul's sake. So this wonderful salvation that they possessed can never be allowed to become mediocre & lukewarm, therefore Paul encourages them to 'work it out', i.e. what they possessed should be continually worked out (in one's personal walk & in relation to others), and done so 'in fear & trembling'. Why fear? I see it as the outworking of our Salvation which is a very serious business, not given to flippancy & a lackadaisical view, but geared to pleasing the Lord in all things & ever ready to engage in battle with the tempter & seducer. True, we have 'not been given a spirit of fear', of what man or spirit can do to us, even because of overwhelming circumstances we might face, but of Holy Ghost Power, of Divine Love, & of a sound healthy regenerated mind. I trust you can see the difference in 'Fear' in these instances.
The act of intercession; therefore is something crucial to communication throughout scripture that indeed gives us some insight of Hebrews 7:25 (He ever lives to intercede for us). Daniel also repeated this theme in Daniel 9:8-10. God's promise here was the prophetic insight given in Jeremiah 29:10. God stated this would happen; so it appears to be a done deal. There was no promise how many would do this; as is evident from the small group that initially rebuilt the wall; and the disobedience of many was seen with marriages to foreign wives. No doubt worldliness had affected the hearts of those who should have remembered the prosperity God gave them in Babylon and His promises to return after that time. It is a wonder that confession of the sins of church congregations isn't given much attention as compared to particulary egregious ones of individuals as it still affects the overall witness as we see from exhortations written for the churches in Revelation 2 and 3; for example.
Look at God's faithfulness to Israel as stated in Jeremiah 31:36 where the courses of nature would have to change with the sun and moon for God to abandon His covenant promises. In fact the only covenant changed is that related to the method of worship with the law and sacrifices which was of course replaced by the perfect sacrifice under Christ which abolished therefore the old ordinances. (see Hebrews 9-10). The object of worship was therefore Christ; God had stated in Isaiah 1:11; see also Psalm 69:31.
In understanding the New Covenant we should perceive that it is still the same God with the same characteristics today that existed in the Old Testament from eternity. We would on the surface expect that to be a "no brainer"; but how often do we see the fear of God demonstrated as in Acts 5:1-11 with Ananias and Sapphira? Our commitments to God should not be of fools ( Ecclesiastes 5:4). See Matthew 5:33-35 for ungodly vows.
To continue study of our Great God for the letter "P"
He is our Prince of Peace
Is. 9:6 " 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, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."
Acts 5:30-31 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins."
Jesus is our Prince. He does not rule as earthly princes do, but is humble, though mighty, sacrificial for us, not greedy, with us, not stand offish.
He give peace to His people, as He did for Israel in the land under David and Solomon. Not only is Jesus the Prince of Peace but the eternal King of Kings also.
Ps. 29:10-11 "the LORD sitteth King forever, The Lord will give strength unto his people, the LORD will bless His people with peace."
Jn 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
Rom. 16:20 "And the God of peace will soon bruise Satan under your feet shortly."
He is our peace who has absolute power over the enemy and the Peace that unifies the church.
Eph. 2:14-15 "for He is our peace who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us." (between Jewish believers and Christian believers)
Hebrews 13:20-21 "Now may the God of Peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to Whom be glory forever and ever, amen."
1 Th. 5:23 "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly,"
The peace of God is transcend all other types of peace. It is above and beyond what we is of the world
I am glad to hear you had a great time over the holidays, I hope you were able to rest your heels of travel. Yes, it is the circumcision of the heart that the reformation begins, and the Holy Spirit inspires true worship. Worship is our response to what the Spirit reveals to us about God.
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
We do this with our renewed minds led by the Spirit not with our wisdom and emotions, they can be deceived. Being deceived is to be easily caught up or carried away or taken out of the way, the favorite tool of Satan, like prey taken in the mouth of a lion.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: If we are deceived, we are devoured. We must be vigilant daily to be conformed to the image of the Son of God, Jesus. Daily, as the Apostles did in the beginning, preaching the Gospel of Jesus every day, Acts 2:46-47Acts 5:42Acts 16:5.
Where do you get such gospel that santifcstion is a life long process? It does not exist in the bible. The bible says this.
John 17:17] Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
The apostle Peter talked about once we have known the truth and turn away from it there is no more sacrifice for sin.
2nd Peter 2:20] For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
[21] For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
[22] But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Obviously Peter was writing about people who were once santified. Acts chapter 5 Annians and Saphara two holy santified people who decided to do their own thing and obey a different voice, the voice of the devil as the man of God Peter knew who deceived them in not putting their share if the offerings as thry were supposed to.
Acts 5:3] But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
[4] Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
[5] And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
We became sanctified instantly the moment you accept Jesus Christ and his words from the Gospel of Christ.
Col 1:28] Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Jesus set me free from the bar business and I got baptized in Jesus name Acts 2:38,39
Luke 24:47,48Mark 16:16,17 I received the Holy Ghost Acts 5:32Acts 2:4. 1 Corinthians 14: 2,22,39
John 3:1-6Acts 19:1-6. 1 Peter 3:21Proverbs 11:30. John 21:15 it is essential for Salvation to be baptized in Jesus name Acts 4:12 and be filled with His Holy Ghost power speaking in a brand new tongue Acts 2:4 , and live a holy life loving Jesus and loving others !
But when Israel continued in unbelief, Christ revealed to Paul "the dispensation of the grace of God" and the previously hidden "mystery" ( Eph 3:1-9; Col 1:25-27). In this present dispensation, we are now saved by the gospel of Christ's cross and resurrection alone ( 1 Cor 15:1-4; Rom 3:24-28; 4:5; Eph 2:8-9). Entrance is by one Spirit baptizing us into one Body ( 1 Cor 12:13), hence Paul can say there is "one baptism" ( Eph 4:5) and also, strikingly "Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" ( 1 Cor 1:17).
What of the Lord's commands in Matthew and John? They stand true for the audience addressed. Matthew 5:18 affirms the Law's authority until all is fulfilled; Christ is its end for righteousness to everyone that believes ( Rom 10:4) and the Body is not under the Law ( Rom 6:14). John 14-15 speaks to kingdom disciples under the New Covenant promises to Israel ( Jer 31:31-34), about abiding in the Vine and keeping His commandments in that program.
Luke 18:17 highlights the posture of faith, not a ritual that secures salvation. Therefore, today water baptism is a good testimony, but it does not add to the finished cross-work nor effect salvation. The saving baptism in this age is the Spirit's, placing us in Christ the moment we believe.
Grace and Peace.
Even though these Fellowships were established by the apostles & those who traveled with them, after the ransacking of Jerusalem in AD70 by Gen Titus of Rome, many more Christians and Jews dispersed all over the Roman world. So when we get to these two chapters of the Book of the Revelation, we read of these Churches and their trials and spiritual condition in not only a pagan society, but also being affected by the Jews who also established themselves there and set up synagogues. You can read an instance where the Apostle Paul ministered to the Jews in one of their synagogues in Ephesus ( Acts 18:18,19).
So, when Jesus speaks to the Apostle John from Heaven in Revelation 2 & 3, we can understand that at least those two Church groups (Smyrna & Philadelphia) were being harrassed by the Jews living there. We are not told what they actually did to the Church, but it seems the Jews there were particularly antagonistic towards the Gospel & the believers, blaspheming the God Whom they were supposed to be worshiping by rejecting His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus calls them "the synagogue of Satan", for the true God is not, and cannot be, worshiped if He is being blasphemed. As Satan filled the hearts of Ananias and Sapphira to lie to the Holy Spirit ( Acts 5:1-11) and they suffered for it, so too, Satan had filled the hearts of these erring Jews who did Satan's bidding & no doubt they too would not be spared, unless they repent; and some would ( Revelation 3:9). Blessings.
5. 1 Peter 3:21
"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ"
Baptism connected to salvation
Not just symbolic - a required response of a good conscience
6. 2 Peter 1:5-10 - Add to your faith
"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue... knowledge... temperance... patience... godliness... brotherly kindness... charity
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall."
Not faith alone - one must add works
Doing these things = assurance of salvation
Summary
Peter preached:
Faith in Jesus as the risen Messiah ( Acts 2:36)
Repentance and water baptism for forgiveness ( Acts 2:38)
Obedience necessary to receive the Holy Ghost ( Acts 5:32)
Sanctification through obedience ( 1 Peter 1:2)
Salvation tied to baptism and holy living ( 1 Peter 3:21, 2 Peter 1:10)
This is in contrast with Paul's message of justification by grace through faith alone ( Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5), not by works.
Peter's Kingdom Gospel - Repentance, Faith, and Works
1. Acts 2:36-38 - Pentecost sermon
"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
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."
Repentance
Water baptism required for remission of sins
Holy Spirit as a result of obedience
2. Acts 3:19-21 - Second temple sermon to Israel
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord"
Repentance = condition for forgiveness
Tied to future kingdom blessings
3. Acts 5:32
"And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him."
Obedience (works) as a condition to receive the Holy Ghost
4. 1 Peter 1:2
"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ..."
Election tied to obedience
Sprinkling of blood = cleansing, yet connected with obedient response
see page 2
Psalm 116:15 states Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
Now there are several meanings here; the general concept is that anyone who is a believer is highly valued; and is escourted to heaven immediately upon death as Paul also states "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" ( 2 Cor. 5:8).
This of course would encompass those who die from natural causes; those martyred or otherwise perish before they would otherwise due to human cruelty; accident; etc. We also see how some in the church of Corinth itself died because they weren't taking communion worthily ( 1 Cor. 11:30-32). Annias and Sapphira also met an early death due to sin ( Acts 5:1-11).
We also see some carrying the ark of the covenant wrong who were smitten in 2 Samuel 6:6-7 6 And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.
7 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.
I sense the Lord would want me to elaborate here. My point here is that sometimes death; particularly a sudden one can be tied into God "taking us out" as it were but that doesn't mean someone isn't going to make it to heaven. God wants us to die to selves; and many times He is patient with us taking time for us to bear fruit. Again; this is only some who are truly His I am mentioning here but sometimes they may be taken out for their own good. There are clearly times when such as with the Ark someone steps out of line inadvertantly. The fear of the Lord here is a good thing; and only a blood bought believer can understand the difference between being taken out this way and a nonbeliever having a similar fate. If we can look at God in this light we can compare this concept to the Rapture where we are suddenly transformed and the dead raised. Thus His glory wipes out our old self
And Paul actually condemns the Church as well, not as those engaging in such an act, but as being "puffed up" (v2), or becoming proud & aligning with such behavior. But the apostle lays his condemnation against that man who defiled his father's bed, by engaging with his mother, or more likely, his step-mother. Paul stated that rather than being proud of this deed, the Church should have consigned this sinner into Satan's domain (the world), that perchance he might come to his senses, repent of his evil relationship, and be restored into fellowship; or else, that he be punished that his end might be death. Remembering that in those days, as the Church was in its infancy & being established, the LORD took very strict & swift action for such sins; we can think of Acts 5:1-11 (of Ananias & Sapphira). Fortunately for the Church today, or maybe, unfortunately, judgement against sin is not so immediate, but we do have the Holy Spirit's persevering with us, or else we must suffer.
The sequel to 1 Corinthians 5 is found in 2 Corinthians 2:6-8, where apparently the Corinthian Church did take action against that man, by way of some punishment. But now Paul says, that even though he had a very heavy heart in this matter & probably other matters concerning that Church, the matter most pressing now was that this sinner has learnt his lesson and needs to be forgiven & received that further sorrow should not overwhelm him. All this serves to us a beautiful example of our need to be watchful for creeping-in sin, but if we fall, expect discipline, be quick to turn away from sin, and be restored into sweet fellowship.
This seemingly insignificant tale of Peter finding a fish with a coin in it to pay for his and Jesus' expected tax (other versions say 4 Drachma coin; so it covers for 2 each due) surely has some meaning. The point Jesus brings up is for the children to make others pay tribute; in some "token" if I can use the pun true children of God shouldn't be subject to others but others subject to them.
Christ shows in His humanity that insulting someone should be avoided at all costs so greater good can be accomplished.
Matthew 22:15-22 discusses rendering to Caesar what is owed and to God the same. This shows again the same theme that we can also extend to Romans 13:7 for the church. This isn't a subject I will go into in great length here; I will say in short it is the exception rather than the rule when situations arise which we must take a stand for God and against the rules of men; particularly as Acts 5:29 illustrates when told to keep our mouths shut about Christ.
From here on several things are apparent. The miracles Christ was doing are shut down; except for the healing of the blind mentioned in Matthew 20:29-34. Secondly Jesus spoke almost exclusively in Parables at this point and third His greatest excoriation of the Pharisees was about to commence and this takes up the entire chapter 23 of Matthew.
Jesus was basically in his last weeks at this point which takes up about a third of the Gospels as far as I know (my estimate).
It reminds me in a strange way of Revelation as the final judgments seem to take the same space or more than the first but encompass weeks or maybe a few months at most. Our Lord had to focus on the Disciples knowing they would abandon Him and need to have strength to continue until Pentecost after the shock of the death of Christ who they had communed with and been shepherded by for several years. Surely Jesus didn't minimalize their grief but showed them it was for their greater good to die
4. John 14:16, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that HE may abide with you for ever".
The word another (in grk allon) and the word Comforter (Parakleitos) are of masculine gender in grk.".
5. John 16:7, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter (masculine) will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send HIM unto you."
Jesus had to go so the Spirit took His place in guiding the church.
6. John 14:13-16, "13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.14He shall glorify me: for HE shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." Pay attention please, among others, to that " for he shall not speak of himself"
7. Acts 5:3-4, "3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou GAST NOT LIED UNTO MEN, BUT UNTO GOD " Lie to a thing?
8. Acts 10:19-20, "19While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
20Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I HAVE SENT THEM" Also 11:12, "And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:"
9. Acts 13:2-4, "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, SEPATATE ME Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.4So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus"
See pt 3
Proverbs 27:5 states that open rebuke is better than hidden love. Ideally; of course we should take a brother aside and express concern if it appears sin is having a negative affect on their witness. The opposite of confronting in love is likely gossip.
The world often looks for inconsistency in the lives of those proclaiming Christ. Thus; we may say that the first part of those who wish to undertake discipleship as a ministry is to have our own lives in order. Such actions early on in our walk should have given us sufficient experience with relationships that went south because we no longer wanted to go party with our friends and watch unseemly and unedifying programs on TV as two examples. As a test I recommend talking about the Lord; prayer and scripture reading with those who are in our local fellowship and after a few weeks see if we are invited out to eat after the service or to someone's house as much as we are used to. This is also part of discipline; we find out much of our time is spent alone if we sincerely want to be as iron sharpening iron ( Proverbs 27:17 interestingly in the same chapter as the previous quoted verse).
Such a challenge could easily be part of evangelism as well; since many will profess Christ. It may be easier; in fact to get through to someone outside their normal social circles where they don't have to keep up appearances.
I probably should have included this in my Gospel for Dummies post. Should we encourage NON believers to get away from sin when sharing the Gospel? The answer I would say is yes; albeit the principal thing is coming to Christ. Repentance MUST be preached however; the Spirit must move someone to desiring to follow God and grants repentance according to scripture ( Acts 5:31 and several other scriptures). Nonetheless certain sins in particular can kill us so we should warn people to flee fornication; for example.
Time is a big cost of discipleship and few spare it.
Of Jesus Christ: Isaiah 9:6,7 (an Old Testament Prophecy); Micah 5:2 & John 1:1-14 (from everlasting); Matthew 1:22,23; Mark 2:5-7; John 8:56-58; John 16: 27,28; John 17:4,5; John 20:27,28; Philippians 2:5-7; Colossians 1:15-17; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:13; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:8-10; 1 John 5:7; 1 John 5:20.
Of the Holy Spirit: Matthew 12:31; Luke 1:34,35; Luke 11:13; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7-11; Acts 5:3; Acts 8:29; Acts 13:4; Romans 8:14; Romans 8:26,27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 12:11; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 10:29; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 5:6.
The above are a few Scriptures that point to the deity of Jesus Christ & God's Spirit: all showing that they don't work independently from God, but have been sent out from God, from God's Being, to accomplish His Purposes in the world. And we know that Jesus, as the Word of God clothed with humanity, is the very expression of God to the world ( John 14:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 4:2). Hope these will help you in your study of this very important doctrine. Blessings.
You are free to disagree, and I truly respect that. However, I stand by what I have shared. If you have a copy of the Greek Text (Textus Receptus), you will see that this word (obey) used in Acts 5:32 is the word PEITHARCHOUSIN.
This Greek word is a compound word which comes from PEITHO which means persuasion, and ARCHO meaning ruler. If you are rejecting the interpretation of the word PEITHARCHOUSIN that I have shared, then I kindly encourage you to search this word out before rejecting its meaning.
I do agree with some of what you are saying. But you say that "God now" commands all men to repent." And then you say that it's not an option to be persuaded of. Are you saying that persuasion to repent is not an option? If that's what you are saying, how would one repent, make a decision to change the direction of their life, and surrender their life to Christ without first being persuaded by the Holy Spirit to do so? A man will not repent unless he/she is being persuaded to do so. John 6:44 says that "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him:"
Again, I do agree with some of the things you've said, but I would encourage you to please re-read what I shared about the word "obey," which I have taken from the Greek text. I do thank you very much for taking the time to read my post.
God Bless!!!
Brother, what you do is appreciated, you inspire study. I hope you do not mind this is my understanding, you say Jesus is not sitting on the right of God on His throne, that is an idiom, this means it is saying this is the person that has authority and power, and I agree but was given authority and power, but not with we will not see Jesus, Revelation 21:22. If we also read Ephesians 1:17-23 along with Acts 5:31 it says God exalted Jesus, exalted, the Greek word hupsoo means to lift or raise up, to exalt, raise high.
Ephesians 1:20-21, God raised Jesus and set Him; the Greek word kathizo means make to sit; I set, appoint a physical position of the power of the throne, that is God's divine power and authority over all of creation. After Jesus was raised from the dead, Psalm 8:6 Philippians 2:9-10. This will be until all enemies are under His feet, 1 Corinthians 15:24-28. The throne can also mean sharing in honor and glory by overcoming as we see in Revelation 3:21.
Jesus has been given this position, we know God placed Jesus above all in heaven and earth and under the earth Ephesians 1:19-21. Jesus was raised in a glorified body, and we will be raised in a body as His, Philippians 3:21. Jesus ascended and is in heaven in that glorified body, Acts 1:10 and when He returns it will be in that same glorified body, Revelation 19.
The other words that throw light on this are Matthew 28:18 and John 13:3, given the Greek word didomi which means to give, to give something to someone, to bestow a gift, to appoint to an office, to supply, furnish necessary things. Something given to you that you did not have before it was given like salvation and eternal life is given, godliness, 2 Peter 1:3-8.
We also have Matthew 11:27 "All things are delivered unto me of my Father" delivered the Greek word paradidomi a close word to didomi properly to give, hand over, to deliver over with a sense of close personal involvement.
Thank you and God bless,
RLW
Acts 5:40 - And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
They didn't beat them. It is the word DEIRANTES for flogging or whipping. They were skinning them!
This is serious and that's why I bring this up. They actually had a room built for the flogging. They would take the shirts off, and they would shackle your arms up with your back towards the people. And you were actually standing in a trough. And as they were whipped and the blood came out, the blood would run down this trough and outdoors so it wouldn't collect in the room.
It's like a cat-o-nine tails and the whip literally had pieces of stone and glass in it. The term used here for "beating," in the Greek, it's like fileting a fish. It's literally ripping the skin off. What they wanted to do was make sure that these Christians were impressed that even though they couldn't do anything with them, they were going to leave them with this terrible, terrible condition.
I cannot help but be impressed at what they did in Verse 41!
Acts 5:41 - And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
They departed (Imperfect Tense)! They were continuing, and as they were going from the presence of the council, they were rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
Wow! Can you imagine these disciples carrying their robes, blood dripping down their backs as they're walking away, and they are saying "What an honor to be able to suffer for His namesake."
"Rejoicing" doesn't mean happiness. In the Greek, it has to do with satisfaction, much like an athlete would sense in an athletic contest. Even though physically you might get hurt, there's a certain satisfaction that you have in participating no matter how much it hurts you. That's what they felt. That was their attitude!
Acts 5:32 - And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
The word "obey" in the Greek is the word persuasion. And it is a Present Participle. To everybody who is obeying God, to everybody who is under the influence of the persuasion of God's Spirit, they are the ones who have been given the Holy Spirit.
When you submit to the Lord, He gives you His Spirit, and then you're continually under His influence.
Acts 5:33 - When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
Now when they heard that, they were cut to the heart. The term "cut to the heart" is the word for conviction, but it means to take a wooden saw and cut somebody in half. You can imagine what happened in their heart! And they took counsel to slay them.
Acts 5:34 - Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
Then he stood up, somebody who is in the council, and number one: he's a Pharisee. And number two: he's a doctor of the law. And number three, he had a reputation amongst the people.
The word "reputation" (TIMIOS) means valuable. He was estimated as high as you can go as far as reputation goes. And he commanded that the apostles be put outside so that he could talk to the group.
Acts 5:39 - But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
Those last three words, "fight against God" is one Greek word and it's a title. And its definition is God fighter. Do you want the reputation of being a God fighter? Then you better leave them alone.
Acts 5:29 - Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Verse 29 is one of the great verses of the bible. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, and notice the other apostles, because it's not just Peter this time.
All of the apostles were there, and all of them were saying the same thing. They said "We ought to obey God rather than men."
The word "ought" is the word necessary. Literally, it is binding. It is necessary, or binding that we obey God rather than man.
What they are saying is that God told us to go out and preach the word. You as the leaders are telling us to not preach anymore. We have to obey God rather than man.
Acts 5:31 - Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Him hath God exalted with his right hand. Whenever you see the term "right hand" in scripture, there is no word hand. It's an English idiom to try to translate the Greek idiom that just means "on his right."
In other words, when you get to heaven, you're not going to see God and then to the right of His throne here's another little figure over there called His Son on His right-hand side. You won't see that!
It's an idiom like we use if we say this person in my "right hand man." It means that this is the person that has authority and power.
So, when he says that Jesus is at the right hand, or at the right of God, what he's telling them is that Jesus Christ has all the authority of God. You can see why they would get angry!
The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew. Him hath God exalted with his right to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
What he's saying is that Jesus is the one that has the authority to give repentance and forgiveness of sins to all of Israel, talking to the religious leaders.
Acts 5:17 - Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
The Sadducees and the Pharisees were the two groups that were dominant within Judaism. The Sadducees did not believe in the afterlife. They did not believe in angels, and they did not believe in spirits.
So, they come, and they were the dominant ones leading within the Sanhedrin, and they were filled with indignation. The word indignation in the Greek is the word "to boil." They were boiling mad. They were raging mad!
Acts 5:23 - Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.
Saying, The prison truly we found having been shut. The word "shut" is called the Perfect Tense. "It's as locked and shut up as it was when we put them in there!"
Now, in all safety, that is, all the security measures were in place. Nothing was touched! And the keepers, (that is, guards) who were watching the prison.
They had been still standing there, another Perfect Tense.
Everything was the same as the night before! It's still locked up, all the security people in line, and even the guards still standing outside the prison.
And they look in and there's no prisoners! And he says when we had the place opened up, we found nobody inside.
Acts 5:24 - Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.
Literally in the Greek, that last phrase meant that they were worried about where this thing was going to lead. People are getting healed, people are getting saved, and now they find out that with the prison doors locked, and the guards still standing there, all of a sudden God's people got delivered! "Where's that going to lead?"
(Acts Part 11):
Acts 5:5 - And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
And while Ananias was hearing these words, he fell down and gave up the ghost. The phrase "gave up the ghost" is one Greek word EXEPSYXEN meaning he breathed out and that was it. He took his last breath, and he breathed out.
Acts 5:10 - Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
And she fell down immediately at his feet and yielded up the ghost. (Again, she breathed her last). And the young men came in and found her dead. Obviously, they are a little surprised. "What's going on here?"
And they carried her out and buried her. Literally in the Greek text, Verse 10 says "they buried her face to face with her husband." That's how the Greek text reads.
Acts 5:13 - And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.
And of the rest durst, (dared/ETOLMA) no man to join himself to them: but the people magnified or glorified them.
You talk about an opportunity for witnessing! The people just said "No way do I want to become a Christian. You lie and you're dead (referring to Ananias and Sapphira)! I don't want anything to do with them and that type of fellowship."
It's kind of interesting that the Lord continued to add people to the church, even in spite of all that! Mainly because it was the power of God saving people.
We, in ourselves are not worthy when it comes to just ourselves, however, the sacrificial blood of Jesus does make us as God's children worthy of God's love and His salvation. In that way you are worthy. indeed, if you are born again and have accepted Jesus as your Savior then feel worthy in His sight.
Acts 5:41 - "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."
2 Thessalonian 1:11 - "Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:10 "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;" I hope these few scriptures help. If you go to a website called Bible Hub, if you don't have it already, you can find more verses. Just put "worthy of God" in the search bar.
I would like to ask you, if you don't mind, what do you mean by "shaking" Hello Kuivaala: It's nice too meet you. I believe the people who post on this dissuasion platform are very loving and caring children of God, including me. I do love the Lord deeply.
We, in ourselves are not worthy when it comes to just ourselves, however, the sacrificial blood of Jesus does make us as God's children worthy of God's love and His salvation. In that way you are worthy. indeed, if you are born again and have accepted Jesus as your Savior then feel worthy in His sight.
Acts 5:41 - "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer s? God Bless :) Ann
A believer should not allow anyone even their own spouse to cause them to miss out or sin against God, as the scripture reads further both received the same judgment, although they conspired together, the husband was judged then the wife was asked whether their dealings with the Apostles were true and being judged separately received the same judgment as her husband. Each one had an opportunity to be honest and they valued their relationship above their love for God. The same God who created them both and allowed them to have a spousal relationship in the first place (not that only God provided for them to have the field in their possession). They put their trust in their relationship, by obeying each other and not obeying God. A believer should God obey first in all things, whether married or unmarried and this scripture is an example of that and how careful a believer has to be in their human interactions with others. Not just husband and wife, which is the highest human form of a human relationship, all human relationships, whether Mother/Father, Siblings, neighbors, employers, friends, family relations, any human relationship that a believer has, God should always be honored and obeyed first. A believer shouldn't choose a path or make a decision that is contrary to God's way.
If only they had the courage to say they did not want to participate or only wanted to contribute a certain amount. I see a lot in the bible about the human condition of failure to communicate. In this case, failure to communicate perhaps could have been based on pride ("the pride of life'). Perhaps, they sincerely wanted to give, however, both seemingly wanted to control the situation by privately agreeing to do something separately from what was agreed upon. We also notice in the scripture that nothing is private, God knows all things.
"Does the bible support a women Pastor or Bishop. I know already that the bible supports women in ministering the word, just to clarify."
Based on the qualifications of a Bishop, I do not believe the bible supports a woman Bishop based on qualifications ("This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work." 1 Timothy 3:1 KJV), however a Pastor may not necessarily be a Bishop and therefore a woman can be a Pastor or called to be a Pastor, I believe. In this scripture when the bible states a man desiring the office, I believe it is for a male to be a Bishop and not a female, since the qualifications entail having a wife and a man exhibiting leadership over his family and household.
A women and wife can be two different categories, although a wife is a woman, a unmarried woman is not a wife and is not subject to any man, only to God. The bible indicates if a married woman wants to do anything that she should ask her husband, husbands and wives should be on one accord in righteouness.
The subject has been brought up as rather common knowledge that many in the world suffer much greater persecution than we do in America at least up until this point; that appears to be rapidly about to change seeing the events of the last few months in particular. Part of what I have covered is the production of spiritual fruit; and how God uses hardships and trials to do this. Whatever our external circumstances; those today who are sold out for Christ know what it is like to be rejected; as well as having the enemy put a target on them. Necessary labor of the Great Commission is still being performed by a few faithful souls today but in the Tribulation is going to be "on steroids" as it were. Acts 5:41 often seems to be in the dust or some remote place in our thoughts in regard to rejoicing to suffer for His Name's sake.
Those who suffer that we know in the Tribulation should it be soon will also rejoice. We may wish we could be here but it is to THEIR advantage for us to be removed; or else they would never grow. Once the Rapture happens; many will realize how empty their life truly was after the shock of realization of what went down. I believe that there will be prayers in heaven for those about to be martyred ( Rev. 8:3-4 is one example). The parable of the 10 virgins seems on the surface to show the 5 foolish ones are hopelessly lost. This could represent some who thought they were believers or were believers that grew cold in their faith. A lot depends whether the last statement means "I never knew you" or "I know you not" as a lack of current intimate relation; and outer darkness could be being on the earth in the Tribulation or a representation of final hell. That is something I may have already discussed but could elaborate on. It behooves us to never be presumptuous in our faith; thinking we are bona fide Christians if our hearts are far from Him. In conclusion a great final harvest is coming.
God alone is the Savior of men.
Is. 19:20 says that God will send a savior and defender. ad God identifies the Savior as the Holy One of Israel ( a name of God) in Is. 43:3. In 43:11 God says that apart from Him there is NO Savior. Also Hos. 13:4
God calls Himself Savior in Is. 45:21; 49:26; 60:16. Jesus is called the Savior of the world John 4:42; Acts 5:31; 13:23, 1 Tim. 4:10,
the Father sent the Son to as Savior ( 1 Jn. 4:14)
and Jude 1:25 says that Jesus our only God and Savior and He should be glorified and honored the SAME as the Father who is God ( Jn. 5:23) thus claiming equality with the Father. (also see Jn. 5:18; Jn. 10: 30-38; 8:58)
So, in light of these truths of Scripture, It is fact that God alone is our Savior, and the Father sent His Divine Son into the world to save sinners.
Hallelujah! Because every human that has ever lived needs to be saved from their sins, and Jesus, God the Son, is this Savior, and no mere man can save anyone.
The fear of the Lord. With my scripture memory still lacking I will cite the verse "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" and then ask the readers to discover how many times that is mentioned and perhaps do a further study on the subject. Today's sermon was from 1 Peter specifically in verse 17 discussing how as believers we should have fear that in general isn't with terror but at times if we have sin in our lives it probably some of that should shake us up. The story of Ananias and Sapphira was examined as to the reaction of the church afterwards and the Holy fear and terror invoked ( Acts 5:1-11).
It is easy for us to sit in our comfy place and read about destruction of whole cities or the future Tribulation and not have it speak to us. Some want to symbolize some of the literal statements of judgment; but I am not focusing on that. We can look at events in the far past and future as so remote from us that we don't sense the relevance; specifically it's prompting us to get busy spreading the Gospel and keep ourselves unspotted from the world. ( James 1:27). With so many trying to predict the time the Lord is coming back and put together all the puzzle pieces can ignore the many CONDITIONAL promises which are just as true. Specific behaviors good or bad bear certain fruits as well as resulting in blessing or cursing. I have seen this true in at least one case warning a person about continuing in certain behavior (in that case I believe it was followed by a mental breakdown). We can't be sure when we will reap what we sow; it is for sure in final judgment. This seems very cut and dry; for instance verses talking about the insanity of a foolish man committing adultery. Proverbs 22:14 brings the point out that men who follow God escape these traps but the wicked are caught in their own traps that they try to ensnare others ( Psalm 141:10 also found in Proverbs and no doubt other Psalms).
More in part 4
Romans 13:1-7. You've asked a valid question from v2 & there are two ways of understanding it: is disobedience to the laws of civil govt bring on God's damnation or the condemnation by the dispensers of those laws? In context of the chapter, I believe that this applies to the latter, that of judgement by the magistrate. The Greek word here is 'krima', which applies to 'a judgement, a verdict, a condemnation'. So for whatever reason Paul is thinking of, the one who disobeys the laws, will face the judge (who sits under the authority of God for the good of society). So, one is not damned by God in this regard, but will be condemned by civil law, & yet God would expect us to be obedient to such laws, unless they are in opposition to His Own ( Acts 5:28,29), to His Laws we are subject first.
Philippians 2:12,13. The apostle writing to the Church, commends them for obeying the Lord, not only when he was with them, but also when he wasn't there; this shows that they were genuine in their faith & not 'putting on appearances' for Paul's sake. So this wonderful salvation that they possessed can never be allowed to become mediocre & lukewarm, therefore Paul encourages them to 'work it out', i.e. what they possessed should be continually worked out (in one's personal walk & in relation to others), and done so 'in fear & trembling'. Why fear? I see it as the outworking of our Salvation which is a very serious business, not given to flippancy & a lackadaisical view, but geared to pleasing the Lord in all things & ever ready to engage in battle with the tempter & seducer. True, we have 'not been given a spirit of fear', of what man or spirit can do to us, even because of overwhelming circumstances we might face, but of Holy Ghost Power, of Divine Love, & of a sound healthy regenerated mind. I trust you can see the difference in 'Fear' in these instances.
The act of intercession; therefore is something crucial to communication throughout scripture that indeed gives us some insight of Hebrews 7:25 (He ever lives to intercede for us). Daniel also repeated this theme in Daniel 9:8-10. God's promise here was the prophetic insight given in Jeremiah 29:10. God stated this would happen; so it appears to be a done deal. There was no promise how many would do this; as is evident from the small group that initially rebuilt the wall; and the disobedience of many was seen with marriages to foreign wives. No doubt worldliness had affected the hearts of those who should have remembered the prosperity God gave them in Babylon and His promises to return after that time. It is a wonder that confession of the sins of church congregations isn't given much attention as compared to particulary egregious ones of individuals as it still affects the overall witness as we see from exhortations written for the churches in Revelation 2 and 3; for example.
Look at God's faithfulness to Israel as stated in Jeremiah 31:36 where the courses of nature would have to change with the sun and moon for God to abandon His covenant promises. In fact the only covenant changed is that related to the method of worship with the law and sacrifices which was of course replaced by the perfect sacrifice under Christ which abolished therefore the old ordinances. (see Hebrews 9-10). The object of worship was therefore Christ; God had stated in Isaiah 1:11; see also Psalm 69:31.
In understanding the New Covenant we should perceive that it is still the same God with the same characteristics today that existed in the Old Testament from eternity. We would on the surface expect that to be a "no brainer"; but how often do we see the fear of God demonstrated as in Acts 5:1-11 with Ananias and Sapphira? Our commitments to God should not be of fools ( Ecclesiastes 5:4). See Matthew 5:33-35 for ungodly vows.
He is our Prince of Peace
Is. 9:6 " 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, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."
Acts 5:30-31 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins."
Jesus is our Prince. He does not rule as earthly princes do, but is humble, though mighty, sacrificial for us, not greedy, with us, not stand offish.
He give peace to His people, as He did for Israel in the land under David and Solomon. Not only is Jesus the Prince of Peace but the eternal King of Kings also.
Ps. 29:10-11 "the LORD sitteth King forever, The Lord will give strength unto his people, the LORD will bless His people with peace."
Jn 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
Rom. 16:20 "And the God of peace will soon bruise Satan under your feet shortly."
He is our peace who has absolute power over the enemy and the Peace that unifies the church.
Eph. 2:14-15 "for He is our peace who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us." (between Jewish believers and Christian believers)
Hebrews 13:20-21 "Now may the God of Peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to Whom be glory forever and ever, amen."
1 Th. 5:23 "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly,"
The peace of God is transcend all other types of peace. It is above and beyond what we is of the world
I am glad to hear you had a great time over the holidays, I hope you were able to rest your heels of travel. Yes, it is the circumcision of the heart that the reformation begins, and the Holy Spirit inspires true worship. Worship is our response to what the Spirit reveals to us about God.
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
We do this with our renewed minds led by the Spirit not with our wisdom and emotions, they can be deceived. Being deceived is to be easily caught up or carried away or taken out of the way, the favorite tool of Satan, like prey taken in the mouth of a lion.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: If we are deceived, we are devoured. We must be vigilant daily to be conformed to the image of the Son of God, Jesus. Daily, as the Apostles did in the beginning, preaching the Gospel of Jesus every day, Acts 2:46-47 Acts 5:42 Acts 16:5.
God bless,
RLW
John 17:17] Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
The apostle Peter talked about once we have known the truth and turn away from it there is no more sacrifice for sin.
2nd Peter 2:20] For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
[21] For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
[22] But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Obviously Peter was writing about people who were once santified. Acts chapter 5 Annians and Saphara two holy santified people who decided to do their own thing and obey a different voice, the voice of the devil as the man of God Peter knew who deceived them in not putting their share if the offerings as thry were supposed to.
Acts 5:3] But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
[4] Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
[5] And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
We became sanctified instantly the moment you accept Jesus Christ and his words from the Gospel of Christ.
Col 1:28] Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Luke 24:47,48 Mark 16:16,17 I received the Holy Ghost Acts 5:32 Acts 2:4. 1 Corinthians 14: 2,22,39
John 3:1-6 Acts 19:1-6. 1 Peter 3:21 Proverbs 11:30. John 21:15 it is essential for Salvation to be baptized in Jesus name Acts 4:12 and be filled with His Holy Ghost power speaking in a brand new tongue Acts 2:4 , and live a holy life loving Jesus and loving others !