In early Acts the gospel of the Kingdom is being preached just like John the baptist preached Matt 3:2 because it was at hand. It was wihtin reach. If they would have received it Matt 11:14 John the Baptist would have been Elijah and the Lord would have set up His literal physical visible Kingdom but they rejected Him. Matt 12 records the blasphemy of the Holy Ghost vs 31 and He begins to speak in parables in Ch 13. They crucify Him and He prays from the cross that they will be forgiven in Lk 23:34. Then they are getting a second chance to receive their King in early Acts see ch 2. The house of Israel is being spoken to see vs 36,22, 14,5, which are Jews. The gospel is to the Jew first. The nation as a whole rejects Him again and Stephen preaches this sermon and if the nation as a whole would have received the message Jesus would have come back then. That 's why He was STANDING. Compare vs 55 with Mark 14:62 and 16:19. The church age wasn 't revealed until Paul got saved and all the prophecies could have still came to pass without any contradictions. But since they rejected Him the Gentiles were grafted in, Thank the Lord.
Yes, I believe the Word of God declares the omnipresence of God, particularly the verse you are inquiring about Psalm 139:7-10. God is present in all His creation, but in no manner limited by it. This attribute is a source of comfort to the believer because He is always available to help us. It is a source of warning and restraint because we cannot escape God. Other verses that prove God 's omnipresence include 1 Kings 8:27Isa. 66:l Jer. 23:23f. Acts 7:48f. 17:24f. Rom 10:6-8. In conclusion Heb 4:13 says, Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Omnipresent present everywhere at once.
It is a rare pastor that lets his flock know that Stephen is said to have "gone to sleep " upon death rather than allegedly being whisked off to heaven!
7 56 "And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. " Stephen is at the point of death and see 's Jesus Standing at the right hand of the Father. We are told that Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father. The Bible tells us that there is a crown for those who are killed for the gospel sake. Does Jesus stand every time someone who is killed for the gospel to welcome them home?
It is important to look back on paul 's letter to the ephesians 2.19 20 where paul reveals that now the gentiles are no more strangers but fellowcitizens of the saints, and are being built in the foundation of the apostles and of the prophets in which Jesus Christ is the corner stone...We see that God Himself is building this temple using christians as the raw material to build his own dwelling.
Howbeit God does not dwell in houses made by hands..John Says that " But all them that received Jesus were made sons of God..whom they were not born by the will of man but by the will of God. so Being God a Spirit He might dwell in our new born spirit..
I am suspicious of verse 60 and believe that it was tacked on at a later date, especially when Stephen had already given up his spirit to The Lord in verse 59. Luke 23 34 is also dodgy, as written, so that adds to the conspiracy. Beware of the Freemason KJV translation.
We are the mobile church of Jesus Christ,just as he was never stationed at one place. He also said go ye unto the ends of the world and proclaim my name. We are the gathering of Christ, Genesis 1: 9' God said, Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place. Malachi's Murunwa Tharaga
I am amazed that the New Revised King James continues to use the word "God" in this scripture in itallics, indicating that this word was not a part of the original scripture. Again a desperate attempt to justify the belief in trinity.
This prayer has puzzled many Christians. We must remember that Jesus was a member of the Godhead. And his prayers were not like ours. Yes, they were in the form of prayers, but they were a continuation of the communication he had had with the Father before he became a man. And this communication continues now.
But we are who not members of the Godhead, must pray as he told us to pray: "There is no other name. ..." Abraham prayed this way. And so did the prophets. So did Stephen and Paul.
"And as they stoned him, Stephen prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' And he fell to his knees, shouting, 'Lord (Jesus), don't charge them with sin! ( Acts 7:59).
Paul said this about his prayers to Jesus, "Three different times I begged the Lord (Jesus) to take it away. Each time he said, 'My gracious favor is all you need. ...'" ( 2 Corinthians 12:18)
I do believe that we are still taking the words of God out of their contexts simply because we do approach the Bible with our minds already made up with denominational doctrines. Otherwise something written in a plain English text shows that the Lord Jesus` accepting to be worshipped proved Him to be God ( John 20:28, Revelation 1:17-18). Another truth that this passage has also displayed is that the Jews were the FIRST CHURCH ( Acts 7:38), and that the Kingdom of God belongs to them because of the “Covenants” that God had made with their father, and again what the Syrophenician woman displayed here is that through faith the Gentiles will receive mercy and be part of the Kingdom of God. It is very wrong for anybody to teach that God has taken the Kingdom away from the Jews and gave it to the Gentiles. The only way that we can harmonize the Word of God is when we begin to crosscheck what was said in one place with another; and not apply theories to the words of God. For example what the Lord Jesus said here was in agreement with John 4: 22 where He says that, salvation is of the Jews, and in the same manner the Apostle Paul had followed Him with that tone. He disapproved every theory that the Kingdom was taken from the Jews for he always said, of the Jews first then the Gentiles Romans 1:16, etc.
God is telling us how the people of the earth then and now reject his commandments, which lead to eternal life. God also tells us that the people that proclaimed his name served idols, like today. Every person made gods of their own (verse 29, like today), and put them in their houses of high places or places for pagan worship. Verse 32, so the people feared the Lord God through Jesus Christ, and served their own lords, and made unto themselves of the lowest priests..... Verse 33, they feared the Lord and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations/people, whom they carried away from their... Verse 34, unto this day, they do after the former manners! They fear not the Lord, neither do they after His statutes, decrees, judgments, and commands. Or after their ordinances, or the law, or the commandments, which the Lord commanded Jacob whom he named Israel... But like our forefathers, we do always resist the truth, knowledge of the holy ghost, holy spirit, or of God!( Acts 7:51; verse 35, God had made a covenant with them saying, ye/you shall not fear other gods (then explained what it mean to fear other gods), neither bow down to them, nor serve them, neither sacrifice to them! Verse 36, but the Lord God that brought you out of Egypt with a mighty hand and a stretched out arm, him shall you fear, and him shall you serve (or worship), and do sacrifices unto him. Verse 37, and the commandments that he wrote to you, you shall observe to do forever, and you shall not fear other gods.. This is a faithful and truth saying, and a parable from God/heaven above and is put in a earthly saying, but as God spoke to the Israelites long ago, so does he speak to their descendants, which people you are, and in need of repenting, or turning from the ways of the world!
THUS, THIS IS THE POWER OF GOD YES! ALSO, WE ALSO FIND REPENTANCE, TURN AWAY, LEAVE KINDRED, RELATIVES, TO THE PLACE WHERE I WILL SHOW THEE, OBEDIENCE, LOVE, SACRIFICE, THE WORD OF GOD JESUSCHRIST AS THE ANGEL, AND THE SERVANT OF GOD, THE POWER OF GOD, THE ELOHIM, THE ALMIGHTY GOD, ELSHADDI, THE WORKS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD, GOD, ( GENESIS 12:1, GOD SPOKE TO ABRAM, 12:7, GOD APPEARED TO ABRAM, AND SAID, UNTI THY SEED/DESCENDANTS WILL I GIVE.... ( GENESIS 12:1, GOD SPOKE TO US/ME/YOU, AND SAID, GET THEE/YOU OUT OF THY COUNTRY(ALSO, ACTS 7:2-3), FROM THY KINDRED/RELATIVES, AND FROM THY fathers house/or UNDER HIS UMBRELLA....
GOD HAS PLANS FOR YOU! PLANS OF GOOD AND NOT OF EVIL( ISAIAH 29:11). GOD ALSO WANTS TO BE OUR FATHER( MATTHEW 23:9, JOHN 14:7-11, THROUGH JESUSCHRIST, GOD HEALS, PROVIDES, DELIVERS, AND SHOWS HIS LOVE!!
WHEN GOD CAME IN THE NAME OF JESUSCHRIST HE SEPARATED HIMSELF FROM EVERY FALSE god, THAT CLAIM TO BE GOD, BUT IN WORKS, YOU SEE THEY ARE NOT GOD WHO YOU CAN FIND THROUGH JESUSCHRIST, THIS IS THE TRUE GOD AND ETERNAL LIFE( 1 JOHN 5:20)!
" GENESIS 13:16, FOR ALL THE LAND WHICH THOU/YOU SEEST, TO THEE WILL I GIVE IT(ALSO, ACTS 7:5), AND TO THY/YOUR SEED/DESCENDANTS FOREVER(ALSO, 2 CHRONICLES 20:7, EXODUS 6:7, VERSE 6, AND I WILL RID YOU OUT THEIR BONDAGE/SLAVERY, VERSE 7, AND I WILL TAKE YOU TO ME FOR A PEOPLE, AND I WILL BE TO YOU A GOD, AND YEYOU SHALL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD! WHICH BRING YOU OUT FROM THE BURDENS/TROUBLES OF THE EGYPTIANS....
THE PROMISES TO OUR forefathers, GOD SENT THEM TO US AND NO MAN TOUCH IT, BUT DECEIVE PEOPLE WITH OTHER COPIES OR VERSIONS!
LIKE THE DEVIL COULD NOT TOUCH JOB(IN CHAPTER 1), SO CAN HE NOT TOUCH THE WORD OF GOD!!! THOSE WHO SAY SO ARE DEMONS, THAT CAN NEVER LIVE THE WORD OF GOD!!
MAY GOD POUR OUT HIS TRUTHS UPON HIS CREATION NOW, THROUGH JESUSCHRIST, AMEN.
"Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." ( Acts 7:56) Our cat had five kittens. Here lately, the kittens have been staying outside all night. When they want to come inside, they meow at the door. Some times, late in the night, one will come to the door. I get up and let the one in. Soon as I lay down, another one comes. I get up and let that one in; and so it goes until all five have come in. I thought to myself one night, "Jesus, must be standing all the time." He is the door and His are coming home all the time. Sometimes when I go to open the door, all five kittens come zooming in. It is a rush of energy coming in all at once. It is a different pleasure than one coming at a time; when one comes, I receive that one, and I anticipate each other ones to come. Mass tragedies on our side cause great sorrow, but I can only imagine the great energy and pleasure that Jesus must have when a great number of His come home all at once.
Pastor Darrell Tolbert on Acts 7:38 - 12 years ago
From this text it is clear that the church did not begin in the book of acts. The word within itself means called out ones. The Jews were called out of bondage to be used by God to enlighten the world about the one true God. In the church in the wilderness Jesus was hidden in signs, symbols and prophecies. In the church in the book of Acts, which is the same church in the wilderness Christ is not hidden! He is reveal for all to see, in the church in the wilderness he is hidden in the lambs that were slain to atone for the sins of God's people but in the new church he is reveal on the cross being slain so his blood can atone for the sins of the world. The ten commandments which is the express will of God for all who would be apart of his kingdom was given to the church! The one in the wilderness which also governs the revealed church today!
How do you explain the clear contradiction between v14 and v16 to the book of Genesis (70 people came down not 75, and Abraham was buried in Hebron not Sychem that he bought from Ephron).
Such an elementary mistake, clearly.
Definition: The central doctrine of religions of Christendom. According to the Athanasian Creed, there are three divine Persons (the Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost), each said to be eternal, each said to be almighty, none greater or less than another, each said to be God, and yet together being but one God. Other statements of the dogma emphasize that these three “Persons” are not separate and distinct individuals but are three modes in which the divine essence exists. Thus some Trinitarians emphasize their belief that Jesus Christ is God, or that Jesus and the Holy Ghost are Jehovah. Not a Bible teaching.
What is the origin of the Trinity doctrine?
The New Encyclopædia Britannica says: “Neither the word Trinity, nor the explicit doctrine as such, appears in the New Testament, nor did Jesus and his followers intend to contradict the Shema in the Old Testament: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord’ ( Deut. 6:4). . . . The doctrine developed gradually over several centuries and through many controversies. . . . By the end of the 4th century . . . the doctrine of the Trinity took substantially the form it has maintained ever since.”—(1976), Micropædia, Vol. X, p. 126.
The New Catholic Encyclopedia states: “The formulation ‘one God in three Persons’ was not solidly established, certainly not fully assimilated into Christian life and its profession of faith, prior to the end of the 4th century. But it is precisely this formulation that has first claim to the title the Trinitarian dogma. Among the Apostolic Fathers, there had been nothing even remotely approaching such a mentality or perspective.”—(1967), Vol. XIV, p. 299.
In The Encyclopedia Americana we read: “Christianity derived from Judaism and Judaism was strictly Unitarian [believing that God is one person]. The road which led from Jerusalem to Nicea was scarcely a straight one. Fourth century Trinitarianism did not reflect accurately early Christian teaching regarding the nature of God; it was, on the contrary, a deviation from this teaching.”—(1956), Vol. XXVII, p. 294L.
According to the Nouveau Dictionnaire Universel, “The Platonic trinity, itself merely a rearrangement of older trinities dating back to earlier peoples, appears to be the rational philosophic trinity of attributes that gave birth to the three hypostases or divine persons taught by the Christian churches. . . . This Greek philosopher’s [Plato, fourth century B.C.E.] conception of the divine trinity . . . can be found in all the ancient [pagan] religions.”—(Paris, 1865-1870), edited by M. Lachâtre, Vol. 2, p. 1467.
John L. McKenzie, S.J., in his Dictionary of the Bible, says: “The trinity of persons within the unity of nature is defined in terms of ‘person’ and ‘nature’ which are G[ree]k philosophical terms; actually the terms do not appear in the Bible. The trinitarian definitions arose as the result of long controversies in which these terms and others such as ‘essence’ and ‘substance’ were erroneously applied to God by some theologians.”—(New York, 1965), p. 899.
Jesus is the the fleshly representation of God's word. Hense he is known as the Word, and there are other descriptions we will confirm. The Greek vernacular of the scripture tranalated interlinearly says (John1:1,"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was toward the God, and god was the Word." the Greek spellings of God is capitalized in "toward the God" and not capitalized in," god was the Word." When translated from the Greek root meaning, it reads in english this way, " In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God , and the Word was a god." Jesus is a god. Not God the Almighty.
Jesus is also known in the scriptures as the Son of man. ( Acts 7:56) and he said: “Look! I behold the heavens opened up and the Son of man standing at God’s right hand.”Compare, Matthew 25:31) “When the Son of man arrives in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne.
If The Son of man (Jesus)is God Almighty would it be reasonable for him to approach one greater than himself? Consider if you will DAN 7:9,10.. 9)"I kept on beholding until there were thrones placed and the Ancient of Days sat down. His clothing was white just like snow, and the hair of his head was like clean wool. His throne was flames of fire; its wheels were a burning fire. 10) There was a stream of fire flowing and going out from before him. There were a thousand thousands that kept ministering to him, and ten thousand times ten thousand that kept standing right before him. The Court took its seat, and there were books that were opened...
Continuing, DAN 7:13,14 “I kept on beholding in the visions of the night, and, see there! with the clouds of the heavens someone like a son of man happened to be coming; and to the Ancient of Days he gained access, and they brought him up close even before that One. 14) And to him there were given rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him. His rulership is an indefinitely lasting rulership that will not pass away, and his kingdom one that will not be brought to ruin.(The Ancient of Days clearly describes God)
Compare; ( Hebrews 1:1-4,6) 1) God, who long ago spoke on many occasions and in many ways to our forefathers by means of the prophets, 2) has at the end of these days spoken to us by means of a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the systems of things. 3) He is the reflection of [his] glory and the exact representation of his very being, and he sustains all things by the word of his power; and after he had made a purification for our sins he sat down on the right hand of the Majesty in lofty places. 4) So he has become better than the angels, to the extent that he has inherited a name more excellent than theirs........verse 6) But when he again brings his Firstborn into the inhabited earth, he says: “And let all God’s angels do obeisance to him.” Compare also Matthew 25:31) “When the Son of man arrives in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne. ( Acts 7:56) and he said: “Look! I behold the heavens opened up and the Son of man standing at God’s right hand.” Clearly two distinct entities.
Another scripture taken from the Greek Scriptures (New Testament) shows that Jesus is before all creation (God Almighty's only direct creation). In the Greek writings the wording would appear this way. John 17:5 ,"and now glorify me you, Father,beside to yourself to the glory which I was having before of the the world to be beside you. Translated in english to say,"So now you,Father,glorify me beside yourself with the glory that I had alongside you before the world was.
Notice in Hebrews 1:6 it mentions Jesus as being Firstborn. Jesus was with God ions before the 6 days of creation. In fact all things were created by God through Jesus, Col 1:15-17 (again line for line the Greek would read) "who is image of the God the invisible, firstborn of all creation, because in him it was created the all (things)in the heavens and upon the earth, the (things) visible and the (things) invisible, whether thrones or lordships or governments or authorities;the all (things) through him and into him it has been created; and he is before all(things)and the all (things) in him it has stood together. Versed in englih it reads , "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; because by means of him all other (things) were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible,no matter whether they are thrones,or lordships, or governments or authorities. All other(things)have been created through him and for him. Also he is before all (other) things and by means of him all (other) things were made to exist." Before time as we know it, Jesus was the only direct creation by God (Jehovah). Then all things were created by God (Jehovah) through Jesus. Therefore we read as previously mentioned by Joe on 10/15/2011 @9:38 am,(God speaking to Jesus)," God said in Ge 1:26 "Let US make man in OUR own image."
Jesus in the Greek is Iesous' and in Hebrew it is Yeshua and means (Jehovah Is Salvation)as mentioned by Ray R on 10/12/2011 @ 2:40 am. This should not be misconstrued to mean it is another name or descriptive identity of Jesus. Note other names and their meanings in the bible; Jeconiah (Jehovah Firmly Establishes), Jecoliah (Jehovah Has been Able), Jeberechiah (Jehovah Blesses), Jedidiah (Beloved of Jah) Jah being the short version of Jehovah , example Ha-le-lu-jah meaning praise be to Jehovah.
Clearly these others are in no connection with Jesus nor are they considered to be God The Almighty. Their names describe who Jehovah is and what He is synonymus with. Jesus is our very salvation in that he was the sacrificial lamb provided by Jehovah for covering mans sins. Reasonably then, Jesus being the very sacrifice given for us would be the correct and rightful meaning of his name,"Jesus" meaning (Jehovah Is Salvation). Also mentioned was the Christ meaning: Annointed. Annointing is an act of one individual to another. Indicating two distinct individuals.
On a final note Jesus in reply to his disciples questions at Matthew 24:3 explains the sign of his presence and the occurrence of things at the conclusion of this system. Better known as Armageddon. Jesus words at Matthew 24:36, " Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens, nor the Son,but only the Father." In a trinitarian godship all godheads are omnipotent. All have exact power. Equal if you will. Not one greater than the other. All knowing of everything together. Jesus clearly stated he did not know the day or hour. Only the Father knew that time frame. Jesus spoke of how some one could speak against him (The Son of man)and be forgiven, but speaking against the holy spirit would never be forgiven.( MT 12:32) Again this would not stand to reason in a trinitarian worship.
Accurate knowledge is the means of salvation. Jesus said in John 17:3 "This means ever lasting life, their taking in knowledge of you the only true God and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ."
It has always interested me that these "scholars" remove the name, Jehovah, from their translations but fail to do so with the false gods that are also mentioned in scripture. Molech (or Moloch) comes to mind as does Rephan (Remphan). Acts 7:43 I'm glad to see it here!
I remember hearing about a woman who learned about Psalms 83:18. She had no idea that God's name was indeed Jehovah or that it was in the King James Bible at all. She was greatly angered when she brought it up with her priest and he told her that he did know all about it. But it was his reply that angered her most..."What's in a name?" he said. On this point alone she decided to leave the church and asked that her name be removed from the prayer list, etc. The priest told her he would remove it but not until she paid her overdue "tithes." So she sent him a check. She soon got a call from the priest..."I received your check but you forgot to sign it so I can't remove your name until I receive a sigend one." Her response.. "Oh, really? Well what's in a name, anyway?"
I believe the word "Lord" in this scripture refers to the almighty God, Jehovah, just as it does in Math 3:3, 4:7, and 4:10. Many times the greek work kyrios refers to Jehovah in the new testament. We really know that all prayer is to be dircted to the almighty God thru his son
Aye; are you guys Pentecostal? Baptist? King James 1611; Genesis 15:13; Acts 7:6,7; Israel 1948 + 70. Jeremiah 25:11; Daniel 9:2; and Revelation 17:5. Less the Seven Year Tribulation. Church sleeps, should awake at Midnight Hour. Israel also must prepare for their Messiah reinstate most Mosaic Laws. God bless.
The first mention of the one church Jesus is building. This Bible word "church" has been wrongly used to mean; meeting house, the regular meeting of a sect, or the religious organization itself. Since the word meant "assembly of called out ones", there are other Bible uses of "church". In Acts 7:38, "church in the wilderness" refers to the assembly of those called out of Egypt. The church or body of Christ that he said he would later build, most likely began after the resurrection when believers were delivered and translated into his kingdom (Col.1:13 & Heb.9:17). The Apostle Peter was not yet converted at the last supper(Lu. 22:32). Possibly, when Jesus said,"Tell it unto the church" in Matt. 18:17, He was referring to another assembly, since his church would only be built later. Believers are they which have been called out of this failing world system and are being assembled into a living organism. The gates of hell fail to defend its demonic prison when His church, with His weapons, invade its borders. The weapons of our warfare...are mighty through God, to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down anything that attempts to imprison people from experiencing God ( 2 Cor. 10:4). We are the aggressors with a promised victory. Thanks be to God, through Jesus, we are more than conquerors.
But we are who not members of the Godhead, must pray as he told us to pray: "There is no other name. ..." Abraham prayed this way. And so did the prophets. So did Stephen and Paul.
"And as they stoned him, Stephen prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' And he fell to his knees, shouting, 'Lord (Jesus), don't charge them with sin! ( Acts 7:59).
Paul said this about his prayers to Jesus, "Three different times I begged the Lord (Jesus) to take it away. Each time he said, 'My gracious favor is all you need. ...'" ( 2 Corinthians 12:18)
GOD HAS PLANS FOR YOU! PLANS OF GOOD AND NOT OF EVIL( ISAIAH 29:11). GOD ALSO WANTS TO BE OUR FATHER( MATTHEW 23:9, JOHN 14:7-11, THROUGH JESUSCHRIST, GOD HEALS, PROVIDES, DELIVERS, AND SHOWS HIS LOVE!!
WHEN GOD CAME IN THE NAME OF JESUSCHRIST HE SEPARATED HIMSELF FROM EVERY FALSE god, THAT CLAIM TO BE GOD, BUT IN WORKS, YOU SEE THEY ARE NOT GOD WHO YOU CAN FIND THROUGH JESUSCHRIST, THIS IS THE TRUE GOD AND ETERNAL LIFE( 1 JOHN 5:20)!
" GENESIS 13:16, FOR ALL THE LAND WHICH THOU/YOU SEEST, TO THEE WILL I GIVE IT(ALSO, ACTS 7:5), AND TO THY/YOUR SEED/DESCENDANTS FOREVER(ALSO, 2 CHRONICLES 20:7, EXODUS 6:7, VERSE 6, AND I WILL RID YOU OUT THEIR BONDAGE/SLAVERY, VERSE 7, AND I WILL TAKE YOU TO ME FOR A PEOPLE, AND I WILL BE TO YOU A GOD, AND YEYOU SHALL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD! WHICH BRING YOU OUT FROM THE BURDENS/TROUBLES OF THE EGYPTIANS....
THE PROMISES TO OUR forefathers, GOD SENT THEM TO US AND NO MAN TOUCH IT, BUT DECEIVE PEOPLE WITH OTHER COPIES OR VERSIONS!
LIKE THE DEVIL COULD NOT TOUCH JOB(IN CHAPTER 1), SO CAN HE NOT TOUCH THE WORD OF GOD!!! THOSE WHO SAY SO ARE DEMONS, THAT CAN NEVER LIVE THE WORD OF GOD!!
MAY GOD POUR OUT HIS TRUTHS UPON HIS CREATION NOW, THROUGH JESUSCHRIST, AMEN.
Such an elementary mistake, clearly.
Definition: The central doctrine of religions of Christendom. According to the Athanasian Creed, there are three divine Persons (the Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost), each said to be eternal, each said to be almighty, none greater or less than another, each said to be God, and yet together being but one God. Other statements of the dogma emphasize that these three “Persons” are not separate and distinct individuals but are three modes in which the divine essence exists. Thus some Trinitarians emphasize their belief that Jesus Christ is God, or that Jesus and the Holy Ghost are Jehovah. Not a Bible teaching.
What is the origin of the Trinity doctrine?
The New Encyclopædia Britannica says: “Neither the word Trinity, nor the explicit doctrine as such, appears in the New Testament, nor did Jesus and his followers intend to contradict the Shema in the Old Testament: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord’ ( Deut. 6:4). . . . The doctrine developed gradually over several centuries and through many controversies. . . . By the end of the 4th century . . . the doctrine of the Trinity took substantially the form it has maintained ever since.”—(1976), Micropædia, Vol. X, p. 126.
The New Catholic Encyclopedia states: “The formulation ‘one God in three Persons’ was not solidly established, certainly not fully assimilated into Christian life and its profession of faith, prior to the end of the 4th century. But it is precisely this formulation that has first claim to the title the Trinitarian dogma. Among the Apostolic Fathers, there had been nothing even remotely approaching such a mentality or perspective.”—(1967), Vol. XIV, p. 299.
In The Encyclopedia Americana we read: “Christianity derived from Judaism and Judaism was strictly Unitarian [believing that God is one person]. The road which led from Jerusalem to Nicea was scarcely a straight one. Fourth century Trinitarianism did not reflect accurately early Christian teaching regarding the nature of God; it was, on the contrary, a deviation from this teaching.”—(1956), Vol. XXVII, p. 294L.
According to the Nouveau Dictionnaire Universel, “The Platonic trinity, itself merely a rearrangement of older trinities dating back to earlier peoples, appears to be the rational philosophic trinity of attributes that gave birth to the three hypostases or divine persons taught by the Christian churches. . . . This Greek philosopher’s [Plato, fourth century B.C.E.] conception of the divine trinity . . . can be found in all the ancient [pagan] religions.”—(Paris, 1865-1870), edited by M. Lachâtre, Vol. 2, p. 1467.
John L. McKenzie, S.J., in his Dictionary of the Bible, says: “The trinity of persons within the unity of nature is defined in terms of ‘person’ and ‘nature’ which are G[ree]k philosophical terms; actually the terms do not appear in the Bible. The trinitarian definitions arose as the result of long controversies in which these terms and others such as ‘essence’ and ‘substance’ were erroneously applied to God by some theologians.”—(New York, 1965), p. 899.
Jesus is the the fleshly representation of God's word. Hense he is known as the Word, and there are other descriptions we will confirm. The Greek vernacular of the scripture tranalated interlinearly says (John1:1,"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was toward the God, and god was the Word." the Greek spellings of God is capitalized in "toward the God" and not capitalized in," god was the Word." When translated from the Greek root meaning, it reads in english this way, " In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God , and the Word was a god." Jesus is a god. Not God the Almighty.
Jesus is also known in the scriptures as the Son of man. ( Acts 7:56) and he said: “Look! I behold the heavens opened up and the Son of man standing at God’s right hand.”Compare, Matthew 25:31) “When the Son of man arrives in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne.
If The Son of man (Jesus)is God Almighty would it be reasonable for him to approach one greater than himself? Consider if you will DAN 7:9,10.. 9)"I kept on beholding until there were thrones placed and the Ancient of Days sat down. His clothing was white just like snow, and the hair of his head was like clean wool. His throne was flames of fire; its wheels were a burning fire. 10) There was a stream of fire flowing and going out from before him. There were a thousand thousands that kept ministering to him, and ten thousand times ten thousand that kept standing right before him. The Court took its seat, and there were books that were opened...
Continuing, DAN 7:13,14 “I kept on beholding in the visions of the night, and, see there! with the clouds of the heavens someone like a son of man happened to be coming; and to the Ancient of Days he gained access, and they brought him up close even before that One. 14) And to him there were given rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him. His rulership is an indefinitely lasting rulership that will not pass away, and his kingdom one that will not be brought to ruin.(The Ancient of Days clearly describes God)
Compare; ( Hebrews 1:1-4,6) 1) God, who long ago spoke on many occasions and in many ways to our forefathers by means of the prophets, 2) has at the end of these days spoken to us by means of a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the systems of things. 3) He is the reflection of [his] glory and the exact representation of his very being, and he sustains all things by the word of his power; and after he had made a purification for our sins he sat down on the right hand of the Majesty in lofty places. 4) So he has become better than the angels, to the extent that he has inherited a name more excellent than theirs........verse 6) But when he again brings his Firstborn into the inhabited earth, he says: “And let all God’s angels do obeisance to him.” Compare also Matthew 25:31) “When the Son of man arrives in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne. ( Acts 7:56) and he said: “Look! I behold the heavens opened up and the Son of man standing at God’s right hand.” Clearly two distinct entities.
Another scripture taken from the Greek Scriptures (New Testament) shows that Jesus is before all creation (God Almighty's only direct creation). In the Greek writings the wording would appear this way. John 17:5 ,"and now glorify me you, Father,beside to yourself to the glory which I was having before of the the world to be beside you. Translated in english to say,"So now you,Father,glorify me beside yourself with the glory that I had alongside you before the world was.
Notice in Hebrews 1:6 it mentions Jesus as being Firstborn. Jesus was with God ions before the 6 days of creation. In fact all things were created by God through Jesus, Col 1:15-17 (again line for line the Greek would read) "who is image of the God the invisible, firstborn of all creation, because in him it was created the all (things)in the heavens and upon the earth, the (things) visible and the (things) invisible, whether thrones or lordships or governments or authorities;the all (things) through him and into him it has been created; and he is before all(things)and the all (things) in him it has stood together. Versed in englih it reads , "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; because by means of him all other (things) were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible,no matter whether they are thrones,or lordships, or governments or authorities. All other(things)have been created through him and for him. Also he is before all (other) things and by means of him all (other) things were made to exist." Before time as we know it, Jesus was the only direct creation by God (Jehovah). Then all things were created by God (Jehovah) through Jesus. Therefore we read as previously mentioned by Joe on 10/15/2011 @9:38 am,(God speaking to Jesus)," God said in Ge 1:26 "Let US make man in OUR own image."
Jesus in the Greek is Iesous' and in Hebrew it is Yeshua and means (Jehovah Is Salvation)as mentioned by Ray R on 10/12/2011 @ 2:40 am. This should not be misconstrued to mean it is another name or descriptive identity of Jesus. Note other names and their meanings in the bible; Jeconiah (Jehovah Firmly Establishes), Jecoliah (Jehovah Has been Able), Jeberechiah (Jehovah Blesses), Jedidiah (Beloved of Jah) Jah being the short version of Jehovah , example Ha-le-lu-jah meaning praise be to Jehovah.
Clearly these others are in no connection with Jesus nor are they considered to be God The Almighty. Their names describe who Jehovah is and what He is synonymus with. Jesus is our very salvation in that he was the sacrificial lamb provided by Jehovah for covering mans sins. Reasonably then, Jesus being the very sacrifice given for us would be the correct and rightful meaning of his name,"Jesus" meaning (Jehovah Is Salvation). Also mentioned was the Christ meaning: Annointed. Annointing is an act of one individual to another. Indicating two distinct individuals.
On a final note Jesus in reply to his disciples questions at Matthew 24:3 explains the sign of his presence and the occurrence of things at the conclusion of this system. Better known as Armageddon. Jesus words at Matthew 24:36, " Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens, nor the Son,but only the Father." In a trinitarian godship all godheads are omnipotent. All have exact power. Equal if you will. Not one greater than the other. All knowing of everything together. Jesus clearly stated he did not know the day or hour. Only the Father knew that time frame. Jesus spoke of how some one could speak against him (The Son of man)and be forgiven, but speaking against the holy spirit would never be forgiven.( MT 12:32) Again this would not stand to reason in a trinitarian worship.
Accurate knowledge is the means of salvation. Jesus said in John 17:3 "This means ever lasting life, their taking in knowledge of you the only true God and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ."
I remember hearing about a woman who learned about Psalms 83:18. She had no idea that God's name was indeed Jehovah or that it was in the King James Bible at all. She was greatly angered when she brought it up with her priest and he told her that he did know all about it. But it was his reply that angered her most..."What's in a name?" he said. On this point alone she decided to leave the church and asked that her name be removed from the prayer list, etc. The priest told her he would remove it but not until she paid her overdue "tithes." So she sent him a check. She soon got a call from the priest..."I received your check but you forgot to sign it so I can't remove your name until I receive a sigend one." Her response.. "Oh, really? Well what's in a name, anyway?"