COGIC ADULTS MENS SUNDAY SCHOOL BOOK October 18, 2025 Acts 10: 24-38 KJV
West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California
My COGIC WORSHIP: 1Corithians 15:3-4 KJV Jesus Christ is God of All. I Worship God of Morals and Meaning opportunity to believe in Christ-Only God to believe in with validity. God allows me to commune with God. I Worship God of Purity and Perfect Care. I Worship God that always does his Word for me blessing me with something and to benefit in all my subjects. I Worship God of healing of all sorts of ailments. I Worship God that wants to share the Gospel with other people and does not discriminate.
Thank you for your response Bennymkje. This question from your comment seems to reflect how you understood mine to Lbooth1955, "We walk by faith which entails work, don't you think?"
You may have misunderstood my comments, believing that I was denouncing works as the proper response to a genuine faith. Not at all, works that follow such a God-given faith must exist, or else it is no faith at all (and James deals with this quite well). So, it is not a work that results from faith that I refer to, but a work that must accompany faith to make our salvation real & effective.
The point I tried to make earlier, was that water baptism that accompanies repentance, belief, and faith, is a true baptism and not a work for it is part & parcel of one's testimony of a new life identified and received in Christ. And this is what I read in the Word by the many examples given ( Acts 2:38,41; Acts 8:12,13; Acts 8:36-38; Acts 9:17,18; Acts 10:21,44-48; Acts 16:14,15; Acts 16:30-33; Acts 18:8). All these folk were baptized immediately, or very soon after repenting and believing. Baptism here was not a 'work' added to salvation, but a very real part of one's witness before man & within oneself. In those days (as in some countries now), many would have suffered great loss or ostracization for turning to Christ, so baptism at that early stage was truly a bold declaration of love for the Savior & turning away from religion (& family) as a very real part of conversion.
Anything we do that adds to our salvation (even water baptism, if we deem it necessary to make our salvation real), is a work. And if that work, whether baptism, doing good deeds for others, attending to Jewish Law, etc., ensures our salvation, then our salvation is no longer of faith, but of works. For the salvation of God through His Son to be effective in our lives, it must be devoid of anything that attaches to that God-given faith; for that faith does save when it remains pure, free from all associations.
"And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:"
John 3:5
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
Acts 2:38
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Acts 10:47
"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?"
Acts 22:16
"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."
If your "battle" is with believing that Jesus is God, may I suggest the following scriptures for your consideration:
Genesis 1:1 along with John 1:1-3, Revelation 19:13, Colossians 1:15-17, Matthew 1:23, John 10:30, John 14:9, Mark 2:5-7, John 8:58, John 20:28, Isaiah 9:6, Philippians 2:5-7, Colossians 2:9, 1 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 1:8, 2 Peter 1:1, Revelation 1:8, John 5:18, 1 John 5:20, Luke 24:52, John 9:38, Acts 10:25-26, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 1:3, Revelation 22:13, Micah 5:2, John 17:5, John 1:14. There are more, but these should suffice.
You mention that "Christians say that there is no separation between Christ and God," and that the bible shows otherwise. Jesus said I and my Father are one, and He also said that if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father. This may not mean anything to you, but in the book of Hebrews, Jesus is described as the APOUGASMA (the out beam) of God's glory, God projecting Himself through the time/space factor in the person of Christ. Jesus Christ, being God, was never separated from the source. This is why Jesus can say if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father.
The best example I can give would be taking a flashlight in a dark room and shining it on a wall. The flashlight is the source, and the light is projected on the wall from the source. There is no separation unless the flashlight is turned off. Now, imagine the flashlight being God, and the light shining on the wall is Jesus, again, no separation. Jesus is said to be the true light which came down from heaven, the APOUGASMA of God.
If you are sincerely struggling with the deity of Jesus Christ (Him being God), I hope these scriptures I've provided might help. Also, if you would like, I can share my personal understanding on Matthew 26:39 and Luke 22:42 and why Christ would ask this.
If I may ask, are you a Christian? If so, who do you say Jesus is?
I realize Lbooth1955 that we have discussed this matter before, but thought to address a few points. Paul was called to share the Gospel with the Gentiles, just as the other apostles to Israel ( Galatians 2:7), but was their Gospel presentation any different where repentance, baptism and faith in Jesus was absolute for all men, without any compromise? I read your distinction between them, particularly that the message to the Jews was based on an earthly kingdom hope and Paul's to the Gentiles was on the revealed mystery of the union of Jew & Gentile in one Body, & Grace through Faith apart from the Law.
We aren't given much details of the apostles' ministries, but at least with Peter (that I can think of), if he hadn't realized it before, he certainly did in his encounter with Cornelius (Acts chap 10). The vision he received truly opened his eyes to the fact that not only the Jews, but that God had called Gentiles to be saved and become one together in Christ. At first Peter doubted the vision ( Acts 10:17); then he understood from it that Gentiles were not to be considered unclean (therefore, being prevented from hearing & receiving the Gospel) ( Acts 10:28,34,35); and finally, he saw the evidence of God's working, His outpouring of His Spirit on Gentiles ( Acts 10:44-46; Acts 11:15-18). This is the first instance as we read, that Peter understood that the Gentiles would also be saved, along with the Jews, incorporated in the one Body.
Regarding salvation by Grace alone, without the observance of the Law, I agree, that this was a problem. The Gentiles, it was decided, would be exempt ( Acts 15:5-20), though it seems ( Acts 21:18-21) that Jewish converts were still embracing the Law. When they matured in faith & knowledge I can't tell, as even today, some still believe in the keeping of the Law. But in the matter of James, in his epistle, I see no problem, as James speaks about 'works' that result from faith ( James 2:14-18), and not faith plus the works of the Law. GBU
Hi again Lbooth1955. Clearly, you are passionate about getting this point across to us, about the difference between Paul's Gospel, as opposed to any other presentation. The main points you raised: a) Paul's (or my) Gospel; b) revelation of this Mystery; and c) Gospel of the Kingdom.
a) Paul not only received his salvation by direct revelation from Heaven ( Acts 9:3-9), but also was taught, exercised in faith, & had revelations as to his ministry separate from any outside influence ( Galatians 1:11-18). Thus what he learned became what he often spoke of as "my Gospel", which implies that he received it directly from the Lord and was charged to make it known chiefly to the Gentiles.
So the question, how was this Gospel any different to say what the other apostles preached? The only other apostle's preaching, that is often recorded is that of Peter. And when I consider his presentations (found in Acts 2:14-41; Acts 3:11-19; Acts 4:6-12; Acts 10:34-48), I find that the same Gospel was preached by Peter (i.e. nothing extra or different to Paul's Gospel, apart from the specifics relating to his audience: their knowledge of the Scriptures & events surrounding Jesus' Life on Earth). His Gospel was the same as Paul's: the need for repentance, faith, calling upon Jesus for salvation.
b) the Mystery. Paul does speak of this revelation given to him, but did not the others know about Gentiles also receiving this blessing of salvation after hearing the Gospel? Peter spoke about him being sent to the Gentiles ( Acts 15:7; Acts chap 10 (Cornelius, a Gentile). And Peter, through the vision of the unclean animals given for him to eat ( Acts 10:9-17), understood that this Mystery that Paul spoke about, was also given to him to understand. Even Paul spoke of this ( Ephesians 3:3-6) that the present apostles and prophets were made aware of this mystery, that the Gentiles would be fellow-heirs, or the same Body, and partakers of the promises. Onto Page 2.
Hey Bivinsjo, in peace, imagine if we could spend all our time preaching, praying for the sick, giving to those in need. Stand together through thick and thin, trust your fellow members in the congregation, and be togeth But some want houses to be built for the Lord. Want to have a name among people perhaps. Like David and Solomon, it will probably be difficult to fill those shoes. Or who are houses built for? The church: well, but if we did as in New Testament times when the Apostles and the believers shared everything. And new saved souls were constantly added to the church.
Today we see one church after another growing, then stagnating. That is, the believers have become living "dead". They have fallen asleep. What is the point of a house? If they had continued with house meetings, all the money could have been spent on evangelism and the church would have become a living church. That is my view. And I personally think it is a waste of time and money. We have the Holy Spirit living in us. He does not need houses built with hands.
Acts 10:44-48
There are far too many empty church buildings that are falling apart these days, because new ones are to be built. Think of all the time that is spent pleasing people. Instead of being close to the Lord and gaining wisdom and understanding in all things. That is something to aspire to, not building a house for people. Sure, it is great to meet at a proper hallelujah meeting or a proper teaching, or a proper preaching. But can't we rent premises then? I think we would have gotten more attention from that than hiding away in a corner with a large church building that is empty all week long. But the opposite of empty premises is to fill them up all day long. Then there will be activity and life for all groups of people. That's how it should be. There are greedy Christians who would like to do something, they drag gullible people along and do things they know in their hearts are not good. Run from it. Love u
Hello dear "T-rex" in peace, nice and see that you are here with us. For guidance and encouragement. This is a very relevant topic. Because it talks about sin. I think how hard it is to condemn myself. I can hardly see it, or it may take a long time for it to become apparent. Could it come from the Holy Spirit? So why is it so obvious that a sin is a sin? But we know that sin is not judged by degree. Sin is sin. If Jesus says He is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Joh 14:6 Then we can also see that the Father is not involved in this context. Jesus is the one who will judge the living and the dead. Acts 10:42
I don't think the work of salvation is difficult at all. And in my mind we have one way to death and that is to deny the Lord Jesus whom God sent to us. And it is good with admonitions and warnings that we must walk on the narrow path. Because Jesus says so himself. Joh 7:21-23 Why does the Lord say this? What does He want us to do?
But God who had given up hope for us all because our sin ascended to Heaven. Had to do something drastic. Therefore He had to send His own Son. Because He wanted everyone to be saved through Him whom He sent. Then we have those who talk excessively about sin, many confuse people with manic thinking. (Manic is a spirit of confusion, which spreads as easily as bitterness). When the Lord Himself wants us to be free. For the Spirit helps us not to sin truly, the Spirit never wants us to give up the spirit, then it will lead to death. As long as there is life there is hope, also for those who have allowed all kinds of evil. Here then grace comes in and the Holy Spirit will constantly try and remind the chosen ones that there is grace upon grace. Belive in Jesus.
I don't want this to create a "cry of outrage." But I expect some backlash anyway. "smilesign". See here what Jesus says: John 8:31-36 The slave here is what leads to death. The Jews didn't see Jesus, right? Love u in Christ.
Acts 8:5 "Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them."
Acts 8:14 "Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:"
Acts 8:25 "And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans."
Acts 8:34 "And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?"
Acts 8:35 "Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus."
Acts 8:38 "And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him."
Acts 10:32 "Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee."
Acts 10:46 "For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,"
Acts 10:47 "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?"
Acts 11:20 "And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus."
Acts 11:21 "And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord."
Thank you very much for your study; it made me realize how the apostles' timeline is organized. If you allow me, I will briefly summarize your post as follows:
Peter's foundation of salvation in the beginning:
Faith + works of the Law.
Paul's foundation of salvation:
Faith alone, by grace.
Role of the Mosaic Law:
Peter still observed it in the beginning (until Acts 10);
Paul considered it fulfilled in Christ.
Gentiles:
Peter - initially hesitant;
Paul - fully included by faith.
Repentance:
Peter adjusts according to God's revelation;
Paul emphasizes inner transformation by the Spirit.
Is faith without works sufficient for salvation? Peter - No (in the beginning);
Paul - Yes, works are the result, not the cause.
Reference: Acts 10:9-15
Peter is confronted with a vision from God, where he is invited to eat animals considered "unclean" by the Law.
Peter replies:
"I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean."
The divine voice responds:
"Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."
At this point, Peter begins to understand that spiritual purity no longer depends on ceremonial Law.
Change of mindset:
Peter repents from his legalistic thinking.
He obeys God's instruction and goes to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile.
Reference: Acts 10:44-48
The Holy Spirit falls upon Cornelius and his household - even before baptism.
Peter is surprised:
"Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"
Peter baptizes them in the name of Jesus.
Peter acknowledges that God shows no partiality.
Peter's conclusion: Salvation is also available to the Gentiles - by faith - yet still accompanied by obedience and baptism.
I believe as long as we ask God to cleanse anything we eat, He will make it clean for us. Not to say that we could deliberately partake of poisons. We should use some common sense. I'm only referring to foods, like meats, fruits, and vegetables.
2, As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
Jesus confirms that the Father has given Him power over all humanity and that, through His redemptive work, God grants eternal life to all those whom He has given to Jesus. Jesus understood the Scriptures, including what had been said about Him and what He would do and suffer, as illustrated in Isaiah 53:1-12. This indicates that all of humanity has been entrusted to
Christ, beginning with the lost sheep of Israel, and that anyone who believes in Jesus will not perish but will have eternal life.
This was God's plan to make salvation possible, man had to pay the penalty, the only way humanity can be reconciled to Him, as indicated in John 14:6. The word " power " is derived from the Greek word " exousia, " meaning authority. Through the Spirit of God, He granted His power and authority to Jesus Christ over humanity, John 3:34-35, John 5:26-27, Acts 10:38.
The Holy Spirit enabled Jesus to speak the words the Father had given him to speak, John 14:24. After God raised Jesus from the dead, the Father placed all heaven and earth under Jesus, Matthew 28:18, Ephesians 1:19-23, and Philippians 2:9-11.
Jesus's mission was to do the will of the Father. In John 5:19-23, Jesus says He can do nothing by Himself, same in John 5:30. God has committed all judgment unto the Son. The word committed is the Greek word didmi, to give, to grant, to bestow; it was deliberately transferred to Jesus to do the will of the Father who sent Him.
This highlights God's plan being fulfilled, emphasizing Jesus' role as the Messiah appointed and given authority by the Father.
Christ was also referred to as the 2nd Adam ( 1 Cor. 15:45; also seen in Romans 5). Hence Adam was designed in the image of God but because of his sin it affected all his offspring therefore we inherited his sin nature during conception ( Psalm 51:5). Men at that time when Christ lived on the earth expected the Messiah to come to earth and vanquish them of their enemies; hence tried to make him king ( John 6:15). His reaction was to go to withdraw Himself to the mountains (likely to pray).
A cursory examination of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 shows statements that at first seem to contradict the law; or at the very least make the ramifications more severe for our thoughts about things that may or may not become actions. This was illustrated with lusting after a woman being adultery in the heart; and more stringent laws on putting away one's wife. This explanation was brought out further in Matthew 19:8 with the Pharisees on the subject as to the concepts tied in with Deuteronomy 24. This shows that Christ was; as a member of the Godhead able to define and even change what was considered the law to make it more perfect as no one before Him ever was able to live out a sinless life following the law perfectly. Ultimately certain ceremonial laws were brought to an end as seen in Acts 10:15; but alluded to in Mark 7:18-19.
Hence the method of rituals related to the animal sacrifices also was to be ended with the New Covenant. Overall we can say the 10 Commandments as a moral law remain as a universal statute; although the mandatory 7th day of rest only given for Israel and its occupants has been replaced with Sunday as a day of rest although Colossians 2:16-17 says we should avoid disputes over Sabbath Days and I would add Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath ( Matthew 12:8). I am not here to get into a debate over that issue.
To have the law in our hearts was a future promise that Christ demonstrates ( Jeremiah 31:16-18).
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"
Thanks, brother, I'm not the best at putting on paper my understanding. I know some Scriptures refer to the Holy Spirit as he, but the Spirit is the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God dwells in us, Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 3:16 and, more. It is the power of the Holy Spirit that does the work of God, Romans 15:19, Jesus did the miracles by the Holy Spirit, Matthew 12:28, Luke 4:18, Acts 10:38, Hebrews 2:4.
Jesus said the words He spoke were not His words but the Fathers and God did the works, this was done by the Holy Spirit through Jesus. John 14:10. Jesus said the Holy Spirit/Comforter proceedeth from the Father John 15:26, Jesus said the Holy Ghost will not speak of himself but what he is told, so the Holy Spirit is under the direction of the Father and Jesus, John 16:13.
All the salutations are from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is not in any salutations. In Revelation 21:22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb is the temple of it. No Holy Spirit, what I see in Scripture is the Holy Spirit is the conduit that God works through and now Jesus as well.
I hope this gives you enough info to see how I see the Holy Spirit and I know that is not what many believe. I do not want to offend and I hope I don't, but this is what I see in Scripture. I do not see the Holy Spirit as a person but as the power of God that surrounds this earth by which God and Jesus dwell in us to communicate, guide, and comfort us.
What is the Holy Ghost or the Holy Spirit ? They are the same in one .
The Holy Spirit talks in the book of Acts, a transitional book of history.
Acts 8:29
Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
Acts 10:19
While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
The Holy Spirit is a male person.
Acts 13:2
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them
The Holy Spirit has a body shape .
Luke 3:22
And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
The Holy Spirit got Mother Mary pregnant.
Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
The Holy Spirit is a God.
John 4:24
Godisa Spirit: and they that worship him must worshiphimin spirit and in truth.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 may God bless you with the Holy Spirit .
God's wrath is not capricious, driven by changing emotions and passions, as man is. Rather, it is a timeless stern, terrifying stance of His nature towards evil in all of its forms. His wrath is an inescapable reality toward a sin-cursed creation.
Every cemetery is a testament to God's sentence on sin in mankind. His anger and intolerance of sin is a real and it is deadly always. He is zealous for His holiness and therefore will not withstand sin in His presence. Even if He delays His justice, He will never cease to preserve the holiness and purity of His Presence.
God is not hasty in exercising His wrath. He is slow to anger ( Exodus 34:6-7). In His wisdom He determines how and when He will enact justice against sin. This slowness to exercise His anger and wrath should be a motivation towards repentance ( Joel 2:15) and never a license to engage in carefree sin and rebellion against Him. Exodus 34:7 says that He will not clear the guilty. (also see Numbers 14:18)
In the NT from the preaching of God's wrath by John the Baptist to the Wrath of the Lamb in Revelation the truth of God's just wrath pervades the books of the NT and speaks on this attribute in harmony with what the OT teaches about God's wrath. From Jesus and the apostles, salvation is presented as a rescue from God's wrath ( Mt. 3:7; Lk. 3:7; Mt. 5:22; 18:5; Mk. 9:48; Jn. 3:36; Acts 10:42). Peter says that they were commanded by Jesus to preach of God's judgment. ( Acts 2:14-36; 10:42)
Romans 4:15 explains how law-breaking invites God's wrath. Verse 9:23 describes how freely chosen sin fits sinners to be vessels of God's wrath, deserving of all He has willed this wrath to include: eternal punishment, torment, separation from God's Presence, and anguish. Revelation 6:16; 14:10 assign the execution of God's wrath, justice, and judgment to Jesus.
Acts 10:46 - For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. This will be the second of three places in the book of Acts where it talks about people, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues.
The word "tongues," GLOSSA in the Greek, is the word for language, a known language. All of those that were in Jerusalem at the time of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came, every one of them heard the disciples speaking their own language in which they were born.
God gave them the ability to speak in various languages, not having any ability to know that language. In Acts Chapter 10, they spoke in languages. They are not talking about some "mystical gift" or some "babbling noise." That's why the believing Jews were saying "we're astonished." You've received the Holy Spirit just like we have. What confirmation do they have of that? It's that they all spoke in the 70 known languages of the world. Interesting!
Acts 11:16 - Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Then remembered I the word of the Lord. Peter said when this happened, I remembered how that He said, and the word "said" in Verse 16 is called an Imperfect Tense meaning the Lord said it many times.
Acts 11:17 - Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
Forasmuch then as God gave them the "like" gift. The word "like" in Greek means equal. It is the word ESOS. It means equal and it is the same word used in John 5:18, "Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill Jesus because He not only broken the Sabbath day, but said also that God was His father, making Himself "equal" with God."
Acts 10:43 - To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Two things about this verse:
The word believes is a Present Participle which means continuously believing. Secondly: the term "in him" is the most common term for believing in Christ. It is EIS AUTON, and it means "into him."
It is a word that expresses surrender, so that whosoever continually believes, and continually surrenders to Christ, will receive forgiveness of sins.
Acts 10:45 - And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The word "gift," DOREA, and there are several words for gift in the bible but there is only one word out of several that means to give you a gift, (actually give it to you), and that's this word! DOREA is always associated with the Holy Spirit. According to the New Testament, the only "gift" that has been given to the believers is the Holy Spirit.
People are told that God gives you "other things." Unfortunately, those words do not mean to give a gift. "Gifts of the Spirit" has nothing to do with giving gifts. It is the word CHARISMA. CHARIS is the word for grace. CHARISMA, with just an MA on the end of it means an expression of grace. That's what it means!
1 Corinthians Chapter12 tells us that there are many expressions of grace or gifts of the Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is the one who has the capacity for all of these expressions of grace. The unfortunate thing about teachings of "the gifts of the spirit" today is that they tell you "You have one!" A talent! There are people out there in the ministry that will teach their people how they need to use their "gifts" for God's work, combining God's "gift" with their personality, and their "God given talents." The problem with this is that it centers on us.
Acts 10:25 - And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
I'll share an important side note. The word for worship in the New Testament, PROSKUNEO, doesn't have anything to do with worship. It's literally to pay respect or homage. He was going to the extreme, but Peter says you don't have to do that. Now how does that fit into the New Testament for the believers?
I'll use John Chapter 4 as an example when Jesus was talking to the Samaritan woman and He say to her that those who worship God must worship Him in Spirit and in truth, and He's using the same word. What Jesus is saying is true worship is bowing down to and submitting to God's Spirit and God's truth. That's worship!
Worship can be expressed in singing, but the bible doesn't say singing is worship. It can be an expression of worship. That's why Jesus said you worship me with your lips, but your heart is far from me, and in vain you worship me.
So just going through a routine and being involved in certain activities that deal with music, or preaching, or prayer, or whatever, God says you can go through whatever you want to, but I see your heart, and if your heart is not in it, it's not acceptable!
Acts 10:38 - How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
There are a couple of words for "good" that we need to know. There's the word AGATHOS which is the word for spiritual good. And then the word KALOS for human good, and neither one of those words are used here!
It is the prefix "EU." He went about doing well for everybody. And here's what is described for doing good: We are doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. People who had physical health problems because they were oppressed by the devil. And He freed them from the devil and healed them.
Acts 9:26 - And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself, that is, he was continually (Imperfect Tense), he was continually trying to join himself to the disciples.
And the word "joined" is the word glue. He was continually attempting to be a permanent part of the fellowship of the disciples in Jerusalem. But they were all afraid of him, and they believed not that he was a disciple.
Acts 9:36 - Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
Secondly: Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas, which is Aramaic. And her names, both Tabitha or Dorcas mean either Gazelle or Deer.
She is called that because they picked an animal that had large, beautiful eyes. So, they named her Tabitha because of her large, beautiful eyes that means Gazelle or Deer.
So anyways, there's a disciple who belongs to Christ, and this woman was full of good works. The word "good" is Agathos which pertains not to humanitarian good, but spiritual good. And almsdeeds, which means acts of mercy, which she was doing!
Acts 9:41 - And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he called the saints and the widows, he presented her living. In the Greek text, it's a Participle. Not alive, but living, all human functions working as if they never stopped!
Acts 10:10 - And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
More literally, the Greek text says, "the trance fell on him." That is very important. The trance fell on him.
These are important questions, and you should study for your understanding and conscience. It may take a while but pray and let the Holy Spirit lead you. Do not go to the Scriptures with preconceived ideas, when we do that our eyes and ears are closed to the truth and Holy Spirit.
We know Jesus is the only way John 14:6, Jesus was sent by the Father and He did the will of the Father. God was with/in Jesus Acts 10:38. The works Jesus did were the Father's works, the words Jesus spoke were the Father's, and Jesus was totally obedient to His death, and by that we are made righteous, Romans 5:19.
God's plan was before creation all was in this plan from the beginning to the end and Jesus was the beginning of this plan 1 Peter 1:19-20.
There are many denominations out there and many are filled with the wisdom of man with I am right, and you are wrong, not love. Salvation is in the simplicity that is in Christ that is with faith and prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in the Bible you will find the truth.
Romans 10:8-11 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Is being baptized in water in the name of Jesus in the Bible? Acts 2:38Romans 6:3-4 and more. Is being baptized with the Holy Ghost/Spirit in the Bible? 1 Corinthians 12:13Titus 3:52 Corinthians 1:21-22 and more. Does one come before the other, not necessarily, Acts 10:45-48, but the sealing of the Holy Ghost/Spirit in us is a must, Romans 8:11, read all of 8.
We must work out our salvation, Philippians 2:12, we will stand in judgment accountable for ourselves, what different denominations say will not acquit us. It is a lifetime journey, love and obedience are a must, Romans 6:16.
God bless you and God bless your journey He will always be with you and lift you up, John 16:131 Corinthians 16:23-24.
Yes, brother you understood correctly I believe Jesus if He chose, He could have given into a temptation and been disobedient to His Father. Hebrews 2:18 says He suffered being tempted and in Hebrews 4:15 Jesus was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Jesus did not have a sinful nature like we do, He was not from man but was conceived in the womb of Mary by the Holy Ghost, He was the second man the last Adam.
The first Adam was not formed with a sinful nature, but he sinned and was disobedient, Jesus was sinless and obedient to the end, Romans 5:19. He had to know how it feels to battle temptations to become our priest and mediator. If Jesus was incapable of giving in to temptation His perfect sinless life has no meaning and if He was not capable of being disobedient being obedient to the Father unto death has no meaning.
The miracles Jesus did were not by His power but by the power of the Holy Ghost that God the Father gave to Him without measure John 3:34-35Acts 10:38 Jesus said many times it was not His will but the Father's will who sent Him, and He also said the words He spoke were not His but the Father, John12:49-50 That is why Jesus's name is called the Word of God, Revelation 19:13.
Now after God raised Jesus from death, He is at His Father's right hand on the throne of God and has been given power of the throne over all until the last enemy, death is under His feet, Ephesians 1:19-23Revelation 20:14.
I know you may disagree but that is how I understand it.
You are right about "It is God's right and privilege to do as He pleases with any of us'. But on the other hand we know that God is a righteous God. We also know that ( 1 Peter 1:17) "And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work..."
Also please read Acts 10:34-35, it is very claryfing, "34Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:35But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."
So God judges with no respect of persons, He is a just God. So what pleases Him is people responding to His love and choose the right way, isn't it?
Also I would like to explain my understanding about us being vessels of God. It is true that God puts His Spirit inside each one of us. So as Paul says we are the vessels which carry inside the treasure which is God's Spirit. This Spirit produces a fruit and enable us to obey God's commandements and change our characters in similarity to Jesus'. OK so far?
But what we must understand is that the Spirit of God is not sort of an "auto pilot" which drives us to where He wants to without our control and consent. He needs our consent, this is our free will. God's Spirit stands infront of our heart wishing to enter every appartment of it and cleanse it. But if we don't allow Him to enter any of these or some of these, He will not force His way through. The Spirit follows our decisions. If we want and ask Him to help us in a specific area He will definitely do that. But if we don't, He will wait until we give Him the permission to act, if we give Him it after all. As I said in a previous post it was on Abraham's hand to sacrifice his son, he could had chosen not to do it. God didn't force him to obey. So Abraham was justified by God for something he himself did, not God.
As to your question you have received several answers, my understanding in the Bible baptism is done only by immersion as the word means. As Jesse said sprinkling did not start until the 1300s and it was for the reason it was so inconvenient. So, this was done just because of convenience's sake, nothing Biblical about it. I agree with Giannis, and we must believe as Jesus said in Mark 16:16.
All we do is to be done in our Lord Jesus's name, Colossians 3:16-17. Many use Matthew 28:19 but we also see in the rest of Scripture that a person who is baptized in Jesus' name is someone who believes in Jesus as Savior, the Messiah, the Son of God who for us died, was buried, and was resurrected we acknowledge this by being baptized in His name, Acts 2:38Acts 8:12Acts 8:16Acts 10:48Acts 19:5Acts 22:16Romans 6:3Galatians 3:27Colossians 2:12Ephesians 4:5.
Paul shows the importance of being baptized in the name of Jesus, Acts 19:1-6. God has placed Jesus and His name above all that is in heaven and earth, Matthew 28:18Philippians 2:9-11. Salvation only comes in His name Acts 4:12Romans 10:13. The name of Jesus is the source of power and authority for healing, miracles, and deliverance, Mark 16:17Luke 10:17Acts 4:7Acts 4:30Acts 16:18.
We are to give thanks in Jesus's name, Ephesians 5:20. Our faith is through Him and in His name, Acts 3:16. We must believe in Jesus, John 3:16John 6:47Acts 16:311 John 3:231 John 5:13. Whatever we ask for we are to ask in His name, John 14:13-14. We are to pray to the Father in His name, James 5:14. Jesus is our priest and the only mediator between God and men, 1 Timothy 2:5.
Malachi 2:10 Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?
Mark 12:32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
Romans 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
1 Corinthians 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
Ephesians 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
John 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
1 John 2:22-23 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
Philippians 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Acts 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Luke 18:19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
What is the meaning of created? Does it mean something that is made out of nothing? I would have to say no, Jesus is the Son of God who was conceived in the womb of Mary, Matthew 1:20Luke 1:35, I do not think I would say He was created.
If so, when did He come into existence?
In God's plan before anything and physically when He was conceived in Mary's womb.
Do you believe that the Son is only human in nature?
Jesus is the Son of God fully human but without sin same as the first Adam, Scripture is clear when Jesus was baptized, He was anointed with the Holy Ghost/Spirit without measure, John 3:34. All the works of Jesus were done by the Spirit of God, Matthew 4:16Matthew 12:28Acts 10:38.
Do you believe that Jesus became "the Christ" during His lifetime (Adoptionism)?
I had never heard of Adoptionism until now, I had to look it up, it's false. Christ and Messiah are the same; Jesus was anointed by the Spirit of God after He was baptized by John, He then was made the Messiah/Christ fulfilling the prophecy in Daniel 9:25. Jesus is the Son of God conceived in the womb of Mary by the Holy Ghost/Spirit.
Do you believe Jesus ever aquired a divine nature in His earthly life?
If you mean a divine nature is to have all the attributes that make God who He is I would have to say no. If so, Jesus could not sin or be tempted, Matthew 4:1Hebrews 4:15. If so, Jesus living a perfect life without sin is meaningless. Jesus could not have died; Jesus was given the power of the Holy Spirit when He was anointed the Messiah. After He rose from the dead God gave Jesus all power in heaven and on earth, Matthew 28:18. God raised and placed Jesus on His right side, Ephesians 1:21-23. Jesus did not return to where He was before, God the Father placed everything under Jesus God's only begotten Son's feet and Jesus will reign until the last enemy is destroyed, 1 Corinthians 15:24-28.
May we be able to discern the mind of the LORD JESUS CHRIST as we go about our daily lives. Doors to be opened for us as it was for Peter and Cornelius. So much to do before I go into eternity or others to pass on without knowing the peace of GOD through the salvation of the LORD.
Let us increase our prayer time, our reading of the Bible, and witnessing to the lost.
Thank you brethren for your faithfulness on this forum. GOD to shine HIS wonderful face on all the saints. Let us pray faithfully and diligently for the "apple of GOD'S eye", the peace in Jerusalem as well as in other war torn areas. The saints in Armenia and the LORD'S mission fields.
Merry Christmas and have a blessed New Year every one. May the peace of GOD be upon you and your family.
Isaiah 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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California
My COGIC WORSHIP: 1Corithians 15:3-4 KJV Jesus Christ is God of All. I Worship God of Morals and Meaning opportunity to believe in Christ-Only God to believe in with validity. God allows me to commune with God. I Worship God of Purity and Perfect Care. I Worship God that always does his Word for me blessing me with something and to benefit in all my subjects. I Worship God of healing of all sorts of ailments. I Worship God that wants to share the Gospel with other people and does not discriminate.
You may have misunderstood my comments, believing that I was denouncing works as the proper response to a genuine faith. Not at all, works that follow such a God-given faith must exist, or else it is no faith at all (and James deals with this quite well). So, it is not a work that results from faith that I refer to, but a work that must accompany faith to make our salvation real & effective.
The point I tried to make earlier, was that water baptism that accompanies repentance, belief, and faith, is a true baptism and not a work for it is part & parcel of one's testimony of a new life identified and received in Christ. And this is what I read in the Word by the many examples given ( Acts 2:38,41; Acts 8:12,13; Acts 8:36-38; Acts 9:17,18; Acts 10:21,44-48; Acts 16:14,15; Acts 16:30-33; Acts 18:8). All these folk were baptized immediately, or very soon after repenting and believing. Baptism here was not a 'work' added to salvation, but a very real part of one's witness before man & within oneself. In those days (as in some countries now), many would have suffered great loss or ostracization for turning to Christ, so baptism at that early stage was truly a bold declaration of love for the Savior & turning away from religion (& family) as a very real part of conversion.
Anything we do that adds to our salvation (even water baptism, if we deem it necessary to make our salvation real), is a work. And if that work, whether baptism, doing good deeds for others, attending to Jewish Law, etc., ensures our salvation, then our salvation is no longer of faith, but of works. For the salvation of God through His Son to be effective in our lives, it must be devoid of anything that attaches to that God-given faith; for that faith does save when it remains pure, free from all associations.
Matthew 3:16
"And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:"
John 3:5
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
Acts 2:38
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Acts 10:47
"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?"
Acts 22:16
"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."
Blessings
If your "battle" is with believing that Jesus is God, may I suggest the following scriptures for your consideration:
Genesis 1:1 along with John 1:1-3, Revelation 19:13, Colossians 1:15-17, Matthew 1:23, John 10:30, John 14:9, Mark 2:5-7, John 8:58, John 20:28, Isaiah 9:6, Philippians 2:5-7, Colossians 2:9, 1 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 1:8, 2 Peter 1:1, Revelation 1:8, John 5:18, 1 John 5:20, Luke 24:52, John 9:38, Acts 10:25-26, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 1:3, Revelation 22:13, Micah 5:2, John 17:5, John 1:14. There are more, but these should suffice.
You mention that "Christians say that there is no separation between Christ and God," and that the bible shows otherwise. Jesus said I and my Father are one, and He also said that if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father. This may not mean anything to you, but in the book of Hebrews, Jesus is described as the APOUGASMA (the out beam) of God's glory, God projecting Himself through the time/space factor in the person of Christ. Jesus Christ, being God, was never separated from the source. This is why Jesus can say if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father.
The best example I can give would be taking a flashlight in a dark room and shining it on a wall. The flashlight is the source, and the light is projected on the wall from the source. There is no separation unless the flashlight is turned off. Now, imagine the flashlight being God, and the light shining on the wall is Jesus, again, no separation. Jesus is said to be the true light which came down from heaven, the APOUGASMA of God.
If you are sincerely struggling with the deity of Jesus Christ (Him being God), I hope these scriptures I've provided might help. Also, if you would like, I can share my personal understanding on Matthew 26:39 and Luke 22:42 and why Christ would ask this.
If I may ask, are you a Christian? If so, who do you say Jesus is?
We aren't given much details of the apostles' ministries, but at least with Peter (that I can think of), if he hadn't realized it before, he certainly did in his encounter with Cornelius (Acts chap 10). The vision he received truly opened his eyes to the fact that not only the Jews, but that God had called Gentiles to be saved and become one together in Christ. At first Peter doubted the vision ( Acts 10:17); then he understood from it that Gentiles were not to be considered unclean (therefore, being prevented from hearing & receiving the Gospel) ( Acts 10:28,34,35); and finally, he saw the evidence of God's working, His outpouring of His Spirit on Gentiles ( Acts 10:44-46; Acts 11:15-18). This is the first instance as we read, that Peter understood that the Gentiles would also be saved, along with the Jews, incorporated in the one Body.
Regarding salvation by Grace alone, without the observance of the Law, I agree, that this was a problem. The Gentiles, it was decided, would be exempt ( Acts 15:5-20), though it seems ( Acts 21:18-21) that Jewish converts were still embracing the Law. When they matured in faith & knowledge I can't tell, as even today, some still believe in the keeping of the Law. But in the matter of James, in his epistle, I see no problem, as James speaks about 'works' that result from faith ( James 2:14-18), and not faith plus the works of the Law. GBU
Hi again Lbooth1955. Clearly, you are passionate about getting this point across to us, about the difference between Paul's Gospel, as opposed to any other presentation. The main points you raised: a) Paul's (or my) Gospel; b) revelation of this Mystery; and c) Gospel of the Kingdom.
a) Paul not only received his salvation by direct revelation from Heaven ( Acts 9:3-9), but also was taught, exercised in faith, & had revelations as to his ministry separate from any outside influence ( Galatians 1:11-18). Thus what he learned became what he often spoke of as "my Gospel", which implies that he received it directly from the Lord and was charged to make it known chiefly to the Gentiles.
So the question, how was this Gospel any different to say what the other apostles preached? The only other apostle's preaching, that is often recorded is that of Peter. And when I consider his presentations (found in Acts 2:14-41; Acts 3:11-19; Acts 4:6-12; Acts 10:34-48), I find that the same Gospel was preached by Peter (i.e. nothing extra or different to Paul's Gospel, apart from the specifics relating to his audience: their knowledge of the Scriptures & events surrounding Jesus' Life on Earth). His Gospel was the same as Paul's: the need for repentance, faith, calling upon Jesus for salvation.
b) the Mystery. Paul does speak of this revelation given to him, but did not the others know about Gentiles also receiving this blessing of salvation after hearing the Gospel? Peter spoke about him being sent to the Gentiles ( Acts 15:7; Acts chap 10 (Cornelius, a Gentile). And Peter, through the vision of the unclean animals given for him to eat ( Acts 10:9-17), understood that this Mystery that Paul spoke about, was also given to him to understand. Even Paul spoke of this ( Ephesians 3:3-6) that the present apostles and prophets were made aware of this mystery, that the Gentiles would be fellow-heirs, or the same Body, and partakers of the promises. Onto Page 2.
Today we see one church after another growing, then stagnating. That is, the believers have become living "dead". They have fallen asleep. What is the point of a house? If they had continued with house meetings, all the money could have been spent on evangelism and the church would have become a living church. That is my view. And I personally think it is a waste of time and money. We have the Holy Spirit living in us. He does not need houses built with hands.
Acts 10:44-48
There are far too many empty church buildings that are falling apart these days, because new ones are to be built. Think of all the time that is spent pleasing people. Instead of being close to the Lord and gaining wisdom and understanding in all things. That is something to aspire to, not building a house for people. Sure, it is great to meet at a proper hallelujah meeting or a proper teaching, or a proper preaching. But can't we rent premises then? I think we would have gotten more attention from that than hiding away in a corner with a large church building that is empty all week long. But the opposite of empty premises is to fill them up all day long. Then there will be activity and life for all groups of people. That's how it should be. There are greedy Christians who would like to do something, they drag gullible people along and do things they know in their hearts are not good. Run from it. Love u
2 Chronicles 19:11
I don't think the work of salvation is difficult at all. And in my mind we have one way to death and that is to deny the Lord Jesus whom God sent to us. And it is good with admonitions and warnings that we must walk on the narrow path. Because Jesus says so himself. Joh 7:21-23 Why does the Lord say this? What does He want us to do?
But God who had given up hope for us all because our sin ascended to Heaven. Had to do something drastic. Therefore He had to send His own Son. Because He wanted everyone to be saved through Him whom He sent. Then we have those who talk excessively about sin, many confuse people with manic thinking. (Manic is a spirit of confusion, which spreads as easily as bitterness). When the Lord Himself wants us to be free. For the Spirit helps us not to sin truly, the Spirit never wants us to give up the spirit, then it will lead to death. As long as there is life there is hope, also for those who have allowed all kinds of evil. Here then grace comes in and the Holy Spirit will constantly try and remind the chosen ones that there is grace upon grace. Belive in Jesus.
I don't want this to create a "cry of outrage." But I expect some backlash anyway. "smilesign". See here what Jesus says: John 8:31-36 The slave here is what leads to death. The Jews didn't see Jesus, right? Love u in Christ.
Acts 8:14 "Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:"
Acts 8:25 "And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans."
Acts 8:34 "And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?"
Acts 8:35 "Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus."
Acts 8:38 "And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him."
Acts 10:32 "Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee."
Acts 10:46 "For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,"
Acts 10:47 "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?"
Acts 11:20 "And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus."
Acts 11:21 "And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord."
Blessings
Peter's foundation of salvation in the beginning:
Faith + works of the Law.
Paul's foundation of salvation:
Faith alone, by grace.
Role of the Mosaic Law:
Peter still observed it in the beginning (until Acts 10);
Paul considered it fulfilled in Christ.
Gentiles:
Peter - initially hesitant;
Paul - fully included by faith.
Repentance:
Peter adjusts according to God's revelation;
Paul emphasizes inner transformation by the Spirit.
Is faith without works sufficient for salvation? Peter - No (in the beginning);
Paul - Yes, works are the result, not the cause.
Reference: Acts 10:9-15
Peter is confronted with a vision from God, where he is invited to eat animals considered "unclean" by the Law.
Peter replies:
"I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean."
The divine voice responds:
"Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."
At this point, Peter begins to understand that spiritual purity no longer depends on ceremonial Law.
Change of mindset:
Peter repents from his legalistic thinking.
He obeys God's instruction and goes to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile.
Reference: Acts 10:44-48
The Holy Spirit falls upon Cornelius and his household - even before baptism.
Peter is surprised:
"Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"
Peter baptizes them in the name of Jesus.
Peter acknowledges that God shows no partiality.
Peter's conclusion: Salvation is also available to the Gentiles - by faith - yet still accompanied by obedience and baptism.
I believe as long as we ask God to cleanse anything we eat, He will make it clean for us. Not to say that we could deliberately partake of poisons. We should use some common sense. I'm only referring to foods, like meats, fruits, and vegetables.
Acts 10:14
"But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean."
Acts 10:15
"And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common."
Matthew 15:11
"Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man."
Part 2.
2, As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
Jesus confirms that the Father has given Him power over all humanity and that, through His redemptive work, God grants eternal life to all those whom He has given to Jesus. Jesus understood the Scriptures, including what had been said about Him and what He would do and suffer, as illustrated in Isaiah 53:1-12. This indicates that all of humanity has been entrusted to
Christ, beginning with the lost sheep of Israel, and that anyone who believes in Jesus will not perish but will have eternal life.
This was God's plan to make salvation possible, man had to pay the penalty, the only way humanity can be reconciled to Him, as indicated in John 14:6. The word " power " is derived from the Greek word " exousia, " meaning authority. Through the Spirit of God, He granted His power and authority to Jesus Christ over humanity, John 3:34-35, John 5:26-27, Acts 10:38.
The Holy Spirit enabled Jesus to speak the words the Father had given him to speak, John 14:24. After God raised Jesus from the dead, the Father placed all heaven and earth under Jesus, Matthew 28:18, Ephesians 1:19-23, and Philippians 2:9-11.
Jesus's mission was to do the will of the Father. In John 5:19-23, Jesus says He can do nothing by Himself, same in John 5:30. God has committed all judgment unto the Son. The word committed is the Greek word didmi, to give, to grant, to bestow; it was deliberately transferred to Jesus to do the will of the Father who sent Him.
This highlights God's plan being fulfilled, emphasizing Jesus' role as the Messiah appointed and given authority by the Father.
See part 3.
Christ was also referred to as the 2nd Adam ( 1 Cor. 15:45; also seen in Romans 5). Hence Adam was designed in the image of God but because of his sin it affected all his offspring therefore we inherited his sin nature during conception ( Psalm 51:5). Men at that time when Christ lived on the earth expected the Messiah to come to earth and vanquish them of their enemies; hence tried to make him king ( John 6:15). His reaction was to go to withdraw Himself to the mountains (likely to pray).
A cursory examination of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 shows statements that at first seem to contradict the law; or at the very least make the ramifications more severe for our thoughts about things that may or may not become actions. This was illustrated with lusting after a woman being adultery in the heart; and more stringent laws on putting away one's wife. This explanation was brought out further in Matthew 19:8 with the Pharisees on the subject as to the concepts tied in with Deuteronomy 24. This shows that Christ was; as a member of the Godhead able to define and even change what was considered the law to make it more perfect as no one before Him ever was able to live out a sinless life following the law perfectly. Ultimately certain ceremonial laws were brought to an end as seen in Acts 10:15; but alluded to in Mark 7:18-19.
Hence the method of rituals related to the animal sacrifices also was to be ended with the New Covenant. Overall we can say the 10 Commandments as a moral law remain as a universal statute; although the mandatory 7th day of rest only given for Israel and its occupants has been replaced with Sunday as a day of rest although Colossians 2:16-17 says we should avoid disputes over Sabbath Days and I would add Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath ( Matthew 12:8). I am not here to get into a debate over that issue.
To have the law in our hearts was a future promise that Christ demonstrates ( Jeremiah 31:16-18).
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
Thanks, brother, I'm not the best at putting on paper my understanding. I know some Scriptures refer to the Holy Spirit as he, but the Spirit is the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God dwells in us, Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 3:16 and, more. It is the power of the Holy Spirit that does the work of God, Romans 15:19, Jesus did the miracles by the Holy Spirit, Matthew 12:28, Luke 4:18, Acts 10:38, Hebrews 2:4.
Jesus said the words He spoke were not His words but the Fathers and God did the works, this was done by the Holy Spirit through Jesus. John 14:10. Jesus said the Holy Spirit/Comforter proceedeth from the Father John 15:26, Jesus said the Holy Ghost will not speak of himself but what he is told, so the Holy Spirit is under the direction of the Father and Jesus, John 16:13.
All the salutations are from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is not in any salutations. In Revelation 21:22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb is the temple of it. No Holy Spirit, what I see in Scripture is the Holy Spirit is the conduit that God works through and now Jesus as well.
I hope this gives you enough info to see how I see the Holy Spirit and I know that is not what many believe. I do not want to offend and I hope I don't, but this is what I see in Scripture. I do not see the Holy Spirit as a person but as the power of God that surrounds this earth by which God and Jesus dwell in us to communicate, guide, and comfort us.
God bless,
RLW
What is the Holy Ghost or the Holy Spirit ? They are the same in one .
The Holy Spirit talks in the book of Acts, a transitional book of history.
Acts 8:29
Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
Acts 10:19
While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
The Holy Spirit is a male person.
Acts 13:2
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them
The Holy Spirit has a body shape .
Luke 3:22
And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
The Holy Spirit got Mother Mary pregnant.
Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
The Holy Spirit is a God.
John 4:24
Godisa Spirit: and they that worship him must worshiphimin spirit and in truth.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 may God bless you with the Holy Spirit .
Pt. 3
God's wrath is not capricious, driven by changing emotions and passions, as man is. Rather, it is a timeless stern, terrifying stance of His nature towards evil in all of its forms. His wrath is an inescapable reality toward a sin-cursed creation.
Every cemetery is a testament to God's sentence on sin in mankind. His anger and intolerance of sin is a real and it is deadly always. He is zealous for His holiness and therefore will not withstand sin in His presence. Even if He delays His justice, He will never cease to preserve the holiness and purity of His Presence.
God is not hasty in exercising His wrath. He is slow to anger ( Exodus 34:6-7). In His wisdom He determines how and when He will enact justice against sin. This slowness to exercise His anger and wrath should be a motivation towards repentance ( Joel 2:15) and never a license to engage in carefree sin and rebellion against Him. Exodus 34:7 says that He will not clear the guilty. (also see Numbers 14:18)
In the NT from the preaching of God's wrath by John the Baptist to the Wrath of the Lamb in Revelation the truth of God's just wrath pervades the books of the NT and speaks on this attribute in harmony with what the OT teaches about God's wrath. From Jesus and the apostles, salvation is presented as a rescue from God's wrath ( Mt. 3:7; Lk. 3:7; Mt. 5:22; 18:5; Mk. 9:48; Jn. 3:36; Acts 10:42). Peter says that they were commanded by Jesus to preach of God's judgment. ( Acts 2:14-36; 10:42)
Romans 4:15 explains how law-breaking invites God's wrath. Verse 9:23 describes how freely chosen sin fits sinners to be vessels of God's wrath, deserving of all He has willed this wrath to include: eternal punishment, torment, separation from God's Presence, and anguish. Revelation 6:16; 14:10 assign the execution of God's wrath, justice, and judgment to Jesus.
See Pt. 4
(Acts Part 26):
Acts 10:46 - For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. This will be the second of three places in the book of Acts where it talks about people, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues.
The word "tongues," GLOSSA in the Greek, is the word for language, a known language. All of those that were in Jerusalem at the time of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came, every one of them heard the disciples speaking their own language in which they were born.
God gave them the ability to speak in various languages, not having any ability to know that language. In Acts Chapter 10, they spoke in languages. They are not talking about some "mystical gift" or some "babbling noise." That's why the believing Jews were saying "we're astonished." You've received the Holy Spirit just like we have. What confirmation do they have of that? It's that they all spoke in the 70 known languages of the world. Interesting!
Acts 11:16 - Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Then remembered I the word of the Lord. Peter said when this happened, I remembered how that He said, and the word "said" in Verse 16 is called an Imperfect Tense meaning the Lord said it many times.
Acts 11:17 - Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
Forasmuch then as God gave them the "like" gift. The word "like" in Greek means equal. It is the word ESOS. It means equal and it is the same word used in John 5:18, "Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill Jesus because He not only broken the Sabbath day, but said also that God was His father, making Himself "equal" with God."
Equal, the same, nothing different!
Acts 10:43 - To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Two things about this verse:
The word believes is a Present Participle which means continuously believing. Secondly: the term "in him" is the most common term for believing in Christ. It is EIS AUTON, and it means "into him."
It is a word that expresses surrender, so that whosoever continually believes, and continually surrenders to Christ, will receive forgiveness of sins.
Acts 10:45 - And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The word "gift," DOREA, and there are several words for gift in the bible but there is only one word out of several that means to give you a gift, (actually give it to you), and that's this word! DOREA is always associated with the Holy Spirit. According to the New Testament, the only "gift" that has been given to the believers is the Holy Spirit.
People are told that God gives you "other things." Unfortunately, those words do not mean to give a gift. "Gifts of the Spirit" has nothing to do with giving gifts. It is the word CHARISMA. CHARIS is the word for grace. CHARISMA, with just an MA on the end of it means an expression of grace. That's what it means!
1 Corinthians Chapter12 tells us that there are many expressions of grace or gifts of the Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is the one who has the capacity for all of these expressions of grace. The unfortunate thing about teachings of "the gifts of the spirit" today is that they tell you "You have one!" A talent! There are people out there in the ministry that will teach their people how they need to use their "gifts" for God's work, combining God's "gift" with their personality, and their "God given talents." The problem with this is that it centers on us.
Acts 10:25 - And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
I'll share an important side note. The word for worship in the New Testament, PROSKUNEO, doesn't have anything to do with worship. It's literally to pay respect or homage. He was going to the extreme, but Peter says you don't have to do that. Now how does that fit into the New Testament for the believers?
I'll use John Chapter 4 as an example when Jesus was talking to the Samaritan woman and He say to her that those who worship God must worship Him in Spirit and in truth, and He's using the same word. What Jesus is saying is true worship is bowing down to and submitting to God's Spirit and God's truth. That's worship!
Worship can be expressed in singing, but the bible doesn't say singing is worship. It can be an expression of worship. That's why Jesus said you worship me with your lips, but your heart is far from me, and in vain you worship me.
So just going through a routine and being involved in certain activities that deal with music, or preaching, or prayer, or whatever, God says you can go through whatever you want to, but I see your heart, and if your heart is not in it, it's not acceptable!
Acts 10:38 - How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
There are a couple of words for "good" that we need to know. There's the word AGATHOS which is the word for spiritual good. And then the word KALOS for human good, and neither one of those words are used here!
It is the prefix "EU." He went about doing well for everybody. And here's what is described for doing good: We are doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. People who had physical health problems because they were oppressed by the devil. And He freed them from the devil and healed them.
Acts 9:26 - And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself, that is, he was continually (Imperfect Tense), he was continually trying to join himself to the disciples.
And the word "joined" is the word glue. He was continually attempting to be a permanent part of the fellowship of the disciples in Jerusalem. But they were all afraid of him, and they believed not that he was a disciple.
Acts 9:36 - Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
Secondly: Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas, which is Aramaic. And her names, both Tabitha or Dorcas mean either Gazelle or Deer.
She is called that because they picked an animal that had large, beautiful eyes. So, they named her Tabitha because of her large, beautiful eyes that means Gazelle or Deer.
So anyways, there's a disciple who belongs to Christ, and this woman was full of good works. The word "good" is Agathos which pertains not to humanitarian good, but spiritual good. And almsdeeds, which means acts of mercy, which she was doing!
Acts 9:41 - And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he called the saints and the widows, he presented her living. In the Greek text, it's a Participle. Not alive, but living, all human functions working as if they never stopped!
Acts 10:10 - And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
More literally, the Greek text says, "the trance fell on him." That is very important. The trance fell on him.
These are important questions, and you should study for your understanding and conscience. It may take a while but pray and let the Holy Spirit lead you. Do not go to the Scriptures with preconceived ideas, when we do that our eyes and ears are closed to the truth and Holy Spirit.
We know Jesus is the only way John 14:6, Jesus was sent by the Father and He did the will of the Father. God was with/in Jesus Acts 10:38. The works Jesus did were the Father's works, the words Jesus spoke were the Father's, and Jesus was totally obedient to His death, and by that we are made righteous, Romans 5:19.
God's plan was before creation all was in this plan from the beginning to the end and Jesus was the beginning of this plan 1 Peter 1:19-20.
God bless you,
RLW
There are many denominations out there and many are filled with the wisdom of man with I am right, and you are wrong, not love. Salvation is in the simplicity that is in Christ that is with faith and prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in the Bible you will find the truth.
Romans 10:8-11 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Is being baptized in water in the name of Jesus in the Bible? Acts 2:38 Romans 6:3-4 and more. Is being baptized with the Holy Ghost/Spirit in the Bible? 1 Corinthians 12:13 Titus 3:5 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 and more. Does one come before the other, not necessarily, Acts 10:45-48, but the sealing of the Holy Ghost/Spirit in us is a must, Romans 8:11, read all of 8.
We must work out our salvation, Philippians 2:12, we will stand in judgment accountable for ourselves, what different denominations say will not acquit us. It is a lifetime journey, love and obedience are a must, Romans 6:16.
God bless you and God bless your journey He will always be with you and lift you up, John 16:13 1 Corinthians 16:23-24.
RLW
Yes, brother you understood correctly I believe Jesus if He chose, He could have given into a temptation and been disobedient to His Father. Hebrews 2:18 says He suffered being tempted and in Hebrews 4:15 Jesus was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Jesus did not have a sinful nature like we do, He was not from man but was conceived in the womb of Mary by the Holy Ghost, He was the second man the last Adam.
The first Adam was not formed with a sinful nature, but he sinned and was disobedient, Jesus was sinless and obedient to the end, Romans 5:19. He had to know how it feels to battle temptations to become our priest and mediator. If Jesus was incapable of giving in to temptation His perfect sinless life has no meaning and if He was not capable of being disobedient being obedient to the Father unto death has no meaning.
The miracles Jesus did were not by His power but by the power of the Holy Ghost that God the Father gave to Him without measure John 3:34-35 Acts 10:38 Jesus said many times it was not His will but the Father's will who sent Him, and He also said the words He spoke were not His but the Father, John12:49-50 That is why Jesus's name is called the Word of God, Revelation 19:13.
Now after God raised Jesus from death, He is at His Father's right hand on the throne of God and has been given power of the throne over all until the last enemy, death is under His feet, Ephesians 1:19-23 Revelation 20:14.
I know you may disagree but that is how I understand it.
God bless,
RLW
You are right about "It is God's right and privilege to do as He pleases with any of us'. But on the other hand we know that God is a righteous God. We also know that ( 1 Peter 1:17) "And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work..."
Also please read Acts 10:34-35, it is very claryfing, "34Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:35But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."
So God judges with no respect of persons, He is a just God. So what pleases Him is people responding to His love and choose the right way, isn't it?
Also I would like to explain my understanding about us being vessels of God. It is true that God puts His Spirit inside each one of us. So as Paul says we are the vessels which carry inside the treasure which is God's Spirit. This Spirit produces a fruit and enable us to obey God's commandements and change our characters in similarity to Jesus'. OK so far?
But what we must understand is that the Spirit of God is not sort of an "auto pilot" which drives us to where He wants to without our control and consent. He needs our consent, this is our free will. God's Spirit stands infront of our heart wishing to enter every appartment of it and cleanse it. But if we don't allow Him to enter any of these or some of these, He will not force His way through. The Spirit follows our decisions. If we want and ask Him to help us in a specific area He will definitely do that. But if we don't, He will wait until we give Him the permission to act, if we give Him it after all. As I said in a previous post it was on Abraham's hand to sacrifice his son, he could had chosen not to do it. God didn't force him to obey. So Abraham was justified by God for something he himself did, not God.
As to your question you have received several answers, my understanding in the Bible baptism is done only by immersion as the word means. As Jesse said sprinkling did not start until the 1300s and it was for the reason it was so inconvenient. So, this was done just because of convenience's sake, nothing Biblical about it. I agree with Giannis, and we must believe as Jesus said in Mark 16:16.
All we do is to be done in our Lord Jesus's name, Colossians 3:16-17. Many use Matthew 28:19 but we also see in the rest of Scripture that a person who is baptized in Jesus' name is someone who believes in Jesus as Savior, the Messiah, the Son of God who for us died, was buried, and was resurrected we acknowledge this by being baptized in His name, Acts 2:38 Acts 8:12 Acts 8:16 Acts 10:48 Acts 19:5 Acts 22:16 Romans 6:3 Galatians 3:27 Colossians 2:12 Ephesians 4:5.
Paul shows the importance of being baptized in the name of Jesus, Acts 19:1-6. God has placed Jesus and His name above all that is in heaven and earth, Matthew 28:18 Philippians 2:9-11. Salvation only comes in His name Acts 4:12 Romans 10:13. The name of Jesus is the source of power and authority for healing, miracles, and deliverance, Mark 16:17 Luke 10:17 Acts 4:7 Acts 4:30 Acts 16:18.
We are to give thanks in Jesus's name, Ephesians 5:20. Our faith is through Him and in His name, Acts 3:16. We must believe in Jesus, John 3:16 John 6:47 Acts 16:31 1 John 3:23 1 John 5:13. Whatever we ask for we are to ask in His name, John 14:13-14. We are to pray to the Father in His name, James 5:14. Jesus is our priest and the only mediator between God and men, 1 Timothy 2:5.
God bless,
RLW
Malachi 2:10 Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?
Mark 12:32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
Romans 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
1 Corinthians 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
Ephesians 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
John 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
1 John 2:22-23 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
Philippians 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Acts 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Luke 18:19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
God bless,
RLW
Part 3 Trinity discussion,
Do you believe the Son is a created being?
What is the meaning of created? Does it mean something that is made out of nothing? I would have to say no, Jesus is the Son of God who was conceived in the womb of Mary, Matthew 1:20 Luke 1:35, I do not think I would say He was created.
If so, when did He come into existence?
In God's plan before anything and physically when He was conceived in Mary's womb.
Do you believe that the Son is only human in nature?
Jesus is the Son of God fully human but without sin same as the first Adam, Scripture is clear when Jesus was baptized, He was anointed with the Holy Ghost/Spirit without measure, John 3:34. All the works of Jesus were done by the Spirit of God, Matthew 4:16 Matthew 12:28 Acts 10:38.
Do you believe that Jesus became "the Christ" during His lifetime (Adoptionism)?
I had never heard of Adoptionism until now, I had to look it up, it's false. Christ and Messiah are the same; Jesus was anointed by the Spirit of God after He was baptized by John, He then was made the Messiah/Christ fulfilling the prophecy in Daniel 9:25. Jesus is the Son of God conceived in the womb of Mary by the Holy Ghost/Spirit.
Do you believe Jesus ever aquired a divine nature in His earthly life?
If you mean a divine nature is to have all the attributes that make God who He is I would have to say no. If so, Jesus could not sin or be tempted, Matthew 4:1 Hebrews 4:15. If so, Jesus living a perfect life without sin is meaningless. Jesus could not have died; Jesus was given the power of the Holy Spirit when He was anointed the Messiah. After He rose from the dead God gave Jesus all power in heaven and on earth, Matthew 28:18. God raised and placed Jesus on His right side, Ephesians 1:21-23. Jesus did not return to where He was before, God the Father placed everything under Jesus God's only begotten Son's feet and Jesus will reign until the last enemy is destroyed, 1 Corinthians 15:24-28.
See part 4.
Let us increase our prayer time, our reading of the Bible, and witnessing to the lost.
Thank you brethren for your faithfulness on this forum. GOD to shine HIS wonderful face on all the saints. Let us pray faithfully and diligently for the "apple of GOD'S eye", the peace in Jerusalem as well as in other war torn areas. The saints in Armenia and the LORD'S mission fields.
Merry Christmas and have a blessed New Year every one. May the peace of GOD be upon you and your family.
Isaiah 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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.