COGIC ADULTS MENS SUNDAY SCHOOL BOOK November 11, 2025 Acts 16:1-5,8-15 KJV
West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California
My COGIC WORSHIP: 1Corithians 15:3-4 KJV My Interpetation I Acts 15:1-3 KJV I Reverence God Introduction My Interpetation: I Reverence the only God, word, voice- only seed of God ,fruit with submission, faith and promise. VV 8-12 My Interpetation I Reverence God that allows me to always be on time and word I ask To be bade in Holy Ghost giving me a word to be done for me and prospering, also Christian Church-Community ,making you want to listen and obey.
My COGIC WORSHIP: 1Corithians 15:3-4 KJV My Interpetation I Acts 15:1-3 KJV I Worship God The message of joy recieved God is Father and only God to believe that does miracles. Acts 15:1-12 My Interpetation I Worship God that is Holy , To Believe in Chist in repentance forgiveness of sins. I Worship God of baptism and the Lords supper giving to the church -used a rituals. I Worship God that allows me to have a life of Christian living and practices that gives me unity in God. III vv7-12 My Interpetation I worship God that gives us the Holy Spirit to see ,hear discern God and make decisions example yes or no. I Worship God that allows me to give my life to God for people to listen Lamentations 3:27 KJV.
There's those in the OT that passed on that is not considered part of the new covenant and is not part of Christ Church.
They were saved by faith but under the old covenant and rituals that pointed to their Messiah's finish work on the cross freeing them from the bondage that held them captive.
The difference between Israel and the rest of the world was that they were heirs of the land, Davidic and Kingdom promises to Abraham.
(Not to be mistaken for the recipient of the promises shown mentioned in Galatians 3:29 referring to Christ.)
However we all should know there's no entering into the presence of God without the door. John 10:9. That goes for all ages.
These specific promises is after the Gathering of the Gentiles into the body of Christ. "The Church" as shown in Acts 15:14-16
"Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
"AFTER THIS" I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
The old testament prophets prophesied about the gather of Israel, (Post Church) and the Davidic Kingdom.
References-
Romans 11:25-26.
Romans 9:25-26 echoing Hosea 2:23.
Isaiah 40:9
Joel 2:3-32.
Isaiah 11:11-12.
The Lord calls Zion(Israel) his people several times in these verses.
..2:18 Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity HIS PEOPLE.
In Isaiah 11:11 the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people.
This is not the Church but a people and elect of God for the purpose of God!
Understanding Dispensationalism by the covenant promises.
I believe the new covenant started after the resurrection. of christ.
I believe the church started to form at Pentecost.
I believe the old covenant ended after the crucifixion of Christ.
I believe James and the other Apostles went after the scattered and lost sheep of Israel announcing that the messiah has come and to bring in the new covenant to them.
The Kingdom gospel, it was never meant to be a Gospel of salvation as they thought.
The good news to them was Christ would some day come and restore the Kingdom.
However, It was postponed!
What they didn't know was that Christ would first come and destroy it by way of the cross and salvation would go to the Gentiles. Amos 9:8-10
All the preaching during Christ ministry was under the old covenant.
There were promises God made to Abraham concerning the Davidic Kingdom hadn't been filled yet.
The Prophet's prophesied a second coming.
Isaiah 11:10-11.
Hosea 5:15.
Notice the sequence here In Acts 15:13-16 as James quotes from Amos 9:11
"And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
"After this" I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
James says "After this" I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David. ect ect..
This parallels Romans 11:25.
This is a kingdom after the call out of the church.
This verse comes from the Jerusalem Council, where the apostles and elders gathered to settle the question: Must Gentile believers be circumcised and keep the law of Moses to be saved? Peter speaks here, affirming that salvation is by grace, not law.
Dispensational Understanding
From a dispensational viewpoint, Acts 15 sits at a transitional point in God's dealings with mankind:
Kingdom Program (Israel): Peter and the Twelve were originally preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom to Israel ( Matt. 10:5-7; Acts 3:19-21). Salvation was bound up with Israel's national repentance, the coming kingdom, and covenant promises.
Grace Program (Body of Christ): Paul, however, was given the "gospel of the uncircumcision" ( Gal. 2:7) - the message that Jew and Gentile alike are saved by grace through faith in Christ's finished cross-work, apart from the Law ( 1 Cor. 15:1-4; Eph. 2:8-9).
In Acts 15:11, Peter acknowledges Paul's gospel of grace. He essentially says: We (Jews) will be saved the same way as they (Gentiles) - through grace alone, not the Law. That's a remarkable reversal, because under the kingdom program Gentiles were blessed through Israel's rise. Now Peter admits Israel must come on the same basis as Gentiles: faith in Christ's grace without works.
Key Dispensational Insight
This verse highlights the shift from Israel's covenantal system under law toward Paul's revelation of grace.
It doesn't mean the kingdom program had fully ended yet (since the apostles still held to many Jewish practices in Acts), but it confirms Paul's message had authority and that grace through faith is the only way of salvation in this present dispensation.
I believe I understood you correctly other than you calling me Chris.
However your replies came to my inbox so I'm sure I'm the recipient.
I agree on much you have said but I believe Paul in ( Eph. 3:1-9) includes all the Apostles in the knowledge of the mystery of Christ as seen in verse 5
"Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto HIS HOLY APOSTLES and prophets by the Spirit;
Also in Acts 15:7-11 at the counsel in Jerusalem Peter makes that clear.
In verse 11 Peter says something that suggests that stands out to me concerning future salvation requirements preached by the 11 for their audiences. (Jews)
Vs 11. "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."
I believe what Peter is saying in the same way the gentiles is saved. We shall be saved in that same manner. faith.
The mystery is that God's plan of salvation now includes Gentiles as well as Jews, uniting them into one body, the Church. Yes I believe that is Paul's primary message to disperse but I believe that mystery was eventually revealed to all the Apostles.
John the baptist also introduced Christ to Israel in a way that he brings forth Christ as this mystery unfolding in John 1:7-9. also in John 1:11-13 and John 1:29.
On to James.
In James I believe he's saying faith is being exhibited by works as proof.
I don't believe he's saying works is required to be contributed to salvation.
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
Excellent response Lbooth1955. The Law, as given to Israel, cannot be mixed in any way to the Gift of Grace through Christ given to all who can no longer be bound to the Law. And particularly to those of us who are Gentiles, were never given the Law in any way, shape or form; why then should we call upon it or seek to apply any of it to our Christian freedom in Christ?
It is my perception that the Church has not been true & vigilant to the Scriptures nor deeply concerned about this matter before her congregants by not addressing it correctly and fully. I ask myself, 'when was the last time I heard anything about this subject from the pulpit'? Rather, a superficial stance is adopted, i.e. 'if the Bible declares something then as Christians, we must adopt it'. How many children attending their Sunday School are taught the Decalogue, to recite it, and the need to obey it? I know I was and I accepted it without question.
Rather than correctly understanding the nature of the commandment, those to whom it was given, and the repercussions for disobedience, the Church has glibly avoided this core instruction that differentiates between the Law given to Israel and the Grace we have in Christ, but for 'safety sake', encourages all believers to embrace both together. As the Apostle Peter (referring to those who compelled the followers of Christ to be circumcised and to keep the Law of Moses), declared in Acts 15:10, "Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?" To our credit, we love to emphasize correctness in 'dividing the Scriptures'; yet in this very important matter, we gloss over it without realizing the seriousness of it and the wider implications pressing upon believers' understanding of the Word and the liberty and grace we now enjoy. We should never be led by the Law's strict demands & penalties, rather by the gracious Work of the Holy Spirit in each of our lives. GBU.
Again, Christ ruling "Jacob" on the throne of David haven't happened yet! Also, that throne did not exist during for Christ ministry here on earth.
What is Important is God confirmed his promises by an oath in Psalms 132:11 The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. There are many of these promises!
Prophecies pointing to this section of scripture especially the 70 week of Daniel onwards centers around Israel and precisely "JACOB" as this seems to be used often when their rebellious nature is being highlighted. It speaks of "THE PEOPLE" of that nation. JACOB!
This is why it's called the time of Jacobs trouble! Jeremiah 30:7-9.
The Church was never in trouble in this respect.
Ezekiel 37:21-25 cannot apply to the Church. (Just one of many reasons why.)
When examining Ezekiel 36:20-27 we see whose reputation is at stake in keeping these promises. (Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.)
The Blindness of Israel will be lifted when the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. Then God will focus his attention on Israel.
This is what James is saying in Acts 15:14-16. "Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up.
He says "AFTER THIS! After what? After God takes out of the Gentiles a people for his name! This is where salvation has went to the Gentiles UNTIL the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
I agree there is a difference between the Gospel of the kingdom and the Gospel of Christ and it has to be rightly divided to get a good revelation of the word of God!
That's important!
However I don't agree that Peter and the others wasn't preaching salvation by grace through faith apart from works and that their gospel was faith plus works.
I believe that is what the counsel in Jerusalem was all about in Acts 15.
Peter speaks on this in Acts 15:7-11 and particularly in verses 9-11.
9) "AND PUT NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN US AND THEM, PURIFYING THEIR HEARTS BY FAITH.
10 )NOW THEREFORE WHY TEMPT YE GOD, TO PUT A YOKE UPON THE NECK OF THE DISCIPLES, WHICH NEITHER OUR FATHERS NOR WE WERE ABLE TO BEAR?
11) But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
I like the way it's put in verse 11. (We shall be saved, even as they.)
You would think it's the other way around! (They shall be saved even as we)
I believe this speaks of the future restoration of the house of Israel.
However the salvation message is the same! (PURIFYING THEIR HEARTS BY FAITH apart from the works of the law.)
We know this counsel is concerning the salvation message to the Gentiles by what's stated in Acts 15:1.
I believe there's a glimpse of the kingdom mentioned also by James. ( Acts 15:13-17. )
Regarding Eph. 3-5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit
The Apostle Paul labored with many faithful co-workers to spread the gospel of the grace of God ( Acts 20:24) during the dispensation committed to him ( Eph 3:1-9; Col 1:25-27). These individuals helped preach, teach, and establish churches among the Gentiles.
Barnabas was Paul's companion on his first missionary journey ( Acts 13-15) and helped him gain acceptance among believers.
Silas traveled with Paul on his second journey ( Acts 15:40), enduring persecution and planting churches in Macedonia and Greece. Timothy, Paul's "dearly beloved son" in the faith ( 1 Tim 1:2), served closely with him and was entrusted with important ministry tasks ( Phil 2:19-22; 1 Cor 4:17).
Titus, a Greek believer, was sent to Corinth and later to Crete to set church leadership in order ( Titus 1:5).
Luke, the physician, was a faithful companion and authored the Gospel of Luke and Acts ( Col 4:14; 2 Tim 4:11). Apollos, though not directly sent by Paul, was mighty in the Scriptures and preached effectively in line with Paul's message ( Acts 18:24-28; 1 Cor 3:6). Priscilla and Aquila, Paul's fellow tentmakers, taught Apollos and hosted churches in their home ( Rom 16:3-5).
Other trusted workers include Tychicus, a faithful messenger ( Eph 6:21), Epaphroditus ( Phil 2:25), Onesimus, a converted runaway slave ( Philemon 10-13), Aristarchus, Erastus, Sopater, and Gaius. Sadly, Demas abandoned Paul, loving this present world ( 2 Tim 4:10).
These men and women formed the core team Paul used to carry the grace message throughout the Gentile world.
With the exception of Luke I find none of the Disciples of Christ preaching faith without works.
And did Peter ever require that Gentile converts obey the OT Laws or be circumcised, even though that matter came up for consideration ( Acts 15:5-11)? So, neither the need for coming under the Law was preached by Peter: that salvation was only by grace through faith.
c) The Gospel of the Kingdom was only given by the Lord Himself (as in Matthew 24:14), which seemed specific to Jesus' teaching and acts pertaining to God's requirements for His people.
When I consider the ministry of Jesus, Peter and Paul, I understand that all of them direct us to consider God's Love and His Provision for the salvation of both Jew & Gentile. Both Peter & Paul saw in the Gospel that the Jew & Gentile could be saved, but Paul expanded that further (at least from what is declared to us), that we will be one Body, which is Christ, and exercising the blessings of the Holy Spirit within His Church and beyond to the unreached.
Yes, there are some differences in their messages, but at the core, they are exactly the same, for neither of them brought in any teaching contrary to what Christ's Sacrifice provided and demanded. If the Jews needed to turn from trusting in the Law & their election - if the Gentiles needed to turn from their idols and false gods - both Jew and Gentile could only be accepted by God by turning away (repentance) and faith (in Christ alone & nothing else) for their salvation. I believe the apostles, including Paul, knew this and preached this, but how they presented it would vary according to where the people were at in their culture, belief system and questions raised. And it would be the same today, whether preaching to our local folk or going into another culture: the message core will always be the same, but the message body will give answer to where the people are at.
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.
Thanks you Lbooth1955 for your posts to me. I've had to collate them so that I'm reading the pertinent ones, since they now appear quite scattered in this long thread. To the points you raised:
a. Romans 16:25, "..according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began". When I read Paul writing of "my gospel", I don't believe he is suggesting that the Gospel he preached was different to anyone else's Gospel & understanding, rather, that it was the Gospel that was placed upon him to preach which may have had various emphases that others didn't bring up: as when one shares the Gospel to those of another religion - that presentation would be different in parts.
You quoted Ephesians 3:1-9. In verse 5, Paul writes: "Which (the mystery in Christ) in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit". Not just to Paul, but his claim that the other apostles and prophets (those given the gift by the Spirit) were also aware of this mystery, "that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel". So, Peter, as the other apostles, may have spoken about this mystery, but we aren't told about this.
b. 2 Peter 3:15,16. If some things that Paul wrote were hard to understand, Peter couldn't be referring to this mystery in Christ, as Peter himself preached to the Gentiles ( Acts 15:7), which I hope we can assume that he at least had some understanding that Gentiles, along with believing Jews, would be saved the same way, viz. the Cross. "And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith" (v9): a clear declaration by Peter that he believed that not only were Jews & Gentiles now fully in God's Salvation Plan, but that it was by faith alone that they would be saved, having their hearts purified. Onto Page 2.
It is true that Peter preached to Israel who were under the Law (and also to the Gentiles: Acts 15:7), but I cannot see that his message was anything of Grace under the Law. Rather Acts 15:7-11 was Peter's direct confrontation to those "Pharisees which believed" (Judaizers?) who promoted circumcision and the keeping of the Law of Moses for the Gentiles, when Peter stated that it would be "a yoke upon the neck of the disciples (new converts), which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear".
So clearly, the Law of Moses (including "obedience to commands and rituals") was removed from those now believing from both Jewish & Gentile stock. So, why didn't Peter preach this "mystery of the Gospel (which included Gentiles)"? Maybe, that wasn't an essential part of his preaching to the Jews, yet the message of salvation remained the same.
And, did Paul not believe in water baptism? He must have: he was baptized himself ( Acts 9:17.18) and spoke of it ( Acts 18:7,8; Acts 19:1-5; Romans 6:3,4; 1 Corinthians 1:14-17; Colossians 2:11,12). So whatever differences we might perceive between the two apostles, would be so minor as to be inconsequential when understanding the vital message of the Gospel, that it was faith alone that saves plus nothing else. GBU.
Hi "Lkl24740" we are not allowed to eat blood according to Acts 15:19-20
It is important to read God's Word. Because there is all sorts of talk and chatter about all sorts of things that create confusion among us. But if we stick to the Word, all that is wrong will fall apart and we who read in God's Word will understand what is right and proper. The NT is our learning path.
OT can we learn about what not to do against the Lord, and warfare that is in our real world is in the Spiritual. And about praise and joy in the Lord. May God bless you in Jesus name, Amen Matthew 21
It was asked of me: Firstly what do you exactly mean with, some are from God and some are not? Do you mean that some are predestinated to believe and others no?
We live in a fallen unperfect world, I believe God wants us to have this understanding that things are not what they seem. It is written:
"Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." 2 Timothy 2:19 KJV
God knows all those who belong to Him, from each generation since he created man and his kind. I believe it comes down to who really loves God, because God is love. It is written:
"If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15 KJV
Even when I read God's word I am humbled and search and inquire within myself, like a self assessment or self evaluation to discover if I am keeping God's commandments. It's a personal salvation only between a believer and God. Since it is written:
"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
A person or believer knows himself or herself no one else can judge someone else based on God's law about someone else's own personal salvation, because it is written:
"And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;" Acts 15:8 KJV
God knows the heart of every man, and that includes woman.
The kingjamesbibleoneline.org website is a good place to search scriptures about God knowing the heart of man, discernment, judgement and love. Even though God can enable someone to discern character of another the scripture supports love and compassion towards those that are lost at the same time it calls believers to be an example of love and compassion towards all. Scripture doesn't support believers being indifferent towards believers and non-believers.
Matthew 17:21: "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."
Matthew 18:11: "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."
Matthew 23:14: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation."
Mark 7:16: "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."
Mark 9:44: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Mark 9:46: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Mark 11:26: "But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."
Mark 15:28: "And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors."
Luke 17:36: "Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left."
John 5:4: "For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had."
Acts 8:37: "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
Acts 15:34: "Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still."
Acts 24:7: "But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,"
Acts 28:29: "And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves."
Romans 16:24: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
I John 5:7: "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
Is God an "angry God" (when we are away from Him)?
Acts 15:3, "And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion (the grk says "returning") of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren."
Acts 9:35, "And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned (the grk says returned") to the Lord."
In both verses above we read about gentiles returning to the Lord.
But let's read the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-12.
Some points we can point out in this story.
Was the father of that kid angry after his son left the house? Answer: No he wasn't. He was actually very sad. His heart was broken and his mind was always in his son. "Where is he? How is he doing? Is he ok?". How do we know all this?
In v 20 it says, "And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him."
How was it possible for the father to see his kid when he was a great way off? Not accidently. But because he was standing every day at a high place in his house (upper floor?) expecting to see his child coming back. This shows the agony (not anger) that that father had for his kid to come back home safe.
"... and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.". "Kissed" is not a very precise translation of the grk in this verse. The grk means kissing him all around again and again. The father couldn't keep his hands off his son. He kept hugging and kissing him. So the same question again. Was he an angry father while waiting for his son's return?
We must understand our Father's heart when we are away from Him and the agony He is going through until we finally return to Him. This is our Father in Heaven. He is Love.
But let us change the ending of that story. Let's assume that his son never came back home an died in his sins. Then and only then God pauses being a dear Father and becomes a righteous Judge.
Acts 15 is a turning point for Paul and Peter. Peter had to defend Apostle Paul for the word of truth to the Gentiles. Apostle Peter knew that Jesus Christ had given him a new revelation that was hidden from the beginning of this world.
Acts 15:7-11
7And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11But we believe that through the grace of theLordJesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Did Paul just say that there's two Gospels in the book of Acts, one for the Gentiles and one for the Jews ? What in the world is going on with Paul writing this verse. Peter's Gospel is put on a shelf for the kingdom on earth until the fulness of the Gentiles, but Paul's gospel is for today for the body of Christ Jesus in the Third Heaven.
Galatians 2:7
But contrariwise, whenthey saw thatthegospeloftheuncircumcisionwas committed unto me, asthegospelofthecircumcision was unto Peter;
We may not agree with Apostle Paul's epistle, but it was inspired by the Holy Spirit in Christ Jesus for us today.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received thewordofGod which ye heardofus, ye received it not as thewordofmen, but as it is intruth, thewordofGod, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the word of truth is the gospel of the Apostle Paul given to him by Jesus Christ.
(1 Thessalonians Part 1): Written to the believers in Thessalonica who were made up of mostly Gentiles, but some Jews believed also. There are two themes that are found in Thessalonians. This is what is called an eschatological letter. ESKATOS means last days.
We study the rapture of the church in 1 Thessalonians, and we study the second coming of Christ in 2 Thessalonians. He's dealing with last days issues.
1 Thessalonians 1:1 - Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Silvanus is known as Silas. In Acts 15:22 he is called Silas. He's one of the leaders from the church in Jerusalem that goes with Paul back to Antioch. Silas was a Roman citizen just like Paul was, though he was Jewish. Silvanus is his Latin name (his Roman name), and Silas is his Greek name.
Paul always presents his letter as Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace (CHARIS) is the Greek greeting, and peace (SHALOM)is the Jewish greeting. And so, he's greeting both the Gentiles as well as the Jews.
10. 1 Cor 3:16-17, "16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."
The grk for "temple" is "naos", that is a place where one lives in eg a house. And the Spirit lives in our bodies, His houses.
John 16:7-11, "7Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:..."
11. 1 Cor 12:4-6, "4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all."
As seen gifts are given by the Spirit, administrations by Jesus our Lord, and diversities of operations by God.
12. 1 Cor 12:11, "But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as HE WILL."
13. Acts 15:28, "FOR IT SEEMED GOOD TO THE HOLY GHOST, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
14 Rom 18:26-27, "26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God."
2 Cor 13:13, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen."
Those are a few I found in the Bible but I think thery are enough to see that the Spirit is a person since it has characteristics of a person and not of an impersonal power.
Rev 22:17, "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come."
Daniel 1:5,8-17, Matthew 6:16-18 KJV COGIC WORSHIP 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV I worship a God of results,fasting to please him, sustenance, to see God. A God that strengthens physically , wisdom, discernment, skills.A God associated with food Acts 15:9 KJV that teaches, and are good eating habits. My Interpetation:" God's word to be fulfilled, rest upon me- Jesus Christ being antidote, salvation-hallelujah."Christian Press COGIC Quoted " Fasting Kosher diet are distinct religious practices associated with eating and drinking." Fasting are many ways and to health concerns-Devotion to God. Jesus Christ is God as and to do old testament holy bible customs.
2 Corinthians 3:15-16But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
( The it mentioned here is their heart!)
It is Israel that was blinded because they sought righteousness by the Law. Romans 9:31-32 and other places.
Also Romans 11:6-11 reads
"And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the ELECTION hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.
And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:
Let their eyes be darkened that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.
I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
A temporary blindness! Romans 11:25-26.
Quoting you!
Paul says very clear, very open, very bold, you know exactly what the gospel is. It isn't hidden. It's not behind a vail. It's out in the open.
That's very clear. The Gospel, "The Good news, or A good message "
What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; Romans 9:30-32.
I'm finally getting a chance to sit down to read a few more of your postings.
I haven't been able to keep up so I'm starting from the most recent and going backwards.
Here's something that caught my eye, You stated "believers are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the "HEAVENLY REALM" because we are united with Christ.
"We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are"
Then you referenced
Acts 15:11.
Look at this verse in its proper context!
Acts 15:7-11 "And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that THE GENTILES by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
And put no difference between US AND THEM, purifying THEIR hearts by faith.
Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ WE shall be saved, even as THEY.
Gigi, Peter is making a distinction between Himself and the other Jews (Kinsman of the flesh) and the Gentiles.
Peter is saying the Jews shall be saved apart from the law like the Gentiles.
Here's another very impressive issue that concerns me.
You Stated;
God rains down grace on all mankind. He gave us the beauty and wonders of nature that we see each and every day. He gives us near misses when accidents are heading our way. He often brings us the right thing just in time. And He also gave us an innate conscience to know right from wrong. All these things are common graces, and everyone born on the earth has the benefit of them BECAUSE GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD.
In the context of your posting, God so loved the world should be kept in John 3:16.
The Next subject is God's freely give undeserved grace.
GOD'S GRACE IS FREELY GIVEN, UNEARNED FAVOR WITH GOD
IT IS RECEIVING WHAT WE DO NOT DESERVE
IT IS GOD'S BLESSINGS IN THIS LIFE AND THE NEXT
What is the grace of God? Simply put it is God's favor and kindness toward us. Grace is God choosing to bless us rather than curse us as our sin deserves. It is His benevolence to the undeserving.
But it also exerts God's power in our life to bring about all that is needed for us to be saved: regeneration, repentance, faith, and trust in God in Jesus. And in Titus 2:11-13 we read that God's grace empowers us to say yes to what is right and no to what is sinful. It enables us to live godly lives in a wicked world.
The Holy Spirit uses grace to sanctify us unto God and to transform us to be more and more like our Lord and Savior. And it provides us with a sure and blessed hope of the appearing of Jesus, the great God and Savior. Without grace, we would give up on this hope. But God graces us with hope that does not fail.
God rains down grace on all mankind. He gave us the beauty and wonders of nature that we see each and every day. He gives us near misses when accidents are heading our way. He often brings us the right thing just in time. And He also gave us an innate conscience to know right from wrong. All these things are common graces, and everyone born on the earth has the benefit of them because God so loved the world.
Just being born on this planet includes many benefits. But when someone becomes a believer in Christ, that person receives even more graceful benefits from God reserved only for God's elect. In fact, believers are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm because we are united with Christ.
"We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are" ( Acts 15:11).
Ephesians 2:8 says, "For by grace are you saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves."
Acts 15:38 - But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
But Paul thought, and that is in the Imperfect Tense. Paul was continually thinking this is not good to take him with them, who departed, and departed here means defection in Greek. So, Paul and Barnabas are really going nose to nose here.
I mean Paul is flat out calling John Mark a deserter, not just somebody who went home. He says, it's not good to take him. He defected last time from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
And that's what Paul is looking at, is that he went through Cyprus with us through the good time, but when it came to the hard times, he wanted to turn around and go back.
Acts 16:16 - And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination, and in the Greek text, it is called the spirit of python, a snake! It's the spirit of python.
In Greek mythology, Apollos won a victory over his enemy and in his celebration, he decided to embed himself into a body of a python.
So, they always felt that a demonic spirit, a pythonic spirit could indwell someone, and even though it is a snake, things could come out well in the human.
Check this out: A spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by fortune telling: That's where it comes from.
But please note, because you know the spirits not going to stay there, right? With Paul there? Notice that once the demonic spirit's cast out, she can't tell fortunes anymore, which means with the demonic spirit, she can tell people's fortunes. She was good at it!
Satan can give people the ability whether it is generalized or not to see in the future.
Acts 15:19 - Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
You see the word to? It is literally upon in the Greek text. They are not turning to the Lord, they are turning upon Him. They are totally entrusting their lives upon the Lord.
Acts 15:24 - Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
The word souls is PSUCHE which is also translated minds. Who have subverted or troubled your minds, saying, you must be circumcised, and keep the law. Now here is something for you to underline: to whom we gave no such commandment.
Everybody that went out from Jerusalem and preached that you have to keep the law, they did not have the approval of the apostles in Jerusalem. Nor did they send them out. They went out on their own when they heard the Gentiles were being saved!
Acts 15:29 - That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
That little word (do) in the phrase "do well" is the Greek word PRASSO. It's not do. It is the word practice. If you make this your lifestyle, you'll do well.
And then it says "Fare ye well." It literally means may you prosper spiritually in these things.
Acts 15:5 - But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed. That's one word. It is in the Perfect Tense. It says those from out of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed, which means that they had believed now for a long time.
It almost sounds like a contradiction. How can a Pharisee be a believer? But you see, that's the problem! They saw the truth, they received Jesus Christ as Messiah, but they couldn't let go of the old religion. They combined them. Many people do this today. Some have a tough time following the Lord because they can't leave the old religious system, or they try to combine it.
Acts 15:8 - And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
That little term "knows the hearts" is all one word in Greek. It is "heart-knower." In the Greek, it is in the Attributive Position. It's the heart-knower God.
Those are His attributes and characteristics. He knows everybody's heart. So, first of all, it is Gods choice. Secondly, it is based on God knowing everybody's heart.
What did this God the heart-knower do? He gave confirmation. He bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as He did unto us.
God's testimony was that He gave them the Holy Spirit. And all the way through the book of Acts, up until this time, we have seen that that has been the testimony. God has given them the Holy Spirit like He has given us they would say.
They didn't talk about their beliefs. They didn't talk about their doctrines. They talked about the one element that is the actual experience that saves someone, being born again.
It's not just belief. It's not just faith. It is not just correct doctrine, but rather being born of the Spirit of God, where Christ comes to live within.
Acts 15:2 - When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation. Dissension means resistance. And the Greek word for disputation is the word questioning.
So, there was resistance, and there was questioning, trying to bring the truth out with these people.
They determined, literally they ordained or appointed that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of them, should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and to the elders about this question.
Acts 15:4 - And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church. The word received in the Greek is literally the word welcomed.
Here comes Paul and Barnabas and the delegation from Antioch, and the church with "open arms" receives them. Even if they don't agree with them, that was their attitude towards them.
But notice that last little phrase "what God had done with them." That is the literal translation. It is not through them. It is with them. It denotes that they basically put their lives in the Lord's hands and said do with us as you please.
West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California
My COGIC WORSHIP: 1Corithians 15:3-4 KJV My Interpetation I Acts 15:1-3 KJV I Reverence God Introduction My Interpetation: I Reverence the only God, word, voice- only seed of God ,fruit with submission, faith and promise. VV 8-12 My Interpetation I Reverence God that allows me to always be on time and word I ask To be bade in Holy Ghost giving me a word to be done for me and prospering, also Christian Church-Community ,making you want to listen and obey.
There's those in the OT that passed on that is not considered part of the new covenant and is not part of Christ Church.
They were saved by faith but under the old covenant and rituals that pointed to their Messiah's finish work on the cross freeing them from the bondage that held them captive.
The difference between Israel and the rest of the world was that they were heirs of the land, Davidic and Kingdom promises to Abraham.
(Not to be mistaken for the recipient of the promises shown mentioned in Galatians 3:29 referring to Christ.)
However we all should know there's no entering into the presence of God without the door. John 10:9. That goes for all ages.
These specific promises is after the Gathering of the Gentiles into the body of Christ. "The Church" as shown in Acts 15:14-16
"Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
"AFTER THIS" I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
The old testament prophets prophesied about the gather of Israel, (Post Church) and the Davidic Kingdom.
References-
Romans 11:25-26.
Romans 9:25-26 echoing Hosea 2:23.
Isaiah 40:9
Joel 2:3-32.
Isaiah 11:11-12.
The Lord calls Zion(Israel) his people several times in these verses.
..2:18 Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity HIS PEOPLE.
In Isaiah 11:11 the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people.
This is not the Church but a people and elect of God for the purpose of God!
Blessings Brother!
I believe the new covenant started after the resurrection. of christ.
I believe the church started to form at Pentecost.
I believe the old covenant ended after the crucifixion of Christ.
I believe James and the other Apostles went after the scattered and lost sheep of Israel announcing that the messiah has come and to bring in the new covenant to them.
The Kingdom gospel, it was never meant to be a Gospel of salvation as they thought.
The good news to them was Christ would some day come and restore the Kingdom.
However, It was postponed!
What they didn't know was that Christ would first come and destroy it by way of the cross and salvation would go to the Gentiles. Amos 9:8-10
All the preaching during Christ ministry was under the old covenant.
There were promises God made to Abraham concerning the Davidic Kingdom hadn't been filled yet.
The Prophet's prophesied a second coming.
Isaiah 11:10-11.
Hosea 5:15.
Notice the sequence here In Acts 15:13-16 as James quotes from Amos 9:11
"And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
"After this" I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
James says "After this" I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David. ect ect..
This parallels Romans 11:25.
This is a kingdom after the call out of the church.
The Lord will gather his people Israel".
Here's the activity in that gathering.
Amos 9:9-10.
Blessings.
Context of Acts 15
I think we agree for the most part on this.
This verse comes from the Jerusalem Council, where the apostles and elders gathered to settle the question: Must Gentile believers be circumcised and keep the law of Moses to be saved? Peter speaks here, affirming that salvation is by grace, not law.
Dispensational Understanding
From a dispensational viewpoint, Acts 15 sits at a transitional point in God's dealings with mankind:
Kingdom Program (Israel): Peter and the Twelve were originally preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom to Israel ( Matt. 10:5-7; Acts 3:19-21). Salvation was bound up with Israel's national repentance, the coming kingdom, and covenant promises.
Grace Program (Body of Christ): Paul, however, was given the "gospel of the uncircumcision" ( Gal. 2:7) - the message that Jew and Gentile alike are saved by grace through faith in Christ's finished cross-work, apart from the Law ( 1 Cor. 15:1-4; Eph. 2:8-9).
In Acts 15:11, Peter acknowledges Paul's gospel of grace. He essentially says: We (Jews) will be saved the same way as they (Gentiles) - through grace alone, not the Law. That's a remarkable reversal, because under the kingdom program Gentiles were blessed through Israel's rise. Now Peter admits Israel must come on the same basis as Gentiles: faith in Christ's grace without works.
Key Dispensational Insight
This verse highlights the shift from Israel's covenantal system under law toward Paul's revelation of grace.
It doesn't mean the kingdom program had fully ended yet (since the apostles still held to many Jewish practices in Acts), but it confirms Paul's message had authority and that grace through faith is the only way of salvation in this present dispensation.
Thanks for responding.
I believe I understood you correctly other than you calling me Chris.
However your replies came to my inbox so I'm sure I'm the recipient.
I agree on much you have said but I believe Paul in ( Eph. 3:1-9) includes all the Apostles in the knowledge of the mystery of Christ as seen in verse 5
"Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto HIS HOLY APOSTLES and prophets by the Spirit;
Also in Acts 15:7-11 at the counsel in Jerusalem Peter makes that clear.
In verse 11 Peter says something that suggests that stands out to me concerning future salvation requirements preached by the 11 for their audiences. (Jews)
Vs 11. "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."
I believe what Peter is saying in the same way the gentiles is saved. We shall be saved in that same manner. faith.
The mystery is that God's plan of salvation now includes Gentiles as well as Jews, uniting them into one body, the Church. Yes I believe that is Paul's primary message to disperse but I believe that mystery was eventually revealed to all the Apostles.
John the baptist also introduced Christ to Israel in a way that he brings forth Christ as this mystery unfolding in John 1:7-9. also in John 1:11-13 and John 1:29.
On to James.
In James I believe he's saying faith is being exhibited by works as proof.
I don't believe he's saying works is required to be contributed to salvation.
That is what's meant in James 2:18.
"I will shew thee my faith by my works"
Blessings.
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
It is my perception that the Church has not been true & vigilant to the Scriptures nor deeply concerned about this matter before her congregants by not addressing it correctly and fully. I ask myself, 'when was the last time I heard anything about this subject from the pulpit'? Rather, a superficial stance is adopted, i.e. 'if the Bible declares something then as Christians, we must adopt it'. How many children attending their Sunday School are taught the Decalogue, to recite it, and the need to obey it? I know I was and I accepted it without question.
Rather than correctly understanding the nature of the commandment, those to whom it was given, and the repercussions for disobedience, the Church has glibly avoided this core instruction that differentiates between the Law given to Israel and the Grace we have in Christ, but for 'safety sake', encourages all believers to embrace both together. As the Apostle Peter (referring to those who compelled the followers of Christ to be circumcised and to keep the Law of Moses), declared in Acts 15:10, "Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?" To our credit, we love to emphasize correctness in 'dividing the Scriptures'; yet in this very important matter, we gloss over it without realizing the seriousness of it and the wider implications pressing upon believers' understanding of the Word and the liberty and grace we now enjoy. We should never be led by the Law's strict demands & penalties, rather by the gracious Work of the Holy Spirit in each of our lives. GBU.
Luke 1:31-33.
Again, Christ ruling "Jacob" on the throne of David haven't happened yet! Also, that throne did not exist during for Christ ministry here on earth.
What is Important is God confirmed his promises by an oath in Psalms 132:11 The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. There are many of these promises!
Prophecies pointing to this section of scripture especially the 70 week of Daniel onwards centers around Israel and precisely "JACOB" as this seems to be used often when their rebellious nature is being highlighted. It speaks of "THE PEOPLE" of that nation. JACOB!
This is why it's called the time of Jacobs trouble! Jeremiah 30:7-9.
The Church was never in trouble in this respect.
Ezekiel 37:21-25 cannot apply to the Church. (Just one of many reasons why.)
When examining Ezekiel 36:20-27 we see whose reputation is at stake in keeping these promises. (Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.)
The Blindness of Israel will be lifted when the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. Then God will focus his attention on Israel.
This is what James is saying in Acts 15:14-16. "Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up.
He says "AFTER THIS! After what? After God takes out of the Gentiles a people for his name! This is where salvation has went to the Gentiles UNTIL the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
See Part 3
Thanks for sharing!
I agree there is a difference between the Gospel of the kingdom and the Gospel of Christ and it has to be rightly divided to get a good revelation of the word of God!
That's important!
However I don't agree that Peter and the others wasn't preaching salvation by grace through faith apart from works and that their gospel was faith plus works.
I believe that is what the counsel in Jerusalem was all about in Acts 15.
Peter speaks on this in Acts 15:7-11 and particularly in verses 9-11.
9) "AND PUT NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN US AND THEM, PURIFYING THEIR HEARTS BY FAITH.
10 )NOW THEREFORE WHY TEMPT YE GOD, TO PUT A YOKE UPON THE NECK OF THE DISCIPLES, WHICH NEITHER OUR FATHERS NOR WE WERE ABLE TO BEAR?
11) But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
I like the way it's put in verse 11. (We shall be saved, even as they.)
You would think it's the other way around! (They shall be saved even as we)
I believe this speaks of the future restoration of the house of Israel.
However the salvation message is the same! (PURIFYING THEIR HEARTS BY FAITH apart from the works of the law.)
We know this counsel is concerning the salvation message to the Gentiles by what's stated in Acts 15:1.
I believe there's a glimpse of the kingdom mentioned also by James. ( Acts 15:13-17. )
God bless you and thanks for sharing!
The Apostle Paul labored with many faithful co-workers to spread the gospel of the grace of God ( Acts 20:24) during the dispensation committed to him ( Eph 3:1-9; Col 1:25-27). These individuals helped preach, teach, and establish churches among the Gentiles.
Barnabas was Paul's companion on his first missionary journey ( Acts 13-15) and helped him gain acceptance among believers.
Silas traveled with Paul on his second journey ( Acts 15:40), enduring persecution and planting churches in Macedonia and Greece. Timothy, Paul's "dearly beloved son" in the faith ( 1 Tim 1:2), served closely with him and was entrusted with important ministry tasks ( Phil 2:19-22; 1 Cor 4:17).
Titus, a Greek believer, was sent to Corinth and later to Crete to set church leadership in order ( Titus 1:5).
Luke, the physician, was a faithful companion and authored the Gospel of Luke and Acts ( Col 4:14; 2 Tim 4:11). Apollos, though not directly sent by Paul, was mighty in the Scriptures and preached effectively in line with Paul's message ( Acts 18:24-28; 1 Cor 3:6). Priscilla and Aquila, Paul's fellow tentmakers, taught Apollos and hosted churches in their home ( Rom 16:3-5).
Other trusted workers include Tychicus, a faithful messenger ( Eph 6:21), Epaphroditus ( Phil 2:25), Onesimus, a converted runaway slave ( Philemon 10-13), Aristarchus, Erastus, Sopater, and Gaius. Sadly, Demas abandoned Paul, loving this present world ( 2 Tim 4:10).
These men and women formed the core team Paul used to carry the grace message throughout the Gentile world.
With the exception of Luke I find none of the Disciples of Christ preaching faith without works.
And did Peter ever require that Gentile converts obey the OT Laws or be circumcised, even though that matter came up for consideration ( Acts 15:5-11)? So, neither the need for coming under the Law was preached by Peter: that salvation was only by grace through faith.
c) The Gospel of the Kingdom was only given by the Lord Himself (as in Matthew 24:14), which seemed specific to Jesus' teaching and acts pertaining to God's requirements for His people.
When I consider the ministry of Jesus, Peter and Paul, I understand that all of them direct us to consider God's Love and His Provision for the salvation of both Jew & Gentile. Both Peter & Paul saw in the Gospel that the Jew & Gentile could be saved, but Paul expanded that further (at least from what is declared to us), that we will be one Body, which is Christ, and exercising the blessings of the Holy Spirit within His Church and beyond to the unreached.
Yes, there are some differences in their messages, but at the core, they are exactly the same, for neither of them brought in any teaching contrary to what Christ's Sacrifice provided and demanded. If the Jews needed to turn from trusting in the Law & their election - if the Gentiles needed to turn from their idols and false gods - both Jew and Gentile could only be accepted by God by turning away (repentance) and faith (in Christ alone & nothing else) for their salvation. I believe the apostles, including Paul, knew this and preached this, but how they presented it would vary according to where the people were at in their culture, belief system and questions raised. And it would be the same today, whether preaching to our local folk or going into another culture: the message core will always be the same, but the message body will give answer to where the people are at.
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.
Thanks you Lbooth1955 for your posts to me. I've had to collate them so that I'm reading the pertinent ones, since they now appear quite scattered in this long thread. To the points you raised:
a. Romans 16:25, "..according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began". When I read Paul writing of "my gospel", I don't believe he is suggesting that the Gospel he preached was different to anyone else's Gospel & understanding, rather, that it was the Gospel that was placed upon him to preach which may have had various emphases that others didn't bring up: as when one shares the Gospel to those of another religion - that presentation would be different in parts.
You quoted Ephesians 3:1-9. In verse 5, Paul writes: "Which (the mystery in Christ) in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit". Not just to Paul, but his claim that the other apostles and prophets (those given the gift by the Spirit) were also aware of this mystery, "that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel". So, Peter, as the other apostles, may have spoken about this mystery, but we aren't told about this.
b. 2 Peter 3:15,16. If some things that Paul wrote were hard to understand, Peter couldn't be referring to this mystery in Christ, as Peter himself preached to the Gentiles ( Acts 15:7), which I hope we can assume that he at least had some understanding that Gentiles, along with believing Jews, would be saved the same way, viz. the Cross. "And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith" (v9): a clear declaration by Peter that he believed that not only were Jews & Gentiles now fully in God's Salvation Plan, but that it was by faith alone that they would be saved, having their hearts purified. Onto Page 2.
It is true that Peter preached to Israel who were under the Law (and also to the Gentiles: Acts 15:7), but I cannot see that his message was anything of Grace under the Law. Rather Acts 15:7-11 was Peter's direct confrontation to those "Pharisees which believed" (Judaizers?) who promoted circumcision and the keeping of the Law of Moses for the Gentiles, when Peter stated that it would be "a yoke upon the neck of the disciples (new converts), which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear".
So clearly, the Law of Moses (including "obedience to commands and rituals") was removed from those now believing from both Jewish & Gentile stock. So, why didn't Peter preach this "mystery of the Gospel (which included Gentiles)"? Maybe, that wasn't an essential part of his preaching to the Jews, yet the message of salvation remained the same.
And, did Paul not believe in water baptism? He must have: he was baptized himself ( Acts 9:17.18) and spoke of it ( Acts 18:7,8; Acts 19:1-5; Romans 6:3,4; 1 Corinthians 1:14-17; Colossians 2:11,12). So whatever differences we might perceive between the two apostles, would be so minor as to be inconsequential when understanding the vital message of the Gospel, that it was faith alone that saves plus nothing else. GBU.
It is important to read God's Word. Because there is all sorts of talk and chatter about all sorts of things that create confusion among us. But if we stick to the Word, all that is wrong will fall apart and we who read in God's Word will understand what is right and proper. The NT is our learning path.
OT can we learn about what not to do against the Lord, and warfare that is in our real world is in the Spiritual. And about praise and joy in the Lord. May God bless you in Jesus name, Amen Matthew 21
We live in a fallen unperfect world, I believe God wants us to have this understanding that things are not what they seem. It is written:
"Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." 2 Timothy 2:19 KJV
God knows all those who belong to Him, from each generation since he created man and his kind. I believe it comes down to who really loves God, because God is love. It is written:
"If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15 KJV
Even when I read God's word I am humbled and search and inquire within myself, like a self assessment or self evaluation to discover if I am keeping God's commandments. It's a personal salvation only between a believer and God. Since it is written:
"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
A person or believer knows himself or herself no one else can judge someone else based on God's law about someone else's own personal salvation, because it is written:
"And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;" Acts 15:8 KJV
God knows the heart of every man, and that includes woman.
The kingjamesbibleoneline.org website is a good place to search scriptures about God knowing the heart of man, discernment, judgement and love. Even though God can enable someone to discern character of another the scripture supports love and compassion towards those that are lost at the same time it calls believers to be an example of love and compassion towards all. Scripture doesn't support believers being indifferent towards believers and non-believers.
Matthew 17:21: "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."
Matthew 18:11: "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."
Matthew 23:14: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation."
Mark 7:16: "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."
Mark 9:44: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Mark 9:46: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Mark 11:26: "But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."
Mark 15:28: "And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors."
Luke 17:36: "Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left."
John 5:4: "For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had."
Acts 8:37: "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
Acts 15:34: "Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still."
Acts 24:7: "But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,"
Acts 28:29: "And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves."
Romans 16:24: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
I John 5:7: "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
Acts 15:3, "And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion (the grk says "returning") of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren."
Acts 9:35, "And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned (the grk says returned") to the Lord."
In both verses above we read about gentiles returning to the Lord.
But let's read the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-12.
Some points we can point out in this story.
Was the father of that kid angry after his son left the house? Answer: No he wasn't. He was actually very sad. His heart was broken and his mind was always in his son. "Where is he? How is he doing? Is he ok?". How do we know all this?
In v 20 it says, "And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him."
How was it possible for the father to see his kid when he was a great way off? Not accidently. But because he was standing every day at a high place in his house (upper floor?) expecting to see his child coming back. This shows the agony (not anger) that that father had for his kid to come back home safe.
"... and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.". "Kissed" is not a very precise translation of the grk in this verse. The grk means kissing him all around again and again. The father couldn't keep his hands off his son. He kept hugging and kissing him. So the same question again. Was he an angry father while waiting for his son's return?
We must understand our Father's heart when we are away from Him and the agony He is going through until we finally return to Him. This is our Father in Heaven. He is Love.
But let us change the ending of that story. Let's assume that his son never came back home an died in his sins. Then and only then God pauses being a dear Father and becomes a righteous Judge.
Acts 15:7-11
7And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11But we believe that through the grace of theLordJesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Did Paul just say that there's two Gospels in the book of Acts, one for the Gentiles and one for the Jews ? What in the world is going on with Paul writing this verse. Peter's Gospel is put on a shelf for the kingdom on earth until the fulness of the Gentiles, but Paul's gospel is for today for the body of Christ Jesus in the Third Heaven.
Galatians 2:7
But contrariwise, whenthey saw thatthegospeloftheuncircumcisionwas committed unto me, asthegospelofthecircumcision was unto Peter;
We may not agree with Apostle Paul's epistle, but it was inspired by the Holy Spirit in Christ Jesus for us today.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received thewordofGod which ye heardofus, ye received it not as thewordofmen, but as it is intruth, thewordofGod, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the word of truth is the gospel of the Apostle Paul given to him by Jesus Christ.
(1 Thessalonians Part 1): Written to the believers in Thessalonica who were made up of mostly Gentiles, but some Jews believed also. There are two themes that are found in Thessalonians. This is what is called an eschatological letter. ESKATOS means last days.
We study the rapture of the church in 1 Thessalonians, and we study the second coming of Christ in 2 Thessalonians. He's dealing with last days issues.
1 Thessalonians 1:1 - Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Silvanus is known as Silas. In Acts 15:22 he is called Silas. He's one of the leaders from the church in Jerusalem that goes with Paul back to Antioch. Silas was a Roman citizen just like Paul was, though he was Jewish. Silvanus is his Latin name (his Roman name), and Silas is his Greek name.
Paul always presents his letter as Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace (CHARIS) is the Greek greeting, and peace (SHALOM)is the Jewish greeting. And so, he's greeting both the Gentiles as well as the Jews.
10. 1 Cor 3:16-17, "16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."
The grk for "temple" is "naos", that is a place where one lives in eg a house. And the Spirit lives in our bodies, His houses.
John 16:7-11, "7Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:..."
11. 1 Cor 12:4-6, "4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all."
As seen gifts are given by the Spirit, administrations by Jesus our Lord, and diversities of operations by God.
12. 1 Cor 12:11, "But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as HE WILL."
13. Acts 15:28, "FOR IT SEEMED GOOD TO THE HOLY GHOST, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
14 Rom 18:26-27, "26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God."
2 Cor 13:13, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen."
Those are a few I found in the Bible but I think thery are enough to see that the Spirit is a person since it has characteristics of a person and not of an impersonal power.
Rev 22:17, "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come."
Blessings.
Daniel 1:5,8-17, Matthew 6:16-18 KJV COGIC WORSHIP 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV I worship a God of results,fasting to please him, sustenance, to see God. A God that strengthens physically , wisdom, discernment, skills.A God associated with food Acts 15:9 KJV that teaches, and are good eating habits. My Interpetation:" God's word to be fulfilled, rest upon me- Jesus Christ being antidote, salvation-hallelujah."Christian Press COGIC Quoted " Fasting Kosher diet are distinct religious practices associated with eating and drinking." Fasting are many ways and to health concerns-Devotion to God. Jesus Christ is God as and to do old testament holy bible customs.
2 Corinthians 3:15-16But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
( The it mentioned here is their heart!)
It is Israel that was blinded because they sought righteousness by the Law. Romans 9:31-32 and other places.
Also Romans 11:6-11 reads
"And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the ELECTION hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.
And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:
Let their eyes be darkened that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.
I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
A temporary blindness! Romans 11:25-26.
Quoting you!
Paul says very clear, very open, very bold, you know exactly what the gospel is. It isn't hidden. It's not behind a vail. It's out in the open.
That's very clear. The Gospel, "The Good news, or A good message "
What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; Romans 9:30-32.
Peter sums this up in Acts 15:5-11.
Great study!
God bless.
I'm finally getting a chance to sit down to read a few more of your postings.
I haven't been able to keep up so I'm starting from the most recent and going backwards.
Here's something that caught my eye, You stated "believers are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the "HEAVENLY REALM" because we are united with Christ.
"We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are"
Then you referenced
Acts 15:11.
Look at this verse in its proper context!
Acts 15:7-11 "And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that THE GENTILES by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
And put no difference between US AND THEM, purifying THEIR hearts by faith.
Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ WE shall be saved, even as THEY.
Gigi, Peter is making a distinction between Himself and the other Jews (Kinsman of the flesh) and the Gentiles.
Peter is saying the Jews shall be saved apart from the law like the Gentiles.
Here's another very impressive issue that concerns me.
You Stated;
God rains down grace on all mankind. He gave us the beauty and wonders of nature that we see each and every day. He gives us near misses when accidents are heading our way. He often brings us the right thing just in time. And He also gave us an innate conscience to know right from wrong. All these things are common graces, and everyone born on the earth has the benefit of them BECAUSE GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD.
In the context of your posting, God so loved the world should be kept in John 3:16.
Please see part 2.
GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD..
GOD'S GRACE IS FREELY GIVEN, UNEARNED FAVOR WITH GOD
IT IS RECEIVING WHAT WE DO NOT DESERVE
IT IS GOD'S BLESSINGS IN THIS LIFE AND THE NEXT
What is the grace of God? Simply put it is God's favor and kindness toward us. Grace is God choosing to bless us rather than curse us as our sin deserves. It is His benevolence to the undeserving.
But it also exerts God's power in our life to bring about all that is needed for us to be saved: regeneration, repentance, faith, and trust in God in Jesus. And in Titus 2:11-13 we read that God's grace empowers us to say yes to what is right and no to what is sinful. It enables us to live godly lives in a wicked world.
The Holy Spirit uses grace to sanctify us unto God and to transform us to be more and more like our Lord and Savior. And it provides us with a sure and blessed hope of the appearing of Jesus, the great God and Savior. Without grace, we would give up on this hope. But God graces us with hope that does not fail.
God rains down grace on all mankind. He gave us the beauty and wonders of nature that we see each and every day. He gives us near misses when accidents are heading our way. He often brings us the right thing just in time. And He also gave us an innate conscience to know right from wrong. All these things are common graces, and everyone born on the earth has the benefit of them because God so loved the world.
Just being born on this planet includes many benefits. But when someone becomes a believer in Christ, that person receives even more graceful benefits from God reserved only for God's elect. In fact, believers are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm because we are united with Christ.
"We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are" ( Acts 15:11).
Ephesians 2:8 says, "For by grace are you saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves."
See Pt. 2
Acts 15:38 - But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
But Paul thought, and that is in the Imperfect Tense. Paul was continually thinking this is not good to take him with them, who departed, and departed here means defection in Greek. So, Paul and Barnabas are really going nose to nose here.
I mean Paul is flat out calling John Mark a deserter, not just somebody who went home. He says, it's not good to take him. He defected last time from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
And that's what Paul is looking at, is that he went through Cyprus with us through the good time, but when it came to the hard times, he wanted to turn around and go back.
Acts 16:16 - And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination, and in the Greek text, it is called the spirit of python, a snake! It's the spirit of python.
In Greek mythology, Apollos won a victory over his enemy and in his celebration, he decided to embed himself into a body of a python.
So, they always felt that a demonic spirit, a pythonic spirit could indwell someone, and even though it is a snake, things could come out well in the human.
Check this out: A spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by fortune telling: That's where it comes from.
But please note, because you know the spirits not going to stay there, right? With Paul there? Notice that once the demonic spirit's cast out, she can't tell fortunes anymore, which means with the demonic spirit, she can tell people's fortunes. She was good at it!
Satan can give people the ability whether it is generalized or not to see in the future.
Acts 15:19 - Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
You see the word to? It is literally upon in the Greek text. They are not turning to the Lord, they are turning upon Him. They are totally entrusting their lives upon the Lord.
Acts 15:24 - Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
The word souls is PSUCHE which is also translated minds. Who have subverted or troubled your minds, saying, you must be circumcised, and keep the law. Now here is something for you to underline: to whom we gave no such commandment.
Everybody that went out from Jerusalem and preached that you have to keep the law, they did not have the approval of the apostles in Jerusalem. Nor did they send them out. They went out on their own when they heard the Gentiles were being saved!
Acts 15:29 - That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
That little word (do) in the phrase "do well" is the Greek word PRASSO. It's not do. It is the word practice. If you make this your lifestyle, you'll do well.
And then it says "Fare ye well." It literally means may you prosper spiritually in these things.
Acts 15:5 - But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed. That's one word. It is in the Perfect Tense. It says those from out of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed, which means that they had believed now for a long time.
It almost sounds like a contradiction. How can a Pharisee be a believer? But you see, that's the problem! They saw the truth, they received Jesus Christ as Messiah, but they couldn't let go of the old religion. They combined them. Many people do this today. Some have a tough time following the Lord because they can't leave the old religious system, or they try to combine it.
Acts 15:8 - And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
That little term "knows the hearts" is all one word in Greek. It is "heart-knower." In the Greek, it is in the Attributive Position. It's the heart-knower God.
Those are His attributes and characteristics. He knows everybody's heart. So, first of all, it is Gods choice. Secondly, it is based on God knowing everybody's heart.
What did this God the heart-knower do? He gave confirmation. He bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as He did unto us.
God's testimony was that He gave them the Holy Spirit. And all the way through the book of Acts, up until this time, we have seen that that has been the testimony. God has given them the Holy Spirit like He has given us they would say.
They didn't talk about their beliefs. They didn't talk about their doctrines. They talked about the one element that is the actual experience that saves someone, being born again.
It's not just belief. It's not just faith. It is not just correct doctrine, but rather being born of the Spirit of God, where Christ comes to live within.
(Acts Part 36):
Acts 15:2 - When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation. Dissension means resistance. And the Greek word for disputation is the word questioning.
So, there was resistance, and there was questioning, trying to bring the truth out with these people.
They determined, literally they ordained or appointed that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of them, should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and to the elders about this question.
Acts 15:4 - And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church. The word received in the Greek is literally the word welcomed.
Here comes Paul and Barnabas and the delegation from Antioch, and the church with "open arms" receives them. Even if they don't agree with them, that was their attitude towards them.
But notice that last little phrase "what God had done with them." That is the literal translation. It is not through them. It is with them. It denotes that they basically put their lives in the Lord's hands and said do with us as you please.