Discuss Acts 16 Page 3

Greetings, Mmathapeio! Two points:

1. If you have taken Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are saved and sealed with the Holy Spirit-- Ephesians 1:13 "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise," You see, if you and your children each have earnestly asked Jesus to save you, He has, point blank and period, without the need to continuously pray for salvation.

2. If you and each one of your children individually has not asked Jesus to forgive his or her sins, now is the time to ask.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Paul and Silas's jailer asked them in ACTS 16:30 ..."Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Their answer was as simple as this in ACTS 16:31 ..."Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved..." Simple as that.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.- Romans 10:9-13.

Psalm 57. James 3:6 is one of the first things I notice a parallel to with verse 4. There are other verses describing animals prophetic of those surrounding Christ during the crucifixion in Psalm 22:12-13. Here in this Psalm we once again are given in the intro. the information that this was written during David's cave retreat as happened multiple times with Saul's insanity.

We see crying in verse 2 and singing in verses 7-8; finally praise in verse 9 with the resulting appreciation of mercy and truth (v.10) with His name exalted in the last verse. These are solid Biblical approaches to persecution; as we see when Paul was incarcerated in Acts 16:25-28 along with Silas; it in fact led to deliverance.

Ecclesiastes 9:12 and a host of other verses describe men being caught in nets due to their own sin. (see Job 18:5-9; Isaiah 24:18). "Vengeance is mine; I shall repay" is in Deuteronomy 32:35 and quoted in Romans 12:19. It is important to remember David's attitude toward "God's anointed" (see 1 Samuel 24). Even when Saul died David still mourned over him. This attitude of loving our enemies should characterize our lives while we still proclaim the truth that indeed the Day of His wrath is coming; and only through the cross will we escape.

Jazzy james,

I'm not sure if that's a question or a statement but if it's a question, I would say that Philippians was written by Paul mainly. But he also signs Timothy on.

He has Timothy with him. He also has Luke with him. But he says Paul and Timothy are the authors of the letter. Paul's inscription is on all thirteen of his letters.

Paul wrote to the church in Philippi. Philippi became the first European city to receive the gospel. The church at Philippi was founded during Paul's second missionary journey, recorded in Acts 16:8-12.

Epaphroditus was a messenger. He was also believed to be a pastor of the church in Philippi. Paul seems to have visited the church in Philippi twice. That is found in II Corinthians 1:16; Acts 19:21; Acts 20:1-3.

The church in Philippi sent Paul two love offerings for his missionary endeavors in Thessalonica, found in Philippians 4:15-16.



In fact, Paul said nobody else sent for support except for the Christians in Philippi, not once he said, but twice to support the missionary effort.



In 62 AD Paul finds himself as a prisoner in Rome. That is in Acts 28:30-31.



When the church heard of Paul's imprisonment in Rome, they again sent a love offering to him by way of Epaphroditus. Paul describes him as the pastor or messenger, the one that gives the messages in Philippi.

So Epaphroditus is sent 700 miles with this love offering to help Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome, and to minister to Paul there.

While in Rome, Epaphroditus became very sick and nearly died. At this time, some 10 years after his original visit to Philippi, Paul wrote the epistle of Philippians.



Paul writes to the Philippians both to thank them for their gift and also to report the good news of Epaphroditus' recovery.

Dear Davita, I will pray for you, but only you can ask God to forgive you of your sins. 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Ask for forgiveness, confess each sin you remember, and ask God to help you never to commit them again. Also, ask God to forgive the sins you don't remember doing and the ones you are not even aware of committing, ask Him to reveal them to you, and ask Him to reveal those He reveals and help you to repent.

Have you been born again?

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Paul and Silas's jailer asked them in ACTS 16:30 ..."Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Their answer was as simple as this in ACTS 16:31 ..."Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved..." Simple as that.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.- Romans 10:9-13.

Dear John, Happy Thanksgiving. We all have something to be thankful for all year no matter how much or how little we have. You say, "that church thing," and I am wondering if you are a born-again believer in Christ, who when He ascended to heaven left His Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who guides the believer.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Paul and Silas's jailer asked them in ACTS 16:30 ..."Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Their answer was as simple as this in ACTS 16:31 ..."Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved..."

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.- Romans 10:9-13.

On the other hand, John, if you are born-again, draw close to Him and He will draw close to you. Pray for His guidance, read and study the Bible, and trust Him. He will not abandon you.

Dear Shamira Anika Hollis, have you taken Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Paul and Silas's jailer asked them in ACTS 16:30 ..."Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Their answer was as simple as this in ACTS 16:31 ..."Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved..." Simple as that.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.-- Romans 10:9-13.

The age of raising the dead ended when the last apostle died. What you are seeking is not of Him.

I am so sorry you are going through this loss, and I pray that God will give you the comfort you need.

Have you been Born again?

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Paul and Silas's jailer asked them in ACTS 16:30 ..."Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Their answer was as simple as this in ACTS 16:31 ..."Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved..."

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.- Romans 10:9-13.

Bless you!

Repenting.

First of all, you need to repent and believe in the lord Jesus Christ.

then seek him with all your heart and mind by prayer and fasting.

Acts 16:25-40

31 And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."

The grace of God and our Lord Jesus Christ be with you amen

There are no passages where women were said to be preaching a sermon. Paul makes it clear as to their role in church not having "authority" over a man ( 1 Timothy 2:12). 1 Corinthians 14:34 shows where women were told to be silent in churches and ask questions at home. The fact that women are mentioned prophesying and praying in corporate worship certainly doesn't mean that nothing can be said ( 1 Cor. 11:5). The qualifier here should be noted that women were asking questions and likely causing other disturbances during a worship service. It fits in with the idea of orderly worship in what was the most disorderly church mentioned in scripture in Corinth.

There is certainly agreement anywhere that I know of in traditional and Reformed circles that women have a role in teaching children and also guiding other women in knowledge of the scriptures. This is clear from the women that Paul Himself commends such as Lydia ( Acts 16:11-15 and elsewhere). There was teaching of Godly men who were children of women as well that are mentioned. There are also rules for Christian women as well as men whose spouses were not believers in regard to staying with them if they were agreeable and in some sense; "winning them over" ( 1 Peter 3:2). The concept of submission is clear in scripture as to women; as well as husbands loving in a sacrificial manner as Christ loved the church ( Eph. 5:25). Many men would like to bypass their responsibilities in this regard.

As to any sort of public forum outside a large congregational formal worship service obviously there are gray areas. I would challenge you to find ANY female preachers that are not in some serious doctrinal error (although men are getting harder to find today as well). I have certainly read brilliant writings such as Amy Van Gerpen's book on Revelation (which may finally be complete after years of work). I don't think she does self promoting; but in my opinion it has the most detailed cross references anywhere.

Dear Sean, We all need help with all the things you mentioned. I certainly do, including more money, but I have learned that when we tithe our money God will give it back more money and blessings. You cannot outgive God. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

I have been born again and rely on God to grant my needs. He has never failed me. And I don't have to ask Him to let me enter His kingdom because taking Him for my Savior guarantees me entry through the gate. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Paul and Silas's jailer asked them in ACTS 16:30 ..."Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Their answer was as simple as this in ACTS 16:31 ..."Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved..." Simple as that.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.- Romans 10:9-13.

God Bless!

Dear Cheryl, If you are not a born-again Christian this may be your problem and you need to ask Jesus to come into your heart ASAP--

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Paul and Silas's jailer asked them in ACTS 16:30 ..."Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Their answer was as simple as this in ACTS 16:31 ..."Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved..." Simple as that.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.- Romans 10:9-13.

On the other hand, if you have been saved--don't worry, God is longsuffering and understands what you are going through. Hebrews 4:15 - For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Pray, read and study your Bible, and have faith and wait upon the Lord for all your needs.

God Bless!

Dear Amanda, your ex is right, 2 Corinthians 6:14 says, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"

You say you "can't" agree with his beliefs.

Have you been born again? Have you had an encounter with Jesus Christ that changed your life?

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Paul and Silas's jailer asked them in ACTS 16:30 ..."Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Their answer was as simple as this in ACTS 16:31 ..."Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved..." Simple as that.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.- Romans 10:9-13.

If you can say without a doubt you are a born-again believer--ask those questions. Attend church, pray, and read your Bible, for Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

Remember, God should be more important to you than anything in the world for John 14:6 says,

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." In other words, without Jesus Christ, you will go to hell.

My prayers are for you!

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR FORGIVENSS FROM GOD?

if you are looking for repentance you need to believe in the lord Jesus Christ

Acts 16:25-40

30 Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31 And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household

Father, Lord Jesus again I ask for your strong intervention, your help ( Psalm 50:15) concerning the current situations and overall, your protection ( Ps. 91, 34:7, 3:3, Isaiah 54:17 and all other promises in the word), for healing and restoration ( Ps. 23:3, Jer. 17:14, Joel 2:25), deliverance ( Acts 2:2), for salvation ( 1 Timothy 2:4, Acts 16:31), for us to walk in a manner pleasing to you and for your Agape love in our hearts for you and others and for the fullness of the Holy Spirit ( Eph. 3:14-19). Father, Lord Jesus please also do the same for all others in need and please help all suffering (esp. children, people in war zones like Ukraine etc...so much suffering in the world). Thank you and praise you. In your holy name I pray. Amen.

Hello BB. While I will certainly pray for your father, I will also pray for you to become confident in your belief in God. Faith comes by hearing and reading the WORD. For starters, I encourage you to watch Billy Graham's videos on youtube. I challenge you to read the Bible--beginning with the Gospel of John which displays the deity of Jesus Christ. Your total faith and salvation will not only plant seeds of faith and salvation in your father but save your immortal soul from hell. I am inserting instructions on how you can be saved.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Paul and Silas's jailer asked them in ACTS 16:30 ..."Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Their answer was as simple as this in ACTS 16:31 ..."Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved..." Simple as that.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.- Romans 10:9-13.

I strongly urge you to take Jesus Christ as your Savior.

God bless and keep you!

TO BE FILLED BY God the holy Spirit You need to repent and believe in Jesus Christ

and abide in Jesus Christ then he will teach you in the way you should go including the gifts which God the holy sprit will give to you.

Acts 16:25-40

30 Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31 And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."

Ephesians 5:9

9(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

Hello, Isahi Reyes! If you are not born again, that is, not saved, here is the way to salvation:

"Paul and Silas's jailer asked them in ACTS 16:30 "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

Their answer was as simple as this in ACTS 16:31 "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved..." Simple as that.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.- Romans 10:9-13.

"As it is written, 'There is none righteous, no, not one.'" ( Romans 3:10)



"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." ( Romans 3:23)

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." ( Romans 6:23)

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." ( Romans 5:8)



"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." ( Romans 10:13)

Father, Lord Jesus again I ask for your strong intervention, your help ( Psalm 50:15) concerning the current situations and overall, your protection ( Ps. 91, 34:7, 3:3, Isaiah 54:17 and all other promises in the word), for healing and restoration ( Ps. 23:3, Jer. 17:14, Joel 2:25), deliverance ( Acts 2:2), for salvation ( 1 Timothy 2:4, Acts 16:31), for us to walk in a manner pleasing to you and for your Agape love in our hearts for you and others and for the fullness of the Holy Spirit ( Eph. 3:14-19). Father, Lord Jesus please also do the same for all others in need and please help all suffering (esp. children). Thank you and praise you. In your holy name I pray. Amen.

Dear Loretta, sounds like there's a lot of suffering here. The daughter who is being tormented and her tormenter who sounds like she is mentally ill. You didn't mention whether the three of you were born again in Jesus Christ. If you accept him as Savior or come back to him to be restored He will give you peace.



If you are not born again here is the way to salvation:

"Paul and Silas's jailer asked in ACTS 16:30 ..."Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Their answer was as simple as this in ACTS 16:31 ..."Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved..." Simple as that.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:9-13

God bless you!

Pray first and ask Jesus to open your heart to his word then read acts 16:25 to 33.

Luke 12:48, it's about discipline,

The people Jesus was speaking to, understood that for of discipline/punishment because it was very publicity done in their society, see Deuteronomy 25:1-3, 2Corinthians 11:23,24, Acts 16:23, Proverbs 19:29,

Isaiah 53, Isaiah 53:5,

Context Luke 12, it starts off Luke 12:1 "In the meantime._.._." therefore you have to go back a page or more to get fuller context. Luke 11, starts Luke 11:1 "And it came to pass._._" also a continuation but atleast you can see a good contextual beginning in Luke 11:1 they were asking Jesus to teach them to pray. Jesus started to teach them Luke 11:2-52, also bringing the Church Leadership into correction, while teaching all around, including those leaders. Luke 11:53-54, those leaders were waiting for a time to trip him up. Luke 12, begins as that moments continuation, so Jesus in the crowds chaos continued teaching Luke 12:1 "._._.. Beware ye of the ._._.hypocrisy ", (please read in context) Jesus then encourages us & all around Him, the Love GOD has for us & HIS promises of provision of all needs, even during wrongful persecution & death. Luke 12:3-40, with continued warning of hypocrisy, Luke 12:41-59, notice Luke 12:45, mistreatment of others, disregard of responsibility as Stewardship, leadership, ect.

Looks like Jesus is talking about being responsible for those people & things put into the care, trust of HIS "servants" knowingly or unknowingly sinning against, if you're a leader, trusted with anyone & especially the Church.

Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 7, Romans 14:12,

Hopefully these are helpful

In Revelation 2:20, Jesus says: "Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols."

The author(s) of 1st Corinthians 8 are teaching that Christians are at liberty to sit at meat in the temple of an idol.

In Acts Chapter 15 the Holy Ghost, the Apostles, the elders, and all the brethren (including Paul) were in agreement that even Gentile Christians should abstain from eating meats offered to idols.

Acts 16:4-5 says the churches were established among the Gentiles based on the decree that Paul and his companions preached (that Gentile Christians must abstain from pollutions of idols).

GiGi,

I can share what I've learned about 1 Corinthians 7:14. Some believe that the word sanctified means salvation, but it doesn't. It does have to do with salvation in that the act of the Holy Spirit and being set apart, and that's what he is saying here, is that if a non-believer is pleased to dwell with the believer, that person is living under the influence of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.

Also, at the end, and I'll share the literal translation about children. It says else "were" your children, but it is literally else "are" your children unclean; but now they are holy. It doesn't say that they are clean. They're still unclean. The word holy (HAGIOS) is the same word for sanctification. They're unclean but they are set apart to be under the Lord's influence through the believer.



An example can be found in 1 Peter 3:1-7 about the woman who had a non-believing husband. He says live your life from out of your heart in front of him. Don't try to impress him with outward dress and appearance, but let him see the hidden person of the heart so that there's a possibility that he might be saved. There's no guarantee. So the non-believer is still not forgiven, he's not saved. The children are still unclean, but they are set apart to be under the influence of God's Spirit in the believer.



Another scripture that is similar is found in Acts 16:31, "Believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." I've actually heard people say that this is a promise you can claim, that if you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for yourself, and if you believe for your whole house, everybody in your household is going to get saved, guaranteed!

That's not true because if we look at Verse 32, it says that not only did they speak it to him (The jailor), but they also preached to everyone in his house. What they are saying is that this is not only for you, but also for every member in your house. Everybody must believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ.

Hello Frank. Just responding to the points you raised.

a. both Water Baptism and the Lord's Supper are considered ordinances of the Church, as we see both being received & performed by the apostles & the early Church: Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 10:16-21; 1 Corinthians 11:22-34; Romans 6:3-5; Acts 8:34-38; Acts 16:27-33; 1 Peter 3:20,21; 1 Corinthians 1:14-16. And since these 'ordinances' were never rescinded during the writing of the Scriptures, the Church has continued to observe them, albeit in different ways.

b. I agree that "being baptized into the Body of Christ is a spiritual baptism not a water baptism"; though both have different meanings. When a person is truly saved by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit resides & takes ownership of this new child of God ( Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 4:5). The believer enters the family of God by the indwelling Spirit: this is Baptism of the Spirit. Whereas, water baptism is simply a public declaration of one's identification with Christ, which should occur very soon after conviction of sin, repentance & faith in Jesus' Sacrifice. Yet, today this order is rarely observed (but that's another matter). Can a person be water baptized, yet not have saving faith? It can happen. Or, can one be endued with the Holy Spirit & not be baptized in water? Most certainly as salvation comes by a Work of God in the heart & not by an act of immersion in water. But water baptism ought to follow as a part of God's saving Work & due diligence from the evangelist.

c. I don't see that Paul "stopped baptizing altogether". Rather the 1st Corinthians chapter 1 reference you gave speaks about him baptizing only a few, as others seemed unworthy because of their infighting & divisions, but his mission was to preach the Gospel & not be sidetracked with water baptizing, which others could fulfil. So, we would be hard pressed to find clear Scripture that rescinded water baptism for both believing Jew & Gentile.

Hello Charles,

In Genesis 2:2-3, God completed his creation by making the Sabbath holy and this sanctification and the blessing of the Sabbath then became a seventh day of rest.

Because God rested from all his works in creation, God's command of the 7th day of rest was also promulgated in the Mosiac Law that all Jews followed. See Exodus 20:8-11. This 7th day of rest or the Sabbath falls on a Saturday, which usually begins on sunset, instead of a Sunday evening. Throughout the Old Testament period, Jews have always congregated in their synagogues every Sabbaths (every Saturday evenings), for worship and hearing of the Law. The Sabbaths is based on the lunar calendar, and not the on the solar calendar. In the New Testament, we see Jesus in the synagogue as He was reading publicly the scroll of Isaiah,which spoke of the fulfillment of Jesus 'ministry. Jesus of course met on the Sabbath day( Saturday).

See Luke 4: 16-21. Noticed that on verse 16 of Luke, Jesus went to the synagogue just like any Jews of his time. It was customary. And certainly it was on a Sabbath day. There is one reference in scripture that mentioned Paul in Acts, about the monetary collection for the church on the first day of week. See Acts 16:1-2. Honestly, I think these verses speaks about the Sabbath where they assembled was on Saturday but never on Sunday.. because the Jewish calendar is carefully counted when the next Pentecost would be. (See Acts 16:8) so this all makes sense when we read the content of scripture regarding the Sabbath in a more precise understanding of the factual truth about the Sabbath day.

It was Constantine who changed the Sabbath Saturday into the "Sabbath " Sunday in 321 AD. It was a decree for all Roman Christians to rest back in the early days of Roman Christianity in the Roman Empire. Centuries later in 1582 the pope that you mentioned, changed the chronological timing of the solar calendar that we now have today with Sunday as the official Sabbath.

Paul and Silas's jailer asked them in ACTS 16:30 ..."Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Their answer was as simple as this in ACTS 16:31 ..."Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved..." Simple as that.



That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.- Romans 10:9-13

Elmer,

Paul wrote two letters to Timothy who was pastoring the church in Ephesus. Timothy's name is mentioned 24 times in the New Testament. Timothy was from Lystra and he was saved during Paul's first missionary journey ( Acts 14:19-20; Acts 16:1-2)

His mother Eunice, and his grandmother Lois, were godly Jewish women. In fact, Timothy was taught the Old Testament scriptures since he was a little boy. So he has a scriptural background. Timothy was about 15-years-old when he first met Paul. And when Paul writes his letter to Timothy, he's approximately 35. So he has spent approximately 20 years with Paul in ministry learning.

Even though Timothy's mother and grandmother were godly Jewish women, his father was a pagan Greek. ( Acts 16:1; 2 Timothy 1:5). Timothy was raised hearing Old Testament Scriptures. ( 2 Timothy 3:14-15). He joined Paul, along with Silas and Luke, during second missionary trip. ( Acts 16:3).

Paul had Timothy circumcised so that he might have the freedom to preach the gospel in Jewish synagogues. ( Acts 16:3; 1 Corinthians 9:20). He could not do that unless he was circumcised. Timothy was ordained by Paul and the Presbytery. ( 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6). He accompanies Paul on his third missionary trip. ( Acts 19:22; Acts 20:4; 2 Corinthians 1:1, 1:19).

Timothy ministered in at least five churches as Paul's representative:

1) Thessalonica ( 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 3:6)

2) Corinth ( 1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10; 2 Corinthians 1:19)

3) Philippi ( Philippians 2:19-23)

4) Berea ( Acts 17:14)

5) Ephesus ( 1 Timothy 1:3)

Timothy was with Paul during Paul's first imprisonment ( Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; Philemon 1:1) and went to Philippi after Paul's release. ( Philippians 2:19-23). Timothy was around 35-years of age when Paul wrote I Timothy. Timothy also suffered imprisonment. ( Hebrews 13:23).

Hope this helps!

Hi Laurie.

Spiritual warfare.

In Ephesians 6:11. we see mentioned the Armour of God and also the wiles of the Devil.

Vs 11. "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

In Ephesians 6:12. Is where I believe you will find your answer.

Vs 12. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

It's what's behind the scene wickedness is what are at war with, whether the prince of this world, (Satan) his governing and influence on those in the flesh. On nations, People, other religions and Some Churches. False teachers is spiritual warfare against the truth. Ministers of Satan!! One way ou recognize them is they have no purpose but lure you away from the truth. The Armour of God protects us.

Here's an example.

Matthew 16:23. But he turned, and said unto Peter, GET THEE BEHIND ME, SATAN: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Jesus goes right to the source behind Peter.

Also here.

Acts 16:16-18. 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:

The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.

And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5.

I hope this helps.

God bless.

Again, the reason certain epistles are considered to be questionable is because they do not agree with the teaching of Jesus, the Holy Ghost, and the Apostles.

Here is another glaring example from the 1st epistle to the Corinthians:

"...take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak." 1st Corinthians 8:9

The author(s) of 1st Corinthians claim Christians enjoy the liberty to eat meats that have been offered to an idol in the temple of an idol.

Christians are NOT at liberty to eat meats that have been offered to idols. In Acts 16:4-5, we're told Paul preached the exact opposite. "...abstain from meats offered to idols [...] from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well." Acts 15:29

John. What you referenced from Acts chapter 15 & Acts 16:4-5 is true. But Paul went much further than those 'four decrees'. Have you not read Romans 1:18-32? ("wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness": God's wrath on ALL men (Jew & Gentile) - God gave them up unto vile affections including homosexuality - these all stand under the Judgement of God).

Again Paul states in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, speaking to a largely Gentile Church - the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God, the effeminate & homosexual included. But "such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." They had left their wickedness (repented) - now washed, sanctified & justified in the Eyes of God.

If the Scriptures stopped only at the Book of Acts, we might be inclined to believe you. But any immorality, as in any other sin, even not declared in the Decalogue or other Jewish Laws, is binding on all mankind - no man or woman is absolved of guilt of any type of sin.