Incidentally, the notion that an idol is nothing in the world is preposterous considering the following information:
"...there arose no small stir about that way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth." Acts 19:23-27
And they drew Alexander out of the multitude,.... Or "some of the multitude brought forth Alexander"; into the theatre, in order to kill him, by casting him to the wild beasts. Some think this is the same with Alexander the coppersmith, who apostatized upon this danger he was exposed to, and became a blasphemer, and a great enemy of the apostle, and did him much evil, 1 Timothy 1:20. This man, though his name was a Greek name, yet was a Jew, as is expressed in Acts 19:34 and from the times of Alexander the great, who was at Jerusalem, this name became common among the Jews; See Gill on Acts 4:6.
The Jews putting him forward; being equally enemies to him, as being under a profession of Christianity, as the Heathens were; or as the Syriac version reads, "the people of the Jews", that were there, out of themselves, pitched upon him as a proper person to still the uproar; and they brought him out of the multitude, to a convenient place, where he might be heard; and they the rather were forward to this, that he might lay all the blame of this confusion and uproar upon Paul and his companions, whom the Jews had an aversion to, as well as the Gentiles:
and Alexander beckoned with the hand; for silence, that he might be heard:
and would have made his defence unto the people; which looks as if he was a Christian, or at least was charged with being one, and was in danger of his life on that account; and therefore was desirous of being heard, that he might make an apology for the Christians, or remove such an imputation from himself, if he was not.
And they thrust forward - Namely, the artificers and workmen, Alexander - Probably some well - known Christian whom they saw in the crowd: the Jews pushing him on - To expose him to the more danger. And Alexander waving with his hand - In token of desiring silence, would have made a defence - For himself and his brethren.
People's Bible Notes for Acts 19:33
They drew Alexander out of the multitude. A Jew, evidently of great prominence, and put forward by the Jews, in order to disavow Paul, and to turn the tumult to their advantage. They wished to shift all blame on the Christians. The Gentile aversion to Jews was, however, too great to allow him a hearing.
OK, since there are different opinions about this topic let's see what the scripture says about it.
Ephesians 4:11
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, PROPHETS; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and TEACHERS;"
So God gave prophets to the church. There is the idea that these prophets were just teachers. Are they? No, because God gave teachers as well, so prophets must be something different.
Acts 21:8-9
"And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did PROPHESY."
Where these virgin daughters teachers? Definitely not, women were not allowed to teach in ancient church. They were virgins, that is little girls. So what were they doing? We'll see later.
Acts 21:10-11
"And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain PROPHET, named Agabus.
And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles"
Is this a foretelling? It obviously is.
Acts 19: 1-7
It is too long to write it, but read carefully verse 6:"And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and PROPHESIED." Prophesied? If it means teaching, then to whom they were teaching? To Paul? To theselves?
Please study 1 Corinthians 14. Pay attention to v 24-25
"But if all PROPHESY, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth" Does it seem to you that prophesying here means teaching? Obviously not.
So must there be prophets/foretellers in a church?
I drifted away from God in my teens. I got into the occult because of relatives mostly. But my Christian Grandmother had my name in her Bible, praise God. Sh sent me love letters saying how much God loved me, and her also.
God started peeling me like an onion until all my security in myself was dropped off. I was naked and needy! One day while doing a horoscope for a Methodist; God appeared in a vision over her face. I was seeing Jesus on a white horse, looking straight at me. The demons scattered (my guess). My friend said then something like 2 Timothy 3:5 and left!
I went to get the Bible and find out why what I was doing was wrong. I looked up stars, astrology, astrologers, and I fell over the Death Penalty for doing it. I laid my head on the Bible and said, I deserve to die. My floor opened so I could see hell: dense twisted roots, blackness and screams. I stood on the chair and I heard loud wind. I became convinced a hand was outstretched to me from the ceiling. I opened my hand and closed it. I fell in the floor, but hell was gone. I heard screams from being delivered, and then I passed out.
I woke up next morning and my entire home was silent and peaceful. It looked the same, but brighter. I saw the Bible on the table and open. I made coffee to try to remember what happened. The Holy Soirit impressed on me what Acts 19:19 tells. I worked all day filling a 35 gallon can with books, idols, zodiac anything, Beer tshirts, posters, jewelry, and dragged it outside. Two days my friend returned and I told her I was born again. We celebrated by pouring charcoal lighter on the can and watched the contents of 15 years go up in smoke. I had return attacks by demons, but I defeated them with faith that GOD LOVED ME, and sent His Son to rescue me.
I gave me and my 6 yr old son to Jesus. I gave my house to Jesus and a new Pastor and his family moved into it. He said the house felt so peaceful.
It seems there is a contradiction between Matthew's and Acts' scripture. Not actually. Isn't Luke that writes in the Acts to be baptized in the name of Jesus only? Yes he is. But this is short for being baptized in the name of Father and the Son and the Holly Spitri. How do we know that? OK lets go to. Acts 19: 1-7, when Paul meets some disciples of John the Baptist in Ephesus.
He asks them if they had been baptized in the Spirit. They tell him they haven't even heard of a Holly Spirit. Now be careful what Paul asks them. He asks in what name have they been baptised in water. If the answer is in the name of Jesus only, Paul's question has no point at all. But if the answer is in the name of F and S and HS then his question has a point. He asks them how come you haven't heard of the HS, when you got baptised in water didn't you hear it? It is Luke that writes that, in spite of him having written before to be baptized only in the name of Jesus. So that is short for the proper saying "in the name of Father and the Son and the Holly Spirit."
It helps if you describe briefly what kind of warfare you're going through. It can be physical, mental or emotional or spirits.
I went through the whole list. With Jesus inside of you, "they" know their time is over. Satan will accuse that you are not saved! That hurts but is not the Truth. I tell everyone to write the date of salvation in your Bible. "It is written!"
LUKE 11:24-26
Christ sends the evil spirits away. But if we neglect feeding on the Bible frequently; building up our most holy faith..
The spirits may return: Luke 11:24-26 (the stronger man is Jesus 11:21). You must furnish yourself with Bible, Praise, and Assembling with the church folk)
A reading list for you:
Ephesians 6
* Acts 19:19
Galatians 3:13
Luke 6:28
Matthew 5:44
Ephesians 2:13
The angels are sent by God, so we can ask in prayer for their presence in our homes. Act on the promises of the Lord. God wants us to go on from being milk fed baby Christians, to stand up and be warriors of FAITH in ahi's Word.
If you feel fear, confusion, temptation, it could be an evil spirit. The one time I heard a voice (they're invisible) it quoted scripture. I refused what it said.
Check your home for any forgotten items that evil spirits might hope you'll be entangled with again; and destroy those things. Acts 19:19.
Memorize Ephesians 6. "They are invisible."
Be quick to plead the blood of Jesus. They don't bother blood bought children of God.
I had alot of push back from them. I found, that even if you can't speak it out, ALL OF HEAVEN can hear your screaming born again spirit. Angels will be dispatched.
I'm saying this because I don't know if this is a one-time creepy event or more.
Jesus said, "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." ( John 15:7) "whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." ( Mark 11:23-24)
After my salvation, the Holy Spirit had me clear out my house of any item I had that had anything to do with occult. I had to burn them. Acts 19:19. I cannot express the change in my house the next day. Peace.
Ask the Holy Spirit to go through your house with you.
Confront the past, and just let it all go. Ask God for an angel to guard your house for a while. Your life now is hidden within Christ. He is yours; you are his. Song of Solomon. "I am My Beloveds__My Beloved is Mine".
The Holy Spirit undertook your education. He first has to get all the "idols" out of our home. It's not talked about much ( Acts 19:19), but it's the Holy Spirit of God, who drives away the demonic and shelters the new birth of a believer.
God is so very loving towards us. He hears every pitiful little cry of our hearts. He did for me. All I knew was that Abba, my Father was always nearby. I was so needy. I'm not ashamed to admit it. Now, in my old age, I still need that constant exchange of love.
Nothing the world has to offer, can satisfy the thirsty soul. When you reach a certain age (in Christ), you stop looking backwards and look forward more and more. It's very freeing.
Psalm 42:1 (HNV)
As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul after you, God.
[ Isaiah 41:9-10, 18, 20] John 4:14
These aren't just lifeless scriptures on a page. They are life giving to our souls. Lifting the spirit within us. Jesus is coming back for us.
Hebrews 11:13 - These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were PERSUADED of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Sometimes being called aliens to this world. We are awaiting our redemption. Rejoice. We will see Jesus! Hallelujah to the Lord.
Hi Albert. I hope I'm understanding you correctly. "Why do we baptize in a name and Jesus was not (baptized in a name)"? As earlier mentioned, Jesus was baptized under John's baptism, which was a different baptism given to the populace & different again what was done to Jesus. I don't believe a name was necessary on both counts as John was baptizing the people indicating a contrition of sins but had no future perspective on how those sins were going to be dealt with. John was simply a forerunner & a proclaimer - announcing the One coming after him, so I can't imagine any Name requiring to be used for Jesus' baptism.
Whereas post Cross, as Peter/Paul baptized & also the Church did so since that time, water baptism had a different meaning to John's baptism. Christian baptism now looks back to the Cross & with an identification of the new believer with Jesus, indeed the Godhead (Father, Son & the Holy Spirit). As Jesus instructed His disciples to baptize (in Matthew 28:19), so His disciples would do accordingly. But when we look at Scriptures such as Acts 19:1-5, it appears that the Trinity formula is missing. But as we read, the believers at Ephesus had only received John's baptism & not 'believers' baptism'. So then Paul baptized them in the Name of the Lord Jesus. I don't believe that the 'trinitarian formula' was specially avoided, but simply a notation that the two baptisms were different, i.e. one was according to John, the other according to Jesus (i.e. His Sacrifice). Some believe that the formula has since changed, avoiding the 'trinitarian Name', but I see nothing to prove that was the case - nor would it even matter? I wouldn't throw a fit if I heard it this way. The significance of baptism shouldn't be lost is what's important, I believe.
Praying in tongues biblical? Yes! & yes. Please don't let people tell you what the Bible says, & teach you. Scripture says if you lack wisdom ask GOD. James 1:5, here are relevant scriptures:
* Mark 16:17, in context, Mark 16, Acts 2, Acts 10, Acts 19:6, 1Corinthians 13,
The Holy Spirit will give you the names - In Reply - 3 years ago
A warrior in Christ is one who enters into "boot camp" first. Learn being a soldier from King David, Joshua and Gideon.
Your Armor in Ephesians 6.
Intercessory prayer. Find one in your church, or form one. Intercessors are the most courageous: fighting off the beings that oppose Jesus. Our prayers can tear down strongholds; open the skies so prayers cannot be silenced. silence lying spirits that say you cannot do this.
Prayer Warriors:
Stand in the Gaps
Repair torn down hedges
Sit in the Watch Tower, looking for enemies
Listen to the Holy Spirits counsel: ask Him for the gift of discerning of spirits ( human, evil, or of Heaven)
Our enemies are not flesh and blood. They're invisible and sometimes inside of a consenting human, animal or creatures. The Holy Spirit will alert us what spirit is opposing us.
Pray Harder: call it out, use its identity if the Holy Spirit reveals it. Bind and Loose as Jesus taught us. Ask God to send angels when extra protection is needed.
A testimony: I've been immobilized by demonic things. Had my mouth shut so I couldn't yell for Jesus. All of heaven can hear your SPIRIT screaming THE BLOOD OF JESUS. You will be released immediately. Don't panic. Plead the Blood. [Get anything no matter what_ the Holy Spirit says is cursed, Acts 19:19, destroyed.]
There are passages in the Old Testament that describe war and battles: lapping water, running low, digging trenches: which can be used in war prayers. Watch that movie, the War Room. That woman had the devils on the run. Those are our enemies. We have to be alert to their "fruits." Like anger, violence, threatening fears (they're buddies Torments) Mishaps in the house: hindering and harassment devils.
You might watch a FEW videos by Derek Prince. Devils exist but Jesus gave us everything we need to defeat them: SCRIPTURE. Spend time in Gods presence, soaking up Bible in massive amounts. No speed reading.
Yes, the power comes through the Holy Spirit in Jesus' name, Evil spirits are not something one who has not the Holy Spirit should deal with. They can do horrific mental and physical harm. We see in Matthew Jesus gave the power to the disciples against them. We also see in Acts 19:13-16 what can happen and even worse to those who are not strong in their faith and have not the Holy Spirit. Believe me, it is something you do not want to deal with.
1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13, 1 Corinthians 14, all three Chapters have much about speaking in tongues. Acts 10:46, Acts 19:6, Mark 16:17-18, Acts 2,
Hopefully this gives you the insight you're looking for.
I am my Beloveds__My Beloved is Mine - In Reply on Judges 2 - 3 years ago
Jesus tells us in John 3, how to be saved. We must be born again; and given the Holy Spirit.
Water baptism is not mandatory. It is an act of obedience, worship, a deep desire to leave a sinful past and feel clean. Some people need that and want it.
It is solely Jesus who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. Jesus knows what we need.
It is not anyone else's business to say, do it this way or else you're not saved properly.
1 Peter
21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Jesus shed his blood on the Cross for all human beings that would receive Him.
My testimony is like Paul's. I wasn't looking for Jesus. He came to me in my home. I saw Him. I heard 2 Timothy 3:5 like thunder. I was shown the death penalty for practicing astrology. I saw hell, I saw an invisible outstretched Hand, and I took it. All I knew was that I deserved death.
I woke up the next day, conscious of Someone telling me what to do. I cleaned house of anything He said that was occult. Two days later, I had a bonfire in my trash can. Acts 19:19. The Holy Spirit has never left me. He tells me daily about Jesus, what scriptures mean. It's been 36 years of trust, love, praise and worship for my Father and my Lord Jesus. His blood has saved my life many times. Jesus wrote my name in the book of Life before I even knew of it.
God does things how He chooses to bring us into the Kingdom. He gave me the Holy Spirit who has taught me everything I know. I don't have a library of books. Just a Strongs. Life is sweet. People come to God the easiest way possible. Softly or Rough like me. I know how much Paul loved his life despite the bad parts. It's the Blessed Hope of the moment we lay eyes on Jesus again. Tell people of the Love, not legalism. Love put Him on the Cross to shed His blood to give us His Life.
Paul, at Ephesus, found some religious persons, who looked to Jesus as the Messiah. They had not been led to expect the miraculous powers of the Holy Ghost, nor were they informed that the gospel was especially the ministration of the Spirit. But they spake as ready to welcome the notice of it. Paul shows them that John never design that those he baptized should rest there, but told them that they should believe on Him who should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. They thankfully accepted the discovery, and were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. The Holy Ghost came upon them in a surprising, overpowering manner; they spake with tongues, and prophesied, as the apostles and the first Gentile coverts did. Though we do not now expect miraculous powers, yet all who profess to be disciples of Christ, should be called on to examine whether they have received the seal of the Holy Ghost, in his sanctifying influences, to the sincerity of their faith. Many seem not to have heard that there is a Holy Ghost, and many deem all that is spoken concerning his graces and comforts, to be delusion. Of such it may properly be inquired, "Unto what, then, were ye baptized?" for they evidently know not the meaning of that outward sign on which they place great dependence.
for they evidently know not the meaning of that ( OUTWARD SIGN )on which they place great dependence.
He called their water baptism an outward sign! He see it the way some of us do.
Water baptism ritually points to the baptism of the Holyspirit.
Acts 19:4.
And when they believed, by believing they were baptized in the name Jesus.
I would like to continue this subject a little further because it is all important because of it is a salvation issue at hand.
There is one baptism: Meaning there is only one way we are identified with Christ and put into the body of believers.
"Baptized" shows up in several places in the New Testament, John gives us perhaps the first view of baptism, (baptism of repentance) and he gives the baptism of Christ authority. "Baptism of the Holyspirit"
I think when people see the word baptize, they're thinking it is speaking of water baptism and that is not always the case!
EXAMPLES:
Acts 19:2-5.
2) He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3) And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4) Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5) When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
NOTICE VERSES 4 AND 5!
Now we know by way of verse 4 they were baptized with water, "John's baptism"
Verse 5 seems to be another baptism! Was it water? I don't think so, Paul said he baptized no one but Crispus and Gaius and Stephanas household.
Now look at verse 2 and we discover what is expected to initiate the Holy Ghost. "Believe!
The HG didn't come on them until verse 6.
6) And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues and prophesied.
Now put it into perspective.
Mark 16:16. He that "believeth" and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
What initiates their salvation? Belief! and this is baptism of the Holy spirit spoken here triggered by belief not water.
Acts 19:19. Those books must be burned.
It's vital to replace what you once did, with the Bible.
Study Matthew 12:22-37. Your body is a house. If you neglect to adorn and garnish it with scripture, evil spirits will return and trouble you.
I say this from experience. I was an astrologer, 36 years ago.
"...there arose no small stir about that way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth." Acts 19:23-27
Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
And they drew Alexander out of the multitude,.... Or "some of the multitude brought forth Alexander"; into the theatre, in order to kill him, by casting him to the wild beasts. Some think this is the same with Alexander the coppersmith, who apostatized upon this danger he was exposed to, and became a blasphemer, and a great enemy of the apostle, and did him much evil, 1 Timothy 1:20. This man, though his name was a Greek name, yet was a Jew, as is expressed in Acts 19:34 and from the times of Alexander the great, who was at Jerusalem, this name became common among the Jews; See Gill on Acts 4:6.
The Jews putting him forward; being equally enemies to him, as being under a profession of Christianity, as the Heathens were; or as the Syriac version reads, "the people of the Jews", that were there, out of themselves, pitched upon him as a proper person to still the uproar; and they brought him out of the multitude, to a convenient place, where he might be heard; and they the rather were forward to this, that he might lay all the blame of this confusion and uproar upon Paul and his companions, whom the Jews had an aversion to, as well as the Gentiles:
and Alexander beckoned with the hand; for silence, that he might be heard:
and would have made his defence unto the people; which looks as if he was a Christian, or at least was charged with being one, and was in danger of his life on that account; and therefore was desirous of being heard, that he might make an apology for the Christians, or remove such an imputation from himself, if he was not.
Wesley's Notes for Acts 19:33
And they thrust forward - Namely, the artificers and workmen, Alexander - Probably some well - known Christian whom they saw in the crowd: the Jews pushing him on - To expose him to the more danger. And Alexander waving with his hand - In token of desiring silence, would have made a defence - For himself and his brethren.
People's Bible Notes for Acts 19:33
They drew Alexander out of the multitude. A Jew, evidently of great prominence, and put forward by the Jews, in order to disavow Paul, and to turn the tumult to their advantage. They wished to shift all blame on the Christians. The Gentile aversion to Jews was, however, too great to allow him a hearing.
OK, since there are different opinions about this topic let's see what the scripture says about it.
Ephesians 4:11
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, PROPHETS; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and TEACHERS;"
So God gave prophets to the church. There is the idea that these prophets were just teachers. Are they? No, because God gave teachers as well, so prophets must be something different.
Acts 21:8-9
"And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did PROPHESY."
Where these virgin daughters teachers? Definitely not, women were not allowed to teach in ancient church. They were virgins, that is little girls. So what were they doing? We'll see later.
Acts 21:10-11
"And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain PROPHET, named Agabus.
And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles"
Is this a foretelling? It obviously is.
Acts 19: 1-7
It is too long to write it, but read carefully verse 6:"And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and PROPHESIED." Prophesied? If it means teaching, then to whom they were teaching? To Paul? To theselves?
Please study 1 Corinthians 14. Pay attention to v 24-25
"But if all PROPHESY, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth" Does it seem to you that prophesying here means teaching? Obviously not.
So must there be prophets/foretellers in a church?
You have longed for sweet peace, and for faith to increase, And have earnestly, fervently prayed;
But you cannot have rest or be perfectly blest,
Until all on the altar is laid.
Would you walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, And have peace and contentment always;
You must do His sweet will to be free from all ill,
On the altar your all you must lay.
Oh, we never can know what the Lord will bestow Of the blessings for which we have prayed,
Till our body and soul He doth fully control,
And our all on the altar is laid.
Who can tell all the love He will send from above, And how happy our hearts will be made,
Of the fellowship sweet we shall share at His feet, When our all on the altar is laid.
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart, does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest and have peace and rest, in the Spirit.
Mishael:There is no likeness or comparison to an altar to Satan. Curiosity into dark arts and meanings can open a door to Fear and Torments.
Acts 19:19 comment: rid your home of idols, and anything lewd.
God started peeling me like an onion until all my security in myself was dropped off. I was naked and needy! One day while doing a horoscope for a Methodist; God appeared in a vision over her face. I was seeing Jesus on a white horse, looking straight at me. The demons scattered (my guess). My friend said then something like 2 Timothy 3:5 and left!
I went to get the Bible and find out why what I was doing was wrong. I looked up stars, astrology, astrologers, and I fell over the Death Penalty for doing it. I laid my head on the Bible and said, I deserve to die. My floor opened so I could see hell: dense twisted roots, blackness and screams. I stood on the chair and I heard loud wind. I became convinced a hand was outstretched to me from the ceiling. I opened my hand and closed it. I fell in the floor, but hell was gone. I heard screams from being delivered, and then I passed out.
I woke up next morning and my entire home was silent and peaceful. It looked the same, but brighter. I saw the Bible on the table and open. I made coffee to try to remember what happened. The Holy Soirit impressed on me what Acts 19:19 tells. I worked all day filling a 35 gallon can with books, idols, zodiac anything, Beer tshirts, posters, jewelry, and dragged it outside. Two days my friend returned and I told her I was born again. We celebrated by pouring charcoal lighter on the can and watched the contents of 15 years go up in smoke. I had return attacks by demons, but I defeated them with faith that GOD LOVED ME, and sent His Son to rescue me.
I gave me and my 6 yr old son to Jesus. I gave my house to Jesus and a new Pastor and his family moved into it. He said the house felt so peaceful.
I'm blessed.
It seems there is a contradiction between Matthew's and Acts' scripture. Not actually. Isn't Luke that writes in the Acts to be baptized in the name of Jesus only? Yes he is. But this is short for being baptized in the name of Father and the Son and the Holly Spitri. How do we know that? OK lets go to. Acts 19: 1-7, when Paul meets some disciples of John the Baptist in Ephesus.
He asks them if they had been baptized in the Spirit. They tell him they haven't even heard of a Holly Spirit. Now be careful what Paul asks them. He asks in what name have they been baptised in water. If the answer is in the name of Jesus only, Paul's question has no point at all. But if the answer is in the name of F and S and HS then his question has a point. He asks them how come you haven't heard of the HS, when you got baptised in water didn't you hear it? It is Luke that writes that, in spite of him having written before to be baptized only in the name of Jesus. So that is short for the proper saying "in the name of Father and the Son and the Holly Spirit."
GBU
I went through the whole list. With Jesus inside of you, "they" know their time is over. Satan will accuse that you are not saved! That hurts but is not the Truth. I tell everyone to write the date of salvation in your Bible. "It is written!"
LUKE 11:24-26
Christ sends the evil spirits away. But if we neglect feeding on the Bible frequently; building up our most holy faith..
The spirits may return: Luke 11:24-26 (the stronger man is Jesus 11:21). You must furnish yourself with Bible, Praise, and Assembling with the church folk)
A reading list for you:
Ephesians 6
* Acts 19:19
Galatians 3:13
Luke 6:28
Matthew 5:44
Ephesians 2:13
The angels are sent by God, so we can ask in prayer for their presence in our homes. Act on the promises of the Lord. God wants us to go on from being milk fed baby Christians, to stand up and be warriors of FAITH in ahi's Word.
Type Lucifer. The search engine will fetch ALL verses with that name.
Acts 19:19
Satan was defeated at the victory of the Cross of Jesus.
Stan tricked Adam. Jesus took back all POWER AND AUTHORITY which Satan had stolen.
Now search Satan. His name got changed from Lucifer.
Check your home for any forgotten items that evil spirits might hope you'll be entangled with again; and destroy those things. Acts 19:19.
Memorize Ephesians 6. "They are invisible."
Be quick to plead the blood of Jesus. They don't bother blood bought children of God.
I had alot of push back from them. I found, that even if you can't speak it out, ALL OF HEAVEN can hear your screaming born again spirit. Angels will be dispatched.
I'm saying this because I don't know if this is a one-time creepy event or more.
You are beloved in the Son, Jesus. Be encouraged.
After my salvation, the Holy Spirit had me clear out my house of any item I had that had anything to do with occult. I had to burn them. Acts 19:19. I cannot express the change in my house the next day. Peace.
Ask the Holy Spirit to go through your house with you.
Confront the past, and just let it all go. Ask God for an angel to guard your house for a while. Your life now is hidden within Christ. He is yours; you are his. Song of Solomon. "I am My Beloveds__My Beloved is Mine".
God is so very loving towards us. He hears every pitiful little cry of our hearts. He did for me. All I knew was that Abba, my Father was always nearby. I was so needy. I'm not ashamed to admit it. Now, in my old age, I still need that constant exchange of love.
Nothing the world has to offer, can satisfy the thirsty soul. When you reach a certain age (in Christ), you stop looking backwards and look forward more and more. It's very freeing.
Psalm 42:1 (HNV)
As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul after you, God.
[ Isaiah 41:9-10, 18, 20] John 4:14
These aren't just lifeless scriptures on a page. They are life giving to our souls. Lifting the spirit within us. Jesus is coming back for us.
Hebrews 11:13 - These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were PERSUADED of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Sometimes being called aliens to this world. We are awaiting our redemption. Rejoice. We will see Jesus! Hallelujah to the Lord.
Use the search box to search: star gazers and astrologers; Chaldeans.
I was one of those who by relatives, were used to capture people to believe in it. It was a miracle you escaped. Help others to get free.
Whereas post Cross, as Peter/Paul baptized & also the Church did so since that time, water baptism had a different meaning to John's baptism. Christian baptism now looks back to the Cross & with an identification of the new believer with Jesus, indeed the Godhead (Father, Son & the Holy Spirit). As Jesus instructed His disciples to baptize (in Matthew 28:19), so His disciples would do accordingly. But when we look at Scriptures such as Acts 19:1-5, it appears that the Trinity formula is missing. But as we read, the believers at Ephesus had only received John's baptism & not 'believers' baptism'. So then Paul baptized them in the Name of the Lord Jesus. I don't believe that the 'trinitarian formula' was specially avoided, but simply a notation that the two baptisms were different, i.e. one was according to John, the other according to Jesus (i.e. His Sacrifice). Some believe that the formula has since changed, avoiding the 'trinitarian Name', but I see nothing to prove that was the case - nor would it even matter? I wouldn't throw a fit if I heard it this way. The significance of baptism shouldn't be lost is what's important, I believe.
Romans 6:3, Mark 10:38,
Acts 8:12-17, Acts 11:16, Acts 19:1-5, Acts 2:38,
Praying in tongues biblical? Yes! & yes. Please don't let people tell you what the Bible says, & teach you. Scripture says if you lack wisdom ask GOD. James 1:5, here are relevant scriptures:
* Mark 16:17, in context, Mark 16, Acts 2, Acts 10, Acts 19:6, 1Corinthians 13,
* 1Corinthians 12, * 1Corinthians 14,
They were talking of the Spirit of Elijah.
John was mortal. He was first called: one crying in the wilderness (a prophesy). Put that in the Search Box.
Know what the penalty is for being an astrologer?
DEATH SENTENCE. It opens a door for the demons.
Acts 19:19
Your Armor in Ephesians 6.
Intercessory prayer. Find one in your church, or form one. Intercessors are the most courageous: fighting off the beings that oppose Jesus. Our prayers can tear down strongholds; open the skies so prayers cannot be silenced. silence lying spirits that say you cannot do this.
Prayer Warriors:
Stand in the Gaps
Repair torn down hedges
Sit in the Watch Tower, looking for enemies
Listen to the Holy Spirits counsel: ask Him for the gift of discerning of spirits ( human, evil, or of Heaven)
Our enemies are not flesh and blood. They're invisible and sometimes inside of a consenting human, animal or creatures. The Holy Spirit will alert us what spirit is opposing us.
Pray Harder: call it out, use its identity if the Holy Spirit reveals it. Bind and Loose as Jesus taught us. Ask God to send angels when extra protection is needed.
A testimony: I've been immobilized by demonic things. Had my mouth shut so I couldn't yell for Jesus. All of heaven can hear your SPIRIT screaming THE BLOOD OF JESUS. You will be released immediately. Don't panic. Plead the Blood. [Get anything no matter what_ the Holy Spirit says is cursed, Acts 19:19, destroyed.]
There are passages in the Old Testament that describe war and battles: lapping water, running low, digging trenches: which can be used in war prayers. Watch that movie, the War Room. That woman had the devils on the run. Those are our enemies. We have to be alert to their "fruits." Like anger, violence, threatening fears (they're buddies Torments) Mishaps in the house: hindering and harassment devils.
You might watch a FEW videos by Derek Prince. Devils exist but Jesus gave us everything we need to defeat them: SCRIPTURE. Spend time in Gods presence, soaking up Bible in massive amounts. No speed reading.
Watch Iverna Tompkins videos
1 Peter 1:23-25, Proverbs 30:5, Luke 4:4, Acts 19:20, Romans 10:17,
John 1:1-3, Revelation 19:11-16.
Yes, the power comes through the Holy Spirit in Jesus' name, Evil spirits are not something one who has not the Holy Spirit should deal with. They can do horrific mental and physical harm. We see in Matthew Jesus gave the power to the disciples against them. We also see in Acts 19:13-16 what can happen and even worse to those who are not strong in their faith and have not the Holy Spirit. Believe me, it is something you do not want to deal with.
God bless,
RLW
Be blessed from Acts 19:21-41 Love u in Christ
Hopefully this gives you the insight you're looking for.
Romans 11:29, Romans 12:5-21, Acts 2, Acts 10:46, Acts 19:6,
* 1 Corinthians 12, whole chapter speaks of Spiritual gifts. Ephesians 4:4-25, these chapters: 1 Corinthians 13, 1Corinthians 14, also covers 'Speaking in tongues '
Hopefully these are helpful in your searching for true understanding
Water baptism is not mandatory. It is an act of obedience, worship, a deep desire to leave a sinful past and feel clean. Some people need that and want it.
It is solely Jesus who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. Jesus knows what we need.
It is not anyone else's business to say, do it this way or else you're not saved properly.
1 Peter
21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Jesus shed his blood on the Cross for all human beings that would receive Him.
My testimony is like Paul's. I wasn't looking for Jesus. He came to me in my home. I saw Him. I heard 2 Timothy 3:5 like thunder. I was shown the death penalty for practicing astrology. I saw hell, I saw an invisible outstretched Hand, and I took it. All I knew was that I deserved death.
I woke up the next day, conscious of Someone telling me what to do. I cleaned house of anything He said that was occult. Two days later, I had a bonfire in my trash can. Acts 19:19. The Holy Spirit has never left me. He tells me daily about Jesus, what scriptures mean. It's been 36 years of trust, love, praise and worship for my Father and my Lord Jesus. His blood has saved my life many times. Jesus wrote my name in the book of Life before I even knew of it.
God does things how He chooses to bring us into the Kingdom. He gave me the Holy Spirit who has taught me everything I know. I don't have a library of books. Just a Strongs. Life is sweet. People come to God the easiest way possible. Softly or Rough like me. I know how much Paul loved his life despite the bad parts. It's the Blessed Hope of the moment we lay eyes on Jesus again. Tell people of the Love, not legalism. Love put Him on the Cross to shed His blood to give us His Life.
false prophets have gone out into the world. 1st john4-1
many are looking for an emotional high with no evidence of salvation
nor repentance.
Hopefully these are helpful.
Acts 19:1-7.
Paul, at Ephesus, found some religious persons, who looked to Jesus as the Messiah. They had not been led to expect the miraculous powers of the Holy Ghost, nor were they informed that the gospel was especially the ministration of the Spirit. But they spake as ready to welcome the notice of it. Paul shows them that John never design that those he baptized should rest there, but told them that they should believe on Him who should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. They thankfully accepted the discovery, and were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. The Holy Ghost came upon them in a surprising, overpowering manner; they spake with tongues, and prophesied, as the apostles and the first Gentile coverts did. Though we do not now expect miraculous powers, yet all who profess to be disciples of Christ, should be called on to examine whether they have received the seal of the Holy Ghost, in his sanctifying influences, to the sincerity of their faith. Many seem not to have heard that there is a Holy Ghost, and many deem all that is spoken concerning his graces and comforts, to be delusion. Of such it may properly be inquired, "Unto what, then, were ye baptized?" for they evidently know not the meaning of that outward sign on which they place great dependence.
for they evidently know not the meaning of that ( OUTWARD SIGN )on which they place great dependence.
He called their water baptism an outward sign! He see it the way some of us do.
Water baptism ritually points to the baptism of the Holyspirit.
Acts 19:4.
And when they believed, by believing they were baptized in the name Jesus.
Acts 19:5.
Amen.
Part 1.
I would like to continue this subject a little further because it is all important because of it is a salvation issue at hand.
There is one baptism: Meaning there is only one way we are identified with Christ and put into the body of believers.
"Baptized" shows up in several places in the New Testament, John gives us perhaps the first view of baptism, (baptism of repentance) and he gives the baptism of Christ authority. "Baptism of the Holyspirit"
I think when people see the word baptize, they're thinking it is speaking of water baptism and that is not always the case!
EXAMPLES:
Acts 19:2-5.
2) He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3) And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4) Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5) When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
NOTICE VERSES 4 AND 5!
Now we know by way of verse 4 they were baptized with water, "John's baptism"
Verse 5 seems to be another baptism! Was it water? I don't think so, Paul said he baptized no one but Crispus and Gaius and Stephanas household.
Now look at verse 2 and we discover what is expected to initiate the Holy Ghost. "Believe!
The HG didn't come on them until verse 6.
6) And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues and prophesied.
Now put it into perspective.
Mark 16:16. He that "believeth" and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
What initiates their salvation? Belief! and this is baptism of the Holy spirit spoken here triggered by belief not water.
The same applies here and several other places.
Mathew 28:19.
Part 2
What is actually commanded.