Acts
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Unfortunately, as Christians, we take hold of certain beliefs and practises seen in the Bible and then confidently apply it to our lives and profession, whether rightly or wrongly. The Scriptures you shared are indeed the true nature of the one who is truly in Christ and we must allow the Holy Spirit to develop and mature us into the Image of Christ, which can take much time & crucifying of the flesh.
But some believers may also read those same verses in agreement but also read many other instances of God's condemnation of Israel and the nations; one such is in Amos 2:1-3 (the nations: Moab), and in Amos 2:4-8 (of Judah). So, in their thinking, if God can be violently against such for their many sins (via the prophet's voice), why shouldn't we stand tall, be bold and vocal, and condemn others today for engaging in godless pursuits?
I also don't believe any good can come from this sort of behavior, rather Christ's name and His people will be spat upon. Titus 3:2,3, as you quoted, would instruct us well in this matter. Even to follow the Apostle Paul's manner in this: he 'reasoned' with the people (be it the Jews ( Acts 18:19) or Gentiles ( Acts 24:24,25). Screaming at and belittling the unsaved does great damage to Christ's Name and the Gospel; but entering into clear, concise, reasoned discussion may cause the wayward to reconsider his life and ways & not make him resistant to the Gospel that can save him. Blessings.
Mid-Acts teaching holds that the current dispensation of grace began with the revelation given to Paul ( Eph. 3:1-9; Col. 1:25-27). Through him, God made known the mystery of the Body of Christ-Jew and Gentile made one through faith in the finished cross work of Christ ( Eph. 2:13-16; 1 Cor. 12:13). This message of salvation by grace alone apart from works ( Rom. 3:21-28) was not part of Israel's prophetic program but a hidden mystery revealed only after Israel's fall ( Rom. 11:11-12).
Many reject Mid-Acts dispensationalism as false or unbiblical, just as people in Paul's day accused him of heresy for preaching a message apart from the Law ( Acts 24:14; Gal. 1:11-12). The religious crowd called his message dangerous because it freed men from Moses' commandments and introduced a new spiritual organism-the Body of Christ. Yet Paul warned that rejecting this revelation is no light matter. He declared that God will judge mankind "according to my gospel" ( Rom. 2:16; 16:25; 2 Tim. 2:8). To ignore Paul's message is to reject the very truth by which God now reconciles the world.
Thus, Mid-Acts dispensationalism is biblical because it honors the progressive revelation of God's Word, rightly divides prophecy from mystery ( 2 Tim. 2:15), and recognizes Paul as the divinely appointed apostle of this age of grace-whose gospel all will one day be judged by.
G&P
Revelation 1:17 - And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as a dead man. I would too!
In Daniel Chapter 10 Verses 8 and 9, Daniel did the same thing. When he saw this vision of Christ, he fell down as he was dead. He said I had no strength in my body. I couldn't move. In Ezekiel 1:28, Ezekiel sees the vision and he falls down as a dead man.
In Acts 24:10, Paul describing as he was going along the Damascus road, he said the light of Christ appeared to them, and the whole group fell over as dead men. That's what it's like to be in the presence of Christ! And when I saw him, I fell at His feet as a dead man. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
In Daniel 10:10, the Lord did the same thing. He came over and He put His hand on me, and this is what He said, fear not, literally, stop fearing! Fear not; I am the first and the last: Again, the designation of God, found in Isaiah 41:4, and Isaiah 48:12.
Revelation 1:18 - I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
I am He that lives, and this is another designation of God found in Psalm 84:2, and Joshua 3:10. I am He that lives. God presents Himself to the Jews as the living God. I am He that lives, and was dead; literally and became dead, and behold, I am living forevermore, His resurrection, His eternalness.
Amen; and I have the keys of hell and of death. Keys are a symbol of authority. Those who were in charge of the temple had the keys to the temple. We'll see later on that the Lord will be in control of hell and death.
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 24:24 - And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
The term "the faith in Christ," is literally translated the into Christ faith. It has a very special meaning. In Greek, it is in the Attributive Position. It is the faith into Christ. Not in Him, but into Him. The preposition always shows a shift in transfer of trust from oneself to someone else. Not believing psychological truth or the mental truth about Christ, but rather entrusting one's life to Christ.
Acts 24:25 - And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
Paul ministered to them about three things:
First, righteousness. When you're speaking to a Roman authority, righteousness means lined up with the justice system. Second, of temperance (or self-control). The word for self-control, EGKRATOS, means to be gripped from within, to be held or controlled from within. Galatians 5:22 tells us that EGKRATOS is a fruit of God's Spirit.
Interesting because he's talking to Felix and his wife Drusilla. Drusilla at this time according to historical documents is not even 20 years old yet. Felix was struck with her beauty. Over a period of time, he talked her into divorcing her husband and coming and living with him. So, here's a man who's been told about righteousness, what's right, and self-control. Obviously, the man has no self-control. He is impulsive. He has to have what he wants.
Third thing is judgment to come. The Greek indicates any moment. You can imagine Felix is feeling a little shaky! In fact, it tells us that Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; (literally for now), and when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
Acts 24:14 - But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
But this I do confess unto thee, and there are three things here to look at that Paul is going to say in his confession: that after the way which they call heresy. Remember the Christians are now called "The way."
The Jews would not call them Christians at this point. They would not even acknowledge that they are a religious group and that's why they called them "The way," because Christianity was not a religion, it was a way of life. I kind of like that myself!
But this way, which they call heresy, so worshipping I the God of my fathers. Now the word worshipping is the Greek word LATRUO. It is a Greek word used for the service of the high priest in the temple.
And so, Paul is saying I am in service like a high priest, I and the God of my fathers. That's the second thing. Thirdly, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
So, then he presents himself as a Jew who is fulfilling Judaism. The sect is "The way." I serve the God of my fathers, and I believe everything in the law and in the prophets. So, I'm not a side group. I am very much the real thing!
Acts 24:17 - Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
The term "bring alms" literally means acts of mercy. That's what almsgiving is. It comes from the Greek word for mercy. So, to give an alm is an act of mercy.
And what he is talking about is that he has come to Jerusalem with the offering from Macedonia and Greece and all the churches.
Remember he went back through and collected, and he brought some people from those churches with him over to Jerusalem so that they could deliver the offerings.
So, he says first of all, I came worshipping. And secondly, I came with an offering. That's why I came here. I didn't come here to stir up a riot.
(Acts Part 51):
Acts 23:10 - And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.
And when there arose a great dissension, and in the Greek, it says war. When war arose, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force.
And that phrase "take him by force" is the same word used in 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4 for the rapture, HARPADZO!
They snatched him out of there as fast as they could from amongst them, and to bring him into the castle.
Acts 24:1 - And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
The term orator is the official Greek word for a lawyer. This is a professional lawyer. And his name is Tertullus in English. It is actually TERTULLOS in Greek.
The Jews often hired professional lawyers because the lawyers had to be proficient in Hebrew and Greek, and proficient in Roman law as well as Jewish law.
So, in hiring this attorney, they were better equipped to bring charges against Paul in what's turning out to be a very professional presentation against him.
Acts 24:5 - For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
For we have found this man a pestilent fellow. That's one Greek word that means disease or a plague.
So not only are they calling him a pest, but basically, he's like a plague in our land.
I am sure we all have thought about that, but it is hard to answer. We have a loving and just God wanting all to come to Him and be saved because He gave His only Son for the redemption of sins. Some may say no since the only way to the Father is through the Son but what about those who never had the opportunity to hear the gospel of Jesus?
All of us have a conscience and the knowledge of good and evil, some get to a point of no return and God gives them over to a reprobate mind, Romans 1:28. Some go so far into evil that their conscience is seared with a hot iron, 1 Timothy 4:2, they do not know good from evil. I do not know if you have ever met someone like that, but you can see cold darkness in their eyes.
If we read Romans 1-16 it is not the hearers of the law but the doers of the law for they, have it written in their heart and their conscience bears witness. Our conscience records all we have ever done or thought. I believe this is about those who have heard the gospel and those who did not have a chance to hear it.
Many take the great white throne judgment as for the lost only, but I believe this is for those who are not in the first resurrection, Revelation 20:4-6. My understanding is the great white throne judgment goes with Daniel 12:2 John 5:28-29 Matthew 25:31-46 and Revelation 20:11-15.
As it says in Revelation 20:15 all that was not found in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. So, to me, this is all the rest of the dead Revelation 20:5 if some were not found, some are found in the Book of Life. Some who lived before Jesus first came and some after Jesus came who never heard the gospel, their conscience bearing witness, will be found in the Book of Life. As we see in John 8:9 Acts 24:16 Romans 9:1 2 Corinthians 1:12 1 Timothy 3:9 Hebrews 13:18.
This is my understanding.
God bless,
RLW
Show me the scriptures, don't just say my teaching are heresies.
Acts 24:14 But this I confess UNTO YOU, that after the which YOU CALL HERESY, so WORSHIP I the God of my fathers, believing all things WRITTEN in the Law and Prophets.
God Bless YOU!
Luke 16:31 And he said unto them, if they hear not MOSES and the PROPHETS, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose
from the dead.
Acts 24:14 But this I confess unto you, that after the way they (the church) call HERESY, so worship I the God of my fathers; believing ALL THINGS written in the LAW and the PROPHETS.
Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, they came many unto him in his lodging, to whom he expounded and testified the KINGDOM of GOD, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses,and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
Most don't believe ALL THINGS written in MOSES and the PROPHETS.
Psalms 149:9 To execute upon them the judgement written, this honoru hath all his saints.
Isaiah 26:9 ... for when thy judgements (administered by the saints) are in the earth (second resurrection), the world WILL LEARN righteousness.
Psalms 22:27 All the ends of the world SHALL REMEMBER (when they are resurrected and judged by the saints) AND TURN (repent) unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.
Isaiah 66:24 And they (the saints) shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men that have transgressed against me, for their (the saints) WORM shall not die; neither shall their (the saints') FIRE be quenched, and they (the saints) shall be and abhorring to all flesh.
Job 25:6 And much less man, that is a worm?and the son or man WHICH IS A WORM.
Psalms 22:6 .... But I am a worm .....
Mark 9:46 Where their WORM dieth not, nor is the FIRE quenched.
Hebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.
Matthew 13:34 ... and without a parable he spake he not unto them......
The whole word of God is Christ speaking.
Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a PARABLE: I will open my DARK SAYINGS of the harps (his people)
God Bless you
II. ABOUT THE RECIPIENT:
Luke is written specifically to Theophilus, but in general to all Gentiles. Theophilus means "lover of God," THEOS for God, PHILEO for love. It's either a name or title. It was a common name at the time. Many parents named their children Theophilus hoping their kids would love God. It was also used as a title and may have been used in order to hide his identity.
In Luke, he's not just called Theophilus, but "most excellent Theophilus" which means that he was either in the Roman military or Roman government, and he's getting the gospel about Jesus Christ. So, Theophilus could be a title or a code name for someone so that their real identity is not revealed.
His title "Most excellent" is one Greek word. It's found to be a title of an officer in the Roman military and also found as a title for an official in the Roman government. Both are called "most excellent" or "most honorable." The title is used three times in Acts. In Acts 23:26, we see "most excellent governor Felix."
These are all governors of Rome. Acts 24:3, "most noble Felix," and Acts 26:25 "most noble Festus," same word. They held these titles in the Roman military and in the Roman government. He was either a government official or in the military. Tradition says he was from Antioch of Syria. Apparently, Luke and Theophilus knew each other.
Acts was written to Theophilus. Acts 1:1 says, the former treaties (that would be the gospel of Luke), the former treaties that I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach. So, the book of Acts would be to the same person. And what he's saying is that Luke (the first Volume I gave you), was what Jesus began to do and teach. Now here's what He continues to do and teach, and that would be the book of Acts.
It's also interesting that Acts 1:1-11 is a summary statement of Luke Chapter 24. So, they overlap. He goes back and summarizes Luke 24 in Acts Chapter 1:1-11.
I agree with you, this subject is rooted in the soul being immortal that came from the Greek philosophical influence. My understanding, there is no scripture to support the soul being immortal. If someone is comforted by thinking their loved one who has died is in heaven am I going to tell them their wrong, No. Is it biblical? No, it comes from the Greek definition of death as the separation of the soul from the body.
The Hebrew word nephesh and the Greek word psuche, translated as the soul that is from Genesis 2:7 to Revelation 18:4. What is the soul? What is death if our soul which is the essence of who we are is immortal? If our soul that is who we are goes to heaven when this body dies why is there a resurrection of the dead?
The just and the unjust will be resurrected, Matt. 22:31 Luke 14:14 Acts 17:32 Acts 23:6 Acts 24:15 Acts 24:21 1 Cor. 15:12,13,21,42 Phil. 3:11 Heb. 6:2. 1 Cor. 15:16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 1 Cor 15:42-44 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
I will leave it there; I know discussions of this subject can get pretty dogmatic and I do not want to show any disrespect to those who hold that we go to heaven when we die there are many.
God bless,
RLW
This is one of those questions that gets asked a lot. As to whether or not a person can lose their salvation, some say yes and some say no. Both sides present scripture to support their view and oftentimes accuse those who disagree with their view as taking scripture out of context. Both sides pick out verses that support their view.
I can only speak for myself when I say that I am completely secure in my salvation. My salvation cannot be lost. The first question I have to ask myself is am I really saved? The Bible says that all who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. It doesn't say they might be saved. It is a promise to those who truly and with a sincere heart call upon Jesus to save them.
Again, I can only speak for myself. Jesus Christ has saved me. He has sealed me with His Spirit. And He has promised to never leave me. That's where I find my comfort and security. It's in Christ. When it comes to salvation, a person has to decide who they are going to trust. Are they trusting in themselves to keep themselves saved? Or, are they trusting in Jesus Christ, the one who has promised to never leave us, and the one who will keep us saved until the day of redemption, the day He comes to redeem His purchased possession.
I know who I am trusting. If I'm counting on myself to keep myself saved, I will fail. There's only one whom I can trust to keep me saved.
MG, you will have to decide for yourself who you are going to trust for your own salvation, Christ or yourself?
Again; the ceremonial laws Christ Himself deliberately allowed to be broken (such as eating heads of grain on the Sabbath Day). He also corrected the Pharisees as to what "work" truly involved; showing that mercy was more important than blind legalism by healing on the Sabbath repeatedly.
In some sense then the New Covenant or more superior one abrogated the old ( Hebrews 9:15). Even the Old Testament allowed for God's grace to stand above judgment; for instance with David's sin with Bathsheeba that involved adultery and being complicit to murder. These were death sentence penalties according to the law. God also had a greater plan since His lineage came from the line of David. Notwithstanding this; however there was collateral damage such as the loss of the child (who David would see someday in heaven); as well as enemies being a constant thorn in the side.
Our sin is a serious matter; Paul warned the Corinthians about taking communion unworthily ( 1 Cor. 11:27); as well as in the book of Acts Ananias and Sapphira were killed because they lied to the Holy Spirit. We can then be saved but taken out early; if we are saved. Those who continue in an unrepentant LIFESTYLE of sin likely aren't saved as there is no conviction of the Spirit; or new heart showing genuine conversion. We must not only know the truth but LOVE it.
Matthew 12:32 "...but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
Luke 12:5
John 14:15
James 2:14-26
Romans 6:1-2
Hebrews 6:4-6
1 Timothy 4:1
2 Peter 2:20-22
Matthew 12:31-32
1 Corinthians 15:2-8
Hebrews 3:12
Romans 11
The Bible answers this question quite clearly. Some are trying to use human logic through cherrypicking and misinterpreting a couple verses instead of simply believing God's truth through the whole Bible. Satan wants people to assume they have an insurance policy and license to commit unlimited sin and do whatever they want.
Does the Bible even say you're instantly "saved" when you start to believe, or does it say that you can have hope of salvation and assurance of salvation if you are a genuine follower until the "end" on the day of judgment? Let's see if the Bible says "now" or in the "end"...
Matthew 24:13
"But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
1 Peter 1:5
- "...salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
1 Peter 1:13
"...hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
Hebrews 10:36
"For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
Let us continue to pray for our nation's leadership and their need to find the LORD'S salvation, and mind set. May we as GOD'S children be humble and call on HIS name for HIS glory and praise.
2 Chronicles 7: 14, 15
GOD'S face to shine and be gracious on all on this forum. GOD bless you and keep you.
October 25, 2022
Isaiah 40:1, 2Corinthians 1:3-22, 1Thessalonians 5:15-21,
Romans 15, 2Timothy 2:3,
Philippians 4:8,
I thank you for sharing your hardship & trusting us here with it.
I myself have suffered much as many of us have. I share scriptures in hopes to give you strength, help in endurance, encouragement.
Paul while suffering from being beaten, Colossians 2:11, Acts 22:25, stoned, 2Corinthians 11:25-27, in prisoned, 2Timothy 2:9-15, accused of sedition Acts 24:2,5,27, in context Acts 24, is this Paul who said I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me._. Philippians 4:12,13
Hebrews 13:3, Luke 17:25, 1Peter 4:12-19,
Acts 12 again shows process of time, note Acts 12:25, Acts 14:21-28, again Acts 15, note Acts 15:33,36, Acts 27, Acts 28:11,
Acts 18:11,18, Acts 19:10,22, Acts 20:3, Acts 24:27, Acts 28:30
Hopefully these are helpful
Philemon 1:9,10,22,23, Philippians 1:7,12,13,14,15, here Paul encourages others while in "bonds" , even saying it gives others boldness & confidence to speak the gospel without fear, resulting from Paul's example. Note: Philippians 1:18,20,21,28,29,30, 2Timothy 2:1,2,3,9,10,11,12,
Ephesians 6:10-24, Colossians 4:18,
Acts 20:22-25, Acts 20:37-38,
Please read the following chapters: Acts 24, Paul is accused of sedition Acts 24:5, Acts 26, Acts 27, Acts 28,
Matthew 24:3-51, Mark 13:5-37, 1Corinthians 15:41-58, 1Thessalonians 4:13-18, Psalms 97:2, Psalms 104:3, Joel 2:1-15, Zephaniah 1:14-18, Matthew 26:62-68, Mark 14:60-65, Revelation 1:7, 2Thessalonians 1:4-12, 2Thessalonians 2:1-17, Revelation 6:9-17, Revelation 7, Revelation 8, note Revelation 8:6 continues on through Revelation 9, & Revelation 10, Revelation 10:6-7, Revelation 14, note Revelation 14:12-20,
Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 20:5, Revelation 20:12-15, Revelation 20, in context &
Revelation 1:5, Colossians 1:18,
Hebrews 6:1-3, Hebrews 11, Revelation 11:15-19, Acts 24:15, Mark 12:26-27, Luke 16:19-31
Hope these are helpful
I agree with S Spencer and Noel, for those of us who have heard of Jesus and are called and have accepted Jesus as our savior the answer would be no.
I would like to give my understanding; God is a loving God Zephaniah 3:17 God will help and strengthen us Isaiah 41:10 God is just and upright Deuteronomy 32:4 and God is love and merciful Ephesians 2:4.
There are millions of people who lived and died before Jesus first came, and millions who have lived and died since who have never heard who Jesus is and what He offers. What happens to them? Everyone who is alive today and all who have lived in the past has the knowledge of good and evil thanks to the first Adam.
The white throne judgment many teach is only for the lost and unrighteous, my understanding is different. In Revelation 20:11-15 all the rest of the dead is judged, small and great and the books were open, and they were judged from the things written in the books, according to their works. In verse 15 it says this, "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire". Along with other scriptures, my understanding is there were some names in the book of life.
God only knows, some scripture gives a clue, People under the law being judged by the law and those who do by nature the things contained in the law not under the law (judged from the things written in the books) Romans 2:12-15, and if the white throne judgment is for lost only, how do we understand these verses, Daniel 12:2 Matthew 25:32-46 John 5:28-29 Acts 24:14-15.
God bless,
RLW
I am reading a biograph on Paul and read on this event with Felix.
It read that Felix did not fnd reason to charge Paul but put him under guard to protect him from the Jewish leaders.
He then had him transferred to another city under escort by the guards to get him away from the Jerusalem leaders.
I didn't complete the challenge of bible in a year, but here I am continuing and I believe is what God would want to continue vs giving up.
If I may ask a few questions just on part one? Forgive me if I misunderstand the post. What scripture says the rest of the dead are unjust? You listed Daniel 12:2 and we also have John 5:28-29, Matthew 25:31-46, Acts 24:15, do we just overlook these? In the white throne judgement are not the books opened. "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire". Revelation 20:11-15. In this judgement of all nations there will be those that are told well done my faithful servant and those unworthy their reward, the lake of fire. This is my understanding.
God bless,
RLW
Chris,
I am not catholic! However, what I was referring too is that these books are not listed in the bible (66 books). It was originally in the old KJV bible 1610, but was removed. I do not believe in purgatory and praying for the dead.
You are replying to a comment by "Glen Barbour and Chris"
Messenger Replies:
Please read Acts 24:15 We can pray to God ( Psalm 83:18) for his kingdom to come ( Matthew 6:9,10).
Why? because we can pray that he resurrect our loved ones who have died (the ones we love so dearly)
John 5:28,29
Job 14:14,15
John 11:25
Revelation is hard, for one, it is not in chronological order, and not all has been revealed to us. Pray and keep in mind there are answers we may never be given. At this time there have been 3.5 years of tribulation by Satan, the beast, the false prophet, and the great whore Babylon, and Babylon was just destroyed by the ten kings/countries of the beast. ( Revelation 17, 18).
These same ten kings/kingdoms/countries will make war with Jesus, ( Revelation 17:14). They were rejoicing in heaven and "his wife hath made herself ready" and "Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb" ( Revelation 19:1-10).
In ( Revelation 19:11-21) we see Jesus coming with his armies, ( Matthew 25:31) that were in heaven, and the call to the fowls to gather to the supper of the great God. ( Ezekiel 39: 17-20) There are more scriptures on the coming of Jesus, ( Matthew 24: 29-31) ( Mark 13:24-27) ( 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17), and more. The beast and false prophet are cast into the lake of fire and the remnant of the armies are destroyed by the sword proceeding out of the mouth of Jesus. The power of His word wiped them out.
Then in Revelation 20, Satan is locked in the bottomless pit, to be there for one thousand years, and Jesus sets up His Kingdom and the camp of the saints. So scripture tells us when Jesus returns with all His holy angels/armies, He sends angels to gather His elect. Who are in this first resurrection? The description of them is in ( Revelation 20:4). Are they all that will be saved? Are they the most loyal elect that is given this honor? The key is the white throne judgment, is it only for the lost as taught? Why is the book of life opened ( Revelation 20:12)? Should we not consider ( Matthew 25:31-46) ( John 5:28-29) ( Acts 24:15). Do we overlook ( Revelation 20:15)?
I know this does not answer your question, if it can be answered, but may it inspire study.
God bless,
RLW
We are hit every day with obstacles, and deception can cause us to be taken out of the way, led astray, and roam from the safety of the truth. The cunningness of deception disguises itself so well we may not even know if we are wrong, unless we ask to be shown the truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
If we are deceived, we have accepted something that is false for the truth, just like the serpent did with Eve. Deception can take on many faces, and one of the most deceptive, is the one we see in the mirror.
Our action supports the proof of Christ, who is the truth in us. Our conscience is what we must guard and protect, a doubting man is damned. From God's word, we find we must daily put on the whole armor of God.
Our conscience records every thought, every intention, everything we have ever said or done and every second of our life is open to God, our conscience will be our testimony, and only with the garment given by Christ, our shame can be covered.
Acts 24:16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
Let's not walk naked.
RLW
This term originates the Christian Theological field of "Apologetics" of which a person, described as an "apologetic", defends True, Biblical Christianity with truths and proofs, which usually involve definitive and convincing arguments used to refute contradictions against it.
Compare the word "answer" to its synonymous expression "earnestly contend for the Faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude v.3).
When using the same definition above, the Greek root "apologia" also translates into either "answer" or "defense" in the following references:
Luke 12:11-12;
Luke 21:14-15;
Acts 22:1ff;
Acts 24:10ff;
Acts 25:8 & 16;
Acts 26:1-2ff;
Philippians 7 & 17;
Second Timothy 4:15-16.