Thank YOU FATHER for this day as I worship and glorify YOU on this Resurrection Sunday. Let YOUR face shine upon us as we go forth as an army to do YOUR will. Let all the saints arise and not be silent in giving YOU praise!
May my tongue extol and magnify YOU, because YOU so richly deserve the praise we should give unto YOU. "May the words of my mouth be acceptable unto YOU."
Thank YOU LORD for answered prayers and the peace and comfort that follows as we learn to abide in YOU according to Scripture. Isaiah 26: 3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
Praise the LORD for all on this forum and for the promises YOU give to us. May we all endeavor to trust, believe, and walk for "...in the joy of the LORD is my strength.."
May we be faithful as we pray for our nation's leadership and their need for a relationship with our LORD JESUS CHRIST. 1 Timothy 2:9. Let us not faint or be weak; but may we go forward and reach the lost. May we be not weary of well doing, but be strong through HIS word and promises.
We must be about the work of the LORD, making disciples as we called to do in Matthew 28: 18-20.
As GOD is not willing that anyone should perish, 1 Peter 3:9, we must be encouraged and plant the seed, water where we can so that the LORD GOD will give the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:6
The time is at hand where all saints are called to duty and reach out, pray up, and tell to all the salvation available in the gospel of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Romans 10: 9-12; Acts 4:10-12.
GOD bless all on this platform and praise the LORD on this Resurrection Sunday, 2023. GOD to shine HIS face on all, and be gracious as we await HIS coming.
Based on your initial question, then based on your disagreement with someone who answered your question, I'm not sure you were genuinely seeking an answer. But in case its helpful to any one else viewing the topic I'll share my thoughts.
Some say we're all born into sin- from the original sin. I believe the original sin affects all of us. Jesus was sinless and perfect His whole life. He's the only one like that.
Based on references like Matthew 18:3 I think it's possible that we're born innocent, pure, and sinless, but is inevitable sin will occur. All people sin (Jesus is the only exception). Mary is not an exception, nor any other people from the Bible. This verse Psalm 51:5 suggests Mary had sin. There is no such verse claiming she was any different than anyone else, other than being chosen for giving birth to Jesus.
When I see some Catholics praying to Mary, chanting to her, singing to her, worshipping her, making graven images of her and bowing down to her statue, it seems like an obvious sin of idolatry- violating the 2nd commandment: Deuteronomy 5:7.
Acts 4:12 says there's no one else but Jesus. Not Mary, not a pope, not a pastor, not the government, not family, or friends, or anyone else but Jesus in whom we should put our hope and trust in.
A tithe is 10 percent, and Abraham was the first to give 10 percent to Melchizedek in Gen. 14:20. Next in Gen 28 God appears to Jacob at Bethel when Jacob dreamed of the angels going up and down on a ladder. God promised him covenant blessings, and Jacob promised God a tenth of everything granted him Gen. 28:22.
After God brought Israel out of Egypt and divided the land the tribe of Levi did not have a portion of the land, their duty was to the LORD and a tenth/tithe from the other tribes was given to them for their portion and unto the LORD, Num. 18:21-24.
As far as a tithe given to a church, some say it is required, and for others, it is not, tithing is not taught in the New Testament. Some abuse this to make budgets that is or is not being used for the work of the Lord. Some people today struggle to even have food. We see in the New Testament where people give, there is a good example Jesus made just before the Olivet discourse with the widow Luke 21:1-4.
We see in Eph. 4:28 another reason to work that we look over, and we see the early Church selling all they had and giving it to those who had need, Acts 4:34-35 and in 1 Cor. 16:1-3 Paul ask for people to gather up what they could spare to carry to Jerusalem. We don't think about this very much, at that time there was a famine over the whole Mid-East many were starving as many countries are today.
What we give is in our heart, 2 Cor. 9:7 if you see and feel the church you attend is doing good for the congregation helping those who are in need and the neighborhood it is in, pray and let the Holy Spirit in your heart guide you.
Hello, let's compare scripture with what I understand you to be saying. Please correct me if I am wrong in understanding your position.
God: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23 KJV
You: It sounds like... you don't "need" or "want" God's grace and may not even need to follow Christ (be a Christian)? "In regards to "having a free get out of hell card", it appears you are assuming Alex and others who believe as we do, want one or even need one. "
God: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:" Matthew 7:13 KJV
You: "salvation is all inclusive." It sounds like you're ignoring God or calling Him dishonest when He says that most will go to hell, that salvation is intended for everyone but most will not choose to follow Jesus and thus will go to hell. Acts 4:12
God: "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 KJV
You: It sounds like you don't believe what the Bible says or don't believe God, because there is a risk of everyone going to hell. Someone must make a choice and "believe" as it says above. How someone can ignore this obvious verse I do not yet understand.
God: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38 KJV
You: It sounds like you ignore the above command, that you DON'T need to repent or do anything, and that you don't even need to be forgiven? Because you assume you're already saved regardless of your actions and will be in heaven with Hitler, Mao, Stalin, and the worlds worst mass murderers dining and hanging out with them?
Do you consider yourself a Christian and can you please share what criteria you followed to believe you are one?
This form of self-transformation is also referred to as self-righteousness ( Romans 10-3), while in truth you follow after a image of a false god and a false Christ ( Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; Gal. 4:8; Rev. 12:9). This is how Satan has transformed himself into an angel of light ( 2 Cor. 11:13-15) and deceived the whole world ( Rev. 12:9), as people by nature are in fact children of the devil ( Acts 13:10).
Gal. 1:11,12. The gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ ( Daniel 12:4,9; Amos 3:7; Matthew 16:17; Luke 2:26; Romans 16:25; 1 Cor. 2:10; Gal. 1:16; Eph. 3:3,5; Rev. 1:1).
The Word of God is God ( John 1:1) and the scriptural references we use serve as confirmation that it is not us that speak, but the Spirit of our Father that speaketh in us ( 2 Samuel 23:2; Matthew 10:20; Acts 4:8; 6:10).
Narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it ( Matthew 7:14).
I would be remiss here if I didn't include financial decisions in this discussion. When we consider the egregious debts that I am certain many professing believers have saddled themselves with it saddens me to think of how our "rugged individualism" in the USA has seemingly made asking advice on such matters something that doesn't come across the radar of many who otherwise may be involved in the church. Again; I speak from experience when much of the inheritance from my deceased grandmother was spent on frivolous vacations and other things in my early years of marriage. Needless to say such a stressor wasn't helpful in my situation and also is a major source of contention in many marriages.
Most churches have others who can give us wise counsel on that subject; and in fact usually there are more than one person who can help us out skilled as carpenters or laborers who we can bless in doing work for our homes by payment for their services; and who often are willing to give us a break in the bill. It does seem that there are times especially in large churches where those in need the most for a small financial assistance are drowned out effectively by whatever cause is the biggest selling point of interest.
It would be nice to see a church such as the one in the Book of Acts who would sell things when needed so that no one lacked anything ( Acts 4:34). This was a church; of course in its infancy and just after the dramatic Pentecost experience and the 1st Century persecution just starting to ramp up. We should consider as God's people not having to borrow under usery.
Deuteronomy 23 and Psalm 15:5 mention that it applies to us lending to others expecting interest in return as well as being prohibited. In the early church; of course we had a healthy fear of God so that the event with Ananias and Saphira occured ( Acts 5:1-11). Lord willing we can find resources for our needs in our local Body or others of faith.
Hi Karen. When reading Philippians 4:14-19, in the context there, as you rightly wrote, the Church was mindful of the apostle's physical needs, providing help to him probably more than a couple of times than indicated in these verses. That occasion gives us a Divine Truth: that when God's people are sensitive to His Spirit's Leading, deeply immersed in the Word & Prayer, then the outcome will always be a generosity far surpassing simply the act of giving or doing so to appease one's conscience. We see the first instance of this in Acts 4:32-25, where the fledgling Church, filled with God's Spirit, "were of one heart & soul" and they knew that their possessions were not their own (i.e. they realized that all things that they possessed belonged to and came from God for their use). With such a mind & spirit, they immediately looked out for one another, even selling houses & land so that the proceeds could benefit others among them in need.
Even though the full extent of that particular example of sacrificial love may be infrequent today, the Truth of that renewed heart & spirit in believers urged them to look out to others, when formerly it was always 'me first or what's mine is mine'. So when we give with a generous spirit, sensing the real needs within the Church (& of course, outside it), being led of God's Spirit, we can trust that God will always "supply all our needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus". Even as we read in James 4:3, "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts", implying when our motives are wrong & not aligned with what is God's best for us, we shouldn't be surprised when we're left with prayers unanswered & floundering in our sparsity. And of course, "godliness WITH contentment is great gain" ( 1 Timothy 6:6): we should be content with what God has given us, even though we have very little & can't or could never 'keep up with the Jones' '.
Interestingly, after studying scripture I've noticed, GOD gave mankind dominion, on Earth. Genesis 1:26,27,28, GOD didn't take that dominion away, people have misused their powers. They/we will all give account: Revelation 1:5-8, Romans 14:12, Daniel 4:3,34, Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 18,
Jesus was here to show us how to bring His Kingdom the Kingdom of GOD on Earth, with Love, John 3:16-21, John 13:34, Romans 12:10, 1John 4:7,12, 1Peter 3:8, John 15:17, James 2:13-17, Luke 13:34,
one day all dominion will go to Christ: 1Corinthians 15:20-28, Romans 16:20,
Galatians 4:1-8, Colossians 3:21,
Matthew 20:25-28, Ephesians 1, (whole chapters) 1Peter 4, Jude 1,
Jesus gave all that believe in him, authority under heaven: from GOD ALMIGHTY: Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 6, Luke 11, Mark 3:15, Acts 4:30,31, Luke 9:2,
We all have power in the natural if even just to comfort someone else, & as we grow in faith, supernatural power in prayer, through GOD & Christ Jesus our Savior.
I read your posts, but I do not reply as much anymore but if I may. The statement Jesus was fully God and fully man, I have heard others say as well. From the time Jesus was born until He was resurrected and ascended back to heaven can this be truly said?
We read in John 17:1-5, shortly before Jesus was arrested, He prayed to the Father to be restored. Jesus left it all behind for us, the only begotten Son of God. The Bible does not clarify what that glory is, but whatever it was, it was lacking in Him while He was human. Jesus came as a human being and had to deal with life as we do, Heb. 4:15, and was obedient to the Father, Phil. 2:6-9.
Jesus was sent to fulfill the law and the prophets only man could do that. Jesus is the Messiah/Christ that God promised and sent, the Anointed One, the only begotten Son of God, and when He was baptized, He was anointed with the Holy Spirit without measure to do the will of the Father that sent Him, Matt. 10:40Luke 4:18John 3:34-35John 5:30-31John 17:21.
Jesus is now back in heaven with the glory He had at the right hand of the Father and will reign until all enemies are put under His feet, 1 Cor 15:25 and we know the last one is death, Rev 20:14.
There is no other name above His, Phil. 2:9 and no other name where there is salvation, Acts 4:12.
I believe God answered his prayer in Matthew 26:39. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, IF IT BE POSSIBLE, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
"IF" it be possible may be the clue.
If there was any other way for man to be saved there would have been another outcome.
And later in Acts 4:12 Peter was able to say this "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
And also John in Revelation 5:2-5 "And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
And I wept much, because "NO MAN" was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof."
Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast "REDEEMED US" to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Jesus is our Kinsman redeemer.
No MAN in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book,
To be a Kinsman he had to be a Man,, "So Jesus took on flesh for the suffering of death."
Hebrews 2:14.
And to redeem us he had to be able and willing. He was the perfect Lamb of God. 1 Peter 3:18.
Hebrews 9:22-26.
I believe there was no other way.
There was no other sacrifice that would make it possible.
The comments & questions are answered primarily on volunteer basis. My education was in Law, maybe that's why I like to stick to evidence straight in scripture, not hearsay, or adding to facts. I believe there are many well educated volunteers in this vast team that stretches all around the globe, throughout the USA, & has an occasional post from French, Spanish but the site has, at this point says it will stay in English only for now. Because of the vastness of geographic differences, understanding each others perspectives, up bringings, ways of speaking even slang, can be little difficult at times, especially adding theological words. Acts 4:13,
Jesus said He would send us the Holy Spirit & 1John 2:27, that The Holy Spirit will teach us, John 14:26,
You are correct to believe the words of Jesus rather then men, he was our faultless savior and not even guile was found in his mouth. The Jews do start a 24 hour day at "evening" or sunset, Gen 1:5"And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day." You will need to closely look at all the Gospels from Matthew to John starting around when Jesus and his dispels kept the Passover at the end of each Gospel, keep notes its tricky to keep track, each Gospel holds a piece of the puzzle.
More importantly Bruce I hope Jesus finds you perfect and without fault when he comes again. Have you obeyed his Gospel and his plan of salvation?
*Repentance - turning away from all sinful evil works.
*Baptism in Jesus' name - being completely submerged in water with the name of "Jesus" spoken of you for the remission of your sins. His name is the one you must be saved by Acts 4:12.
*Receiving the Holy Ghost - being filled with the Spirit of God and when this happens you "will" speak in a different language "tongues". John 3:8
But don't take my word for it take his, Acts 17:11 "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
See it happen for yourself in Acts chapter 2, 8, 10, 19, and 22. May the Spirit of the Lord be with you in your reading!! Halleluiah!!
I'm so blessed and enlightened by this commentary on act support chapter. Thank you so kindly. And may God forever bless you for your great work in the body of Christ.
Several people have been named as possible authors:
Paul is the most common one.
Some Bibles say that this is the book of Hebrews written by Paul. The title "To the Hebrews" was not put on it until the 2nd century.
But there was no inscription about Paul until about the third century when the Council of Carthage added it to the book and claimed that Paul had written the letter. So there was no claim on the letter itself that it was written by Paul until the 3rd century.
There are some difficulties with the theory of Paul. And by the way, many scholars now do not hold that view because of all the difficulties.
For example, the letter was written by a second generation Christian because of what he stated in Hebrews 2:3. And here's what it says. Hebrews 2:3 says, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him.
So whoever wrote Hebrews did not hear the Lord directly, nor did he receive from the Lord directly, but received and was confirmed and established for us, he being one of them, by those that heard Him.
So this is just one of the problems of putting Paul as the author.
Paul himself, as stated in Galatians 1:11-12 said, but I certify to you brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man, for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
So Paul is not a second generation Christian. And whoever wrote Hebrews is a second generation Christian.
One of the other theories was that it was Barnabas, because the letter appears to have been written by a Levite and according to Acts 4:36, Barnabas was a Levite.
Barnabas means "Son of Encouragement." The writer states in Hebrews 13:22 that he encourages them to endure the word of encouragement.
Some say Luke wrote it. Right now, Apollos is the most popular theory. Bottom line is we don't know!
The time frame of the book of Acts, appears to be many years. Starting right about the time of the Resurrection of Jesus CHRIST. Please note Acts 1, Acts 2, - Acts 4:34-35, shows time passage, because those events cannot be done in one day, but over time. Acts 7, young man Saul, Acts 8,
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,
Scripture tells us the unclean spirits/devils knew He was the Son of God, Matt. 8:29Mark 3:11Luke 8:27-28. Scripture tells us Jesus is the Son of God the only begotten of the Father, John 1:14. Scripture tells us Jesus the Son of God was before this world John 17:52 Timothy 1:9. Scripture tells us Jesus the Son of God was the beginning of creation Rev. 3:1. Scripture tells us everything was created through Him Col. 1:16.
Scripture tells us to confess Jesus is the Son of God, 1 John 4:15. Scripture tells us God gave His only begotten Son, John 3:16. Scripture tells us to believe God gave His only begotten Son, 1 John 5:10. Scripture tells us God was made known in the flesh through His only begotten Son same as creation was through His Son 1 Timothy 3:16Col. 1:16.
Scripture tells us we have salvation and eternal life only in Jesus Christ, John 3:36Acts 4:12Eph. 4:121 Thess. 5:91 John 5:13 Scripture tells us we can only come to the Father through Jesus, John 14:61 Timothy 2:5.
Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets and died for our sins, and the only way that could be done is in the flesh, the seed of Abraham, Hebrews 2. He experienced temptation the same as you and me, Luke 4:2Heb 2:18, He had a brain and a will, Luke 22:42 but He was obedient to the Father. We now have a high priest in heaven that lived in this flesh just like us, Hebrews 4:14-16.
Salvation and eternal life only by the grace of God through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Jesus Christ's perfect life in the flesh, His blood shed for us, and His resurrection. We cannot deny the divinity of Jesus, the only begotten Son of God that was before this world, but no creed, doctrine, or statement of faith can be placed above or added to that we must believe to receive salvation and eternal life if scripture does not tell us we must believe. Truth is in the simplicity that is in Christ.
I love this site and the brothers and sisters on it.
James, brother in Faith of Jesus Christ our Savior
John 13:34,35, Matthew 22:39, we all are to love one another
James 1:27, 2Timothy 2:24, Catholic have hospitals for wounded, known for helping widows & orphans, yet we all should be humbly teachable
Matthew 25:31-46,
Romans 14:4, GOD will judge ultimately, Romans 14:12,
These scriptures alert me: Jeremiah 7:18, Jeremiah 44:17-30 not to worship Queen of heaven, not to give offering either,
Matthew 23:9, call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 23, please read whole chapter, it actually corrects several Christian churches & leadership titles.
John 14:6, Acts 4:10-12,
1Timothy 4:1-3, false to teach forbidding to marry, 1Corinthians 7:28, 1Corinthians 7:2-6, by leaving these out of teaching & allowing into ministry, only the supposed abstainer may have perpetrated the horrible stain in that part of the Church today.
PRAYER FOR FINANCIAL HELP AND STABILITY - In Reply - 3 years ago
Dear God, your word says that you will supply all of John's needs according to your riches in glory by Christ Jesus ( Philippians 4:19). I believe what you said. Your word does not return back void ( Isaiah 55:11), so if your word says it, you will do it.
God, if you care enough to know the number of hairs on our heads ( Luke 12:7), then you care for our finances too. So Lord, according to your word, give us our daily bread ( Matthew 6:11). Provide the financial resources to meet our earthly needs.
I thank you that the righteous are never forsaken, nor do their children beg for bread ( Psalm 37:25). You will not let us lack or go hungry. I thank you that every need is met and that there is no need among us ( Acts 4:34). You are Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides ( Genesis 22:14).
The prayers of a righteous man, availeth much. I ask in Jesus Name that You will provide for all of Johns needs throughout this crisis. Allow him to fellowship here until YOU return to Earth.
John, let your Church know you need to keep your phone. Target Stores have cheaper cell phones, which if you are a member of AARP, you get a discount with the service. Cricket which is of ATT, but is less expensive; why not Google them. Ask God for favor.
You're right, and I would like to take it a step further. We fear God because we see our uncleanness and know he's Holy. That wrath ordained to an unbeliever we don't have to concern ourselves with but his chastening we do. We are to examine ourselves to see that we our in the faith or not. Is the spirit leading us in ministering and are we living a life where the spirit has changed us from doing the "works of God" by command or doing Gods work by the fruit of the spirit.
May my tongue extol and magnify YOU, because YOU so richly deserve the praise we should give unto YOU. "May the words of my mouth be acceptable unto YOU."
Thank YOU LORD for answered prayers and the peace and comfort that follows as we learn to abide in YOU according to Scripture. Isaiah 26: 3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
Praise the LORD for all on this forum and for the promises YOU give to us. May we all endeavor to trust, believe, and walk for "...in the joy of the LORD is my strength.."
April 9, 2023 Galatians 2:20; Matthew 28:18-20;
Acts 4:10-12
We must be about the work of the LORD, making disciples as we called to do in Matthew 28: 18-20.
As GOD is not willing that anyone should perish, 1 Peter 3:9, we must be encouraged and plant the seed, water where we can so that the LORD GOD will give the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:6
The time is at hand where all saints are called to duty and reach out, pray up, and tell to all the salvation available in the gospel of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Romans 10: 9-12; Acts 4:10-12.
GOD bless all on this platform and praise the LORD on this Resurrection Sunday, 2023. GOD to shine HIS face on all, and be gracious as we await HIS coming.
Based on your initial question, then based on your disagreement with someone who answered your question, I'm not sure you were genuinely seeking an answer. But in case its helpful to any one else viewing the topic I'll share my thoughts.
Some say we're all born into sin- from the original sin. I believe the original sin affects all of us. Jesus was sinless and perfect His whole life. He's the only one like that.
Based on references like Matthew 18:3 I think it's possible that we're born innocent, pure, and sinless, but is inevitable sin will occur. All people sin (Jesus is the only exception). Mary is not an exception, nor any other people from the Bible. This verse Psalm 51:5 suggests Mary had sin. There is no such verse claiming she was any different than anyone else, other than being chosen for giving birth to Jesus.
When I see some Catholics praying to Mary, chanting to her, singing to her, worshipping her, making graven images of her and bowing down to her statue, it seems like an obvious sin of idolatry- violating the 2nd commandment: Deuteronomy 5:7.
Acts 4:12 says there's no one else but Jesus. Not Mary, not a pope, not a pastor, not the government, not family, or friends, or anyone else but Jesus in whom we should put our hope and trust in.
God bless.
A tithe is 10 percent, and Abraham was the first to give 10 percent to Melchizedek in Gen. 14:20. Next in Gen 28 God appears to Jacob at Bethel when Jacob dreamed of the angels going up and down on a ladder. God promised him covenant blessings, and Jacob promised God a tenth of everything granted him Gen. 28:22.
After God brought Israel out of Egypt and divided the land the tribe of Levi did not have a portion of the land, their duty was to the LORD and a tenth/tithe from the other tribes was given to them for their portion and unto the LORD, Num. 18:21-24.
As far as a tithe given to a church, some say it is required, and for others, it is not, tithing is not taught in the New Testament. Some abuse this to make budgets that is or is not being used for the work of the Lord. Some people today struggle to even have food. We see in the New Testament where people give, there is a good example Jesus made just before the Olivet discourse with the widow Luke 21:1-4.
We see in Eph. 4:28 another reason to work that we look over, and we see the early Church selling all they had and giving it to those who had need, Acts 4:34-35 and in 1 Cor. 16:1-3 Paul ask for people to gather up what they could spare to carry to Jerusalem. We don't think about this very much, at that time there was a famine over the whole Mid-East many were starving as many countries are today.
What we give is in our heart, 2 Cor. 9:7 if you see and feel the church you attend is doing good for the congregation helping those who are in need and the neighborhood it is in, pray and let the Holy Spirit in your heart guide you.
This is my understanding may it help.
God bless,
RLW
You will find this in Acts 4:10-12 which itself is the confirmation Matthew 21:42 and Psalm 118:22-23 and 1 Peter 2:6-7
- - - - - - - - - - - -
The difference in severity can be taken from above.
If Christ is that Stone (which he is), then even common sense teaches that it is far better to fall on a stone than for a stone to fall on you.
God: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23 KJV
You: It sounds like... you don't "need" or "want" God's grace and may not even need to follow Christ (be a Christian)? "In regards to "having a free get out of hell card", it appears you are assuming Alex and others who believe as we do, want one or even need one. "
God: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:" Matthew 7:13 KJV
You: "salvation is all inclusive." It sounds like you're ignoring God or calling Him dishonest when He says that most will go to hell, that salvation is intended for everyone but most will not choose to follow Jesus and thus will go to hell. Acts 4:12
God: "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 KJV
You: It sounds like you don't believe what the Bible says or don't believe God, because there is a risk of everyone going to hell. Someone must make a choice and "believe" as it says above. How someone can ignore this obvious verse I do not yet understand.
God: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38 KJV
You: It sounds like you ignore the above command, that you DON'T need to repent or do anything, and that you don't even need to be forgiven? Because you assume you're already saved regardless of your actions and will be in heaven with Hitler, Mao, Stalin, and the worlds worst mass murderers dining and hanging out with them?
Do you consider yourself a Christian and can you please share what criteria you followed to believe you are one?
God bless.
This form of self-transformation is also referred to as self-righteousness ( Romans 10-3), while in truth you follow after a image of a false god and a false Christ ( Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; Gal. 4:8; Rev. 12:9). This is how Satan has transformed himself into an angel of light ( 2 Cor. 11:13-15) and deceived the whole world ( Rev. 12:9), as people by nature are in fact children of the devil ( Acts 13:10).
Gal. 1:11,12. The gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ ( Daniel 12:4,9; Amos 3:7; Matthew 16:17; Luke 2:26; Romans 16:25; 1 Cor. 2:10; Gal. 1:16; Eph. 3:3,5; Rev. 1:1).
The Word of God is God ( John 1:1) and the scriptural references we use serve as confirmation that it is not us that speak, but the Spirit of our Father that speaketh in us ( 2 Samuel 23:2; Matthew 10:20; Acts 4:8; 6:10).
Narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it ( Matthew 7:14).
Seek, and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
I would be remiss here if I didn't include financial decisions in this discussion. When we consider the egregious debts that I am certain many professing believers have saddled themselves with it saddens me to think of how our "rugged individualism" in the USA has seemingly made asking advice on such matters something that doesn't come across the radar of many who otherwise may be involved in the church. Again; I speak from experience when much of the inheritance from my deceased grandmother was spent on frivolous vacations and other things in my early years of marriage. Needless to say such a stressor wasn't helpful in my situation and also is a major source of contention in many marriages.
Most churches have others who can give us wise counsel on that subject; and in fact usually there are more than one person who can help us out skilled as carpenters or laborers who we can bless in doing work for our homes by payment for their services; and who often are willing to give us a break in the bill. It does seem that there are times especially in large churches where those in need the most for a small financial assistance are drowned out effectively by whatever cause is the biggest selling point of interest.
It would be nice to see a church such as the one in the Book of Acts who would sell things when needed so that no one lacked anything ( Acts 4:34). This was a church; of course in its infancy and just after the dramatic Pentecost experience and the 1st Century persecution just starting to ramp up. We should consider as God's people not having to borrow under usery.
Deuteronomy 23 and Psalm 15:5 mention that it applies to us lending to others expecting interest in return as well as being prohibited. In the early church; of course we had a healthy fear of God so that the event with Ananias and Saphira occured ( Acts 5:1-11). Lord willing we can find resources for our needs in our local Body or others of faith.
Even though the full extent of that particular example of sacrificial love may be infrequent today, the Truth of that renewed heart & spirit in believers urged them to look out to others, when formerly it was always 'me first or what's mine is mine'. So when we give with a generous spirit, sensing the real needs within the Church (& of course, outside it), being led of God's Spirit, we can trust that God will always "supply all our needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus". Even as we read in James 4:3, "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts", implying when our motives are wrong & not aligned with what is God's best for us, we shouldn't be surprised when we're left with prayers unanswered & floundering in our sparsity. And of course, "godliness WITH contentment is great gain" ( 1 Timothy 6:6): we should be content with what God has given us, even though we have very little & can't or could never 'keep up with the Jones' '.
Interestingly, after studying scripture I've noticed, GOD gave mankind dominion, on Earth. Genesis 1:26,27,28, GOD didn't take that dominion away, people have misused their powers. They/we will all give account: Revelation 1:5-8, Romans 14:12, Daniel 4:3,34, Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 18,
Jesus was here to show us how to bring His Kingdom the Kingdom of GOD on Earth, with Love, John 3:16-21, John 13:34, Romans 12:10, 1John 4:7,12, 1Peter 3:8, John 15:17, James 2:13-17, Luke 13:34,
one day all dominion will go to Christ: 1Corinthians 15:20-28, Romans 16:20,
Galatians 4:1-8, Colossians 3:21,
Matthew 20:25-28, Ephesians 1, (whole chapters) 1Peter 4, Jude 1,
Jesus gave all that believe in him, authority under heaven: from GOD ALMIGHTY: Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 6, Luke 11, Mark 3:15, Acts 4:30,31, Luke 9:2,
We all have power in the natural if even just to comfort someone else, & as we grow in faith, supernatural power in prayer, through GOD & Christ Jesus our Savior.
Hopefully these are helpful
Romans 14:12, 1Peter 4, Jude 1, Zechariah 3, 1Chronicles 21:1, Job 1, Job 2, Matthew 4:10, Mark 1:13, Luke 4, Luke 22, John 13,
Mark 4:15, Luke 13:16, Acts 5, notice Acts 4:32-37, continued into Acts 5, - Acts 5:13, 1Corinthians 7:5, 2Corinthians 11:13,14, 2Thessalonians 2:9, John 7:24, Romans 14:13,
Acts 26:18, Romans 16:20, Revelation 12:9, Revelation 20, Psalms 98:9,
James 1:5,
Hopefully these give you wisdom
"I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour."
Since Jesus is the one and only savior as 1 John 4:14 and Acts 4:12 says, do you think its possible the uppercase LORD and savior is Jesus?
Yes ! Luke 24:47,48 Mark 16:16,17 , Acts 2:38 , Acts 4:12 , Acts 19:1-6 , Acts 5:32 ,
1 Corinthians 14:2,22,39. Acts 1:8 , Acts 2:4 , John 21:15 Jesus loves us!
Landon
I read your posts, but I do not reply as much anymore but if I may. The statement Jesus was fully God and fully man, I have heard others say as well. From the time Jesus was born until He was resurrected and ascended back to heaven can this be truly said?
We read in John 17:1-5, shortly before Jesus was arrested, He prayed to the Father to be restored. Jesus left it all behind for us, the only begotten Son of God. The Bible does not clarify what that glory is, but whatever it was, it was lacking in Him while He was human. Jesus came as a human being and had to deal with life as we do, Heb. 4:15, and was obedient to the Father, Phil. 2:6-9.
Jesus was sent to fulfill the law and the prophets only man could do that. Jesus is the Messiah/Christ that God promised and sent, the Anointed One, the only begotten Son of God, and when He was baptized, He was anointed with the Holy Spirit without measure to do the will of the Father that sent Him, Matt. 10:40 Luke 4:18 John 3:34-35 John 5:30-31 John 17:21.
Jesus is now back in heaven with the glory He had at the right hand of the Father and will reign until all enemies are put under His feet, 1 Cor 15:25 and we know the last one is death, Rev 20:14.
There is no other name above His, Phil. 2:9 and no other name where there is salvation, Acts 4:12.
God bless,
RLW
Hopefully these are helpful
Relevant today : Ezekiel 13:22,23
Acts 5:1-10 in context Acts 4:32-37, continued into Acts 5,
Wisdom about : Proverbs 14:5-25, Proverbs 29:12, John 8:42-44 in context John 8,
Psalms 40:4, Isaiah 63:8, Zephaniah 3:13,
I believe God answered his prayer in Matthew 26:39. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, IF IT BE POSSIBLE, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
"IF" it be possible may be the clue.
If there was any other way for man to be saved there would have been another outcome.
And later in Acts 4:12 Peter was able to say this "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
And also John in Revelation 5:2-5 "And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
And I wept much, because "NO MAN" was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof."
Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast "REDEEMED US" to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Jesus is our Kinsman redeemer.
No MAN in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book,
To be a Kinsman he had to be a Man,, "So Jesus took on flesh for the suffering of death."
Hebrews 2:14.
And to redeem us he had to be able and willing. He was the perfect Lamb of God. 1 Peter 3:18.
Hebrews 9:22-26.
I believe there was no other way.
There was no other sacrifice that would make it possible.
God bless.
The comments & questions are answered primarily on volunteer basis. My education was in Law, maybe that's why I like to stick to evidence straight in scripture, not hearsay, or adding to facts. I believe there are many well educated volunteers in this vast team that stretches all around the globe, throughout the USA, & has an occasional post from French, Spanish but the site has, at this point says it will stay in English only for now. Because of the vastness of geographic differences, understanding each others perspectives, up bringings, ways of speaking even slang, can be little difficult at times, especially adding theological words. Acts 4:13,
Jesus said He would send us the Holy Spirit & 1John 2:27, that The Holy Spirit will teach us, John 14:26,
James 1:5,
Hopefully this is helpful
You are correct to believe the words of Jesus rather then men, he was our faultless savior and not even guile was found in his mouth. The Jews do start a 24 hour day at "evening" or sunset, Gen 1:5"And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day." You will need to closely look at all the Gospels from Matthew to John starting around when Jesus and his dispels kept the Passover at the end of each Gospel, keep notes its tricky to keep track, each Gospel holds a piece of the puzzle.
More importantly Bruce I hope Jesus finds you perfect and without fault when he comes again. Have you obeyed his Gospel and his plan of salvation?
*Repentance - turning away from all sinful evil works.
*Baptism in Jesus' name - being completely submerged in water with the name of "Jesus" spoken of you for the remission of your sins. His name is the one you must be saved by Acts 4:12.
*Receiving the Holy Ghost - being filled with the Spirit of God and when this happens you "will" speak in a different language "tongues". John 3:8
But don't take my word for it take his, Acts 17:11 "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
See it happen for yourself in Acts chapter 2, 8, 10, 19, and 22. May the Spirit of the Lord be with you in your reading!! Halleluiah!!
Act 2:41,42, Acts 4:4,
Hopefully these are helpful in your study
Galatians 1:8,9, no, Angel given another gospel not ok.
Revelation 14, 144,000, seem to be clearly defined in: Revelation 7:3-4, broken down by tribe: Revelation 7:3-8,
Not just the Laterdaysaints: Revelation 7:9-17,
don't add to word, or take away from: Revelation 22:18,19
Matthew 25:31-46,
Women prophets Judges 4:4, Luke 2:36, Exodus 15:20,
Acts 4:12, John 14:6, John 3:16,
Hopefully these are helpful
Thank you so kindly. And may God forever bless you for your great work in the body of Christ.
Several people have been named as possible authors:
Paul is the most common one.
Some Bibles say that this is the book of Hebrews written by Paul. The title "To the Hebrews" was not put on it until the 2nd century.
But there was no inscription about Paul until about the third century when the Council of Carthage added it to the book and claimed that Paul had written the letter. So there was no claim on the letter itself that it was written by Paul until the 3rd century.
There are some difficulties with the theory of Paul. And by the way, many scholars now do not hold that view because of all the difficulties.
For example, the letter was written by a second generation Christian because of what he stated in Hebrews 2:3. And here's what it says. Hebrews 2:3 says, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him.
So whoever wrote Hebrews did not hear the Lord directly, nor did he receive from the Lord directly, but received and was confirmed and established for us, he being one of them, by those that heard Him.
So this is just one of the problems of putting Paul as the author.
Paul himself, as stated in Galatians 1:11-12 said, but I certify to you brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man, for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
So Paul is not a second generation Christian. And whoever wrote Hebrews is a second generation Christian.
One of the other theories was that it was Barnabas, because the letter appears to have been written by a Levite and according to Acts 4:36, Barnabas was a Levite.
Barnabas means "Son of Encouragement." The writer states in Hebrews 13:22 that he encourages them to endure the word of encouragement.
Some say Luke wrote it. Right now, Apollos is the most popular theory. Bottom line is we don't know!
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
Scripture tells us the unclean spirits/devils knew He was the Son of God, Matt. 8:29 Mark 3:11 Luke 8:27-28. Scripture tells us Jesus is the Son of God the only begotten of the Father, John 1:14. Scripture tells us Jesus the Son of God was before this world John 17:5 2 Timothy 1:9. Scripture tells us Jesus the Son of God was the beginning of creation Rev. 3:1. Scripture tells us everything was created through Him Col. 1:16.
Scripture tells us to confess Jesus is the Son of God, 1 John 4:15. Scripture tells us God gave His only begotten Son, John 3:16. Scripture tells us to believe God gave His only begotten Son, 1 John 5:10. Scripture tells us God was made known in the flesh through His only begotten Son same as creation was through His Son 1 Timothy 3:16 Col. 1:16.
Scripture tells us we have salvation and eternal life only in Jesus Christ, John 3:36 Acts 4:12 Eph. 4:12 1 Thess. 5:9 1 John 5:13 Scripture tells us we can only come to the Father through Jesus, John 14:6 1 Timothy 2:5.
Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets and died for our sins, and the only way that could be done is in the flesh, the seed of Abraham, Hebrews 2. He experienced temptation the same as you and me, Luke 4:2 Heb 2:18, He had a brain and a will, Luke 22:42 but He was obedient to the Father. We now have a high priest in heaven that lived in this flesh just like us, Hebrews 4:14-16.
Salvation and eternal life only by the grace of God through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Jesus Christ's perfect life in the flesh, His blood shed for us, and His resurrection. We cannot deny the divinity of Jesus, the only begotten Son of God that was before this world, but no creed, doctrine, or statement of faith can be placed above or added to that we must believe to receive salvation and eternal life if scripture does not tell us we must believe. Truth is in the simplicity that is in Christ.
I love this site and the brothers and sisters on it.
God bless,
RLW
John 13:34,35, Matthew 22:39, we all are to love one another
James 1:27, 2Timothy 2:24, Catholic have hospitals for wounded, known for helping widows & orphans, yet we all should be humbly teachable
Matthew 25:31-46,
Romans 14:4, GOD will judge ultimately, Romans 14:12,
These scriptures alert me: Jeremiah 7:18, Jeremiah 44:17-30 not to worship Queen of heaven, not to give offering either,
Matthew 23:9, call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 23, please read whole chapter, it actually corrects several Christian churches & leadership titles.
John 14:6, Acts 4:10-12,
1Timothy 4:1-3, false to teach forbidding to marry, 1Corinthians 7:28, 1Corinthians 7:2-6, by leaving these out of teaching & allowing into ministry, only the supposed abstainer may have perpetrated the horrible stain in that part of the Church today.
Hopefully these are helpful in this discussion
God, if you care enough to know the number of hairs on our heads ( Luke 12:7), then you care for our finances too. So Lord, according to your word, give us our daily bread ( Matthew 6:11). Provide the financial resources to meet our earthly needs.
I thank you that the righteous are never forsaken, nor do their children beg for bread ( Psalm 37:25). You will not let us lack or go hungry. I thank you that every need is met and that there is no need among us ( Acts 4:34). You are Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides ( Genesis 22:14).
The prayers of a righteous man, availeth much. I ask in Jesus Name that You will provide for all of Johns needs throughout this crisis. Allow him to fellowship here until YOU return to Earth.
John, let your Church know you need to keep your phone. Target Stores have cheaper cell phones, which if you are a member of AARP, you get a discount with the service. Cricket which is of ATT, but is less expensive; why not Google them. Ask God for favor.
I love you in Jesus, Streetpreacher
You're right, and I would like to take it a step further. We fear God because we see our uncleanness and know he's Holy. That wrath ordained to an unbeliever we don't have to concern ourselves with but his chastening we do. We are to examine ourselves to see that we our in the faith or not. Is the spirit leading us in ministering and are we living a life where the spirit has changed us from doing the "works of God" by command or doing Gods work by the fruit of the spirit.
God bless.