I stood wondering what I had just done, knowing that if I had seen the Mosque prior to my arrival at the shop, I would have just walked by, and thinking that it would be impossible to sell here, even if I could muster up the courage to do so. As the Lord had earlier blinded the eyes of that priest raging against us, now the Lord blinded my own eyes so that His Word could get out. Again, I was left marveling at the Lord's Hand in all this, as well how easily those books would now have gone out to those Muslim devotees attending the mosque for their prayers & then purchasing 'Christian' books afterwards, receiving the Gospel into their hearts. I could never reach so many Muslims, & most would have rejected those books coming from me. This is all the Lord's Doing alone - I could never have done anything like this. We are but instruments in His Hands to reach out in ways that would ordinarily be impossible - for man - not for our God. And yes, as God had done in the past, with Pharaoh, Ahasuerus, Nebuchadnezzar, etc., He still can do today, using non-believers to help disseminate His Word.
At another time, my whole team of four (at that time) were in our van traveling to a pre-determined location to start some book sales, etc. At this time, I had another team member driving the van, and as we went down a narrow road with a short median road divider, a motor cycle rider wanted to overtake us. There wouldn't have been much room to do so, but 'insha'allah' (in God's Name) as he would have thought or shouted, having deemed the risk worth taking. But we had to take a right turn soon, my driver gave his turn indicator plus a hand signal (as one does there), but that wouldn't deter any Pakistani from proceeding with such a manoeuvre. The result? As we turned, with him suddenly beside us, our van struck him & down he went. Onto Page 3.
Brother Giannis. I could share a couple of other events (stories) during my short years in Pakistan as you enquired, not to project myself at all, but for the Glory & Praise of our Almighty Heavenly Father.
While on my own during my book-selling distribution work, I went from shop to shop to show the retailers the books, Gospel packets, & tracts that I had. After I finished with one shop the next one was a little way away, but when I came to it, it was a bookshop. I wondered whether they would be interested. I showed them the books: about the lives of the 'prophets', Jesus, of David, of Abraham, of Moses, etc., & the shop-keeper was very impressed, as he had never seen any literature giving details of these men of old. As you might know, the Quran refers to those men but never shares much detail about them as we read in the Bible.
The shop-keeper thought he had a windfall in some very special books that no other bookshop had to sell - indeed he could make a lot of money from selling these books. He then asked me to take out all the books from my bag & then asked for the total price I wanted for them all. He paid my price & I left thankful to him & of course, to the Lord, rejoicing on my way, & no heavy load to carry back with me. This has never ever happened to me before or after. One might think that that was all that the Lord had done (i.e. giving us such a great book sale; and I should add, the Mission never gave us any money to live, we had to learn to trust the Lord for it through book sales or any gifts).
But the Lord revealed to me something even more astounding, that only He could do. When I walked away from the bookshop, I turned around for some reason (just as I turned around at that other time when the Muslim priest was hounding us away). This time when I looked, I saw a large mosque connected to the bookshop. YES - I actually sold Christian books with the Gospel message clearly in them, to a Mosque bookshop. Onto Page 2.
What is sin today ? ? Is the Ten Commandments shows us that we are sinners ? ? Ten Commandments was given to Israel from Moses to follow and more laws were added. Here is the Ten Commandments in Exodus.
Exodus 20:1-17
1 And God spake all these words, saying,
2I am theLordthy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
4Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
5Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I theLordthy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
6And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
7Thou shalt not take the name of theLordthy God in vain; for theLordwill not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
8Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
10But the seventh day is the sabbath of theLordthy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
11For in six days theLordmade heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore theLordblessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
12Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which theLordthy God giveth thee.
13Thou shalt not kill.
14Thou shalt not commit adultery.
15Thou shalt not steal.
16Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
17Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
Apostle Paul is telling us that the Ten Commandments does not save us, It condemns us .
2 Corinthians 3:7
But if theministrationof death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
The law brings us to death.
Romans 7:5
For when we were intheflesh,themotionsofsins, which were bythelaw, did work in our members to bring forthfruitunto death.
We are not saved by following the Ten Commandments, we are saved by believing the gospel of grace.
Galatians 2:16
Knowing that a man is not justified bytheworksofthelaw, but bythefaithofJesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified bythefaithofChrist, and not bytheworksofthelaw: for bytheworksofthelaw shall nofleshbe justified.
Apostle Paul is telling us not to sin in the flesh and is call out the sin in the flesh.
Galatians 5:19-23
19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
No man on earth can follow all of the Ten Commandments, that's why Jesus Christ nail it on the cross.
Colossians 2:14
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way,nailing it to his cross
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the Holy Spirit keeps us from sinning and the Word of God cleanses us from sin.
Jesus as a preacher possible had a job as a carpenter with His stepfather Joseph.
Matthew 13:55
Is not this thecarpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
Jesus as a preacher does not believe in a church to sell goods for profit.
Matthew 21:12
And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of themoneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
Jesus as a preacher also paid his taxes .
Matthew 17:24-27
24And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
25He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
26Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
27Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
Apostle Paul the preacher was making tents for income.
Acts 18:3
And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they weretentmakers.
Apostle Paul warns the preacher Timothy of the money being collected for the poor Jews in the Kingdom.
1 Timothy 6:10
For the love ofmoneyis the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
I think it's best not to judge a Pastor of how much he takes in for a payroll. If a Pastor doesn't want to get judge, it would be better to have a job besides the tithing payroll , like Apostle Paul.
The most dangerous thing in the Bible is being deceived by false prophets, false apostles, false accusers, false witness and false Christs . Satan will use anyone to do his work in deception.
Jesus warns his Twelve Disiples of people that will say bad things against them.
Matthew 5:11
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against youfalsely, for my sake.
Jesus warns the Twelve Disiples of false prophets.
Matthew 7:15
Beware offalseprophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
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Jesus warns the Twelve Disiples of false witness.
Matthew 15:19
For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts,falsewitness,
Jesus warns the Twelve Disiples of false prophets.
Matthew 24:11
And manyfalseprophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Jesus warns the Twelve Disiples of false Christs.
Matthew 24:24
For there shall arisefalseChrists, andfalseprophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Jesus warns the Twelve Disiples of false witness.
Mark 10:19
Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bearfalsewitness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
Jesus warns the Twelve Disiples of false Christs and false prophets.
Mark 13:22
ForfalseChrists andfalseprophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
Jesus warns the Twelve Disiples of false witness.
Luke 18:20
Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bearfalsewitness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bearfalsewitness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Apostle Paul said that we will be calls false witnesses for God in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:15
Yea, and we are foundfalsewitnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
Apostle Paul warns us of false apostles.
2 Corinthians 11:13
For such arefalseapostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
Apostle Paul warns us of false Jews in the ministry.
2 Corinthians 11:26
In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils amongfalsebrethren;
Apostle Paul said that false Jews will spy and try to put us in bondage inwhich is the law.
Galatians 2:4
And that because offalsebrethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
Apostle Paul warns us of false science and vain babblings.
1 Timothy 6:20
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of sciencefalsely so called:
Apostle Paul warns us of false accusers.
2 Timothy 3:3
Without natural affection, trucebreakers,falseaccusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Apostle Paul warns us of falsely accuse of our good conversation in Christ.
1 Peter 3:16
Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed thatfalsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Apostle Peter in the Tribulation warn his Jewish followers of false prophets.
2 Peter 2:1
But there werefalseprophets also among the people, even as there shall befalseteachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Saint John warns us in the Tribulation of false prophets.
1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because manyfalseprophets are gone out into the world.
Saint John warns the Jewish followers of false prophets.
Revelation 16:13
And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of thefalseprophet.
We are in the Church age of grace, we do not have prophets to deliver us the word of God and we do not a apostles to give us another revelation to add to the Bible.
The Gospel of the Kingdom is for the Jews and the Gospel of Grace is for the Gentiles.
We start with the Gospel of the Kingdom on earth for the Jews for the New Jerusalem.
Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching thegospelofthekingdom, and healing all mannerofsickness and all mannerofdisease among the people.
The gospel of the kingdom required
Matthew 24:14
And thisgospelofthekingdomshall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall repentance.
Jesus Christ told the Twelve Disiples not to go to the Gentiles with the gospel of the kingdom.
Matthew 10:5-7
5These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Jesus Christ job was to minister to the Jews for in the gospel of the kingdom.
Romans 15:8
Now I say that Jesus Christ was aministerofthecircumcisionforthetruth of God,toconfirmthepromises made untothefathers:
We start with the Gospel of Grace that was revealed to Apostle Paul for the Gentiles to believe the finished work of the cross. Jesus Christ died for our sins and was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
There is no repentance for sin in the gospel of grace , we believe only . 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Acts 20:24
But noneofthese things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have receivedofthe Lord Jesus, to testify thegospelofthegraceofGod.
The Twelve Apostles agreed to let Apostle Paul spread the gospel of grace to the Gentiles.
Galatians 2:9
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived thegracethatwasgivenunto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
The gift of the gospel of grace was given to Apostle Paul from God.
Ephesians 3:7
Whereof Iwasmade a minister, according to the gift of thegraceof Godgivenunto me by the effectual working of his power.
Apostle Paul labor more than anything with the gospel of grace.
1 Corinthians 15:10
But by thegraceof God I am what I am: and hisgracewhich was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but thegraceof God which was with me.
The Gentiles and a few Jews became Christian first in Antioch. They call Apostle Paul because the Gentiles wanted the gospel of grace and Paul was the man for the Gentiles.
Acts 11:20-26
20And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching theLordJesus.
21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
22Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
25Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
26And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Apostle Paul share the gospel of grace to Agrippa . Agrippa always believed the gospel.
Acts 26:28
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be aChristian.
Peter is writing to his Jewish followers to not be ashamed of being a Christian in believing the gospel of grace.
1 Peter 4:16
Yet if any man suffer as aChristian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Peter writes to his Jewish followers and tells them that Apostle Paul has the gospel of grace.
2 Peter 3:15
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our belovedbrotherPaulalso according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
Today we are being attacked by believing the gospel of grace as a Christian.
Why should we follow Paul ? ? But what about following Jesus ? ?
All Twelve Disiples followed Jesus earthly ministry in the four gospels for the kingdom of heaven on earth.
Matthew 4:19
And he saith unto them,Followme, and I will make you fishers of men.
Mark 1:18
And straightway they forsook their nets, andfollowed him.
Luke 5:11
And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, andfollowed him.
John 1:37
And the two disciples heard him speak, and theyfollowed Jesus.
Why should we follow Apostle Paul ? ?
Jesus Christ in Heaven did say that Apostle Paul was a chosen vessel for the Gentiles.
Acts 9:15
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is achosenvesselunto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
Jesus Christ is the author of the whole Bible.
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus theauthorand finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Jesus Christ wants us to follow Apostle Paul's epistle for doctrine and Salvation.
1 Corinthians 11:1
Be yefollowers ofme, even as I also am of Christ.
Apostle Paul's doctrine is from Jesus Christ in Heaven.
Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to thedoctrinewhich ye have learned; and avoid them.
Apostle Paul said that we can always learn from the Old Testament and the caring down kingdom of gospel in the four gospels. The death of Jesus Christ started the New Testament
Hebrews 9:16
For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of thetestator.
Romans 15:4
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for ourlearning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
I follow Apostle Paul's epistle in Jesus Christ for Doctrine and Salvation.
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Satan took over the earth and the air, when Adam sinned against God.
Matthew 4:8
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all thekingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Lucifer used to be a beautiful Angel of Light. Now , he is called Satan the Devil.
Isaiah 14:12
How art thou fallen from heaven, OLucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Satan is still dangerous to us right now.
2 Corinthians 2:11
LestSatanshould get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Satan can transform himself into a beautiful light .
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; forSatanhimself is transformed into an angel of light.
Satan can hurt the earthly body .
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger ofSatanto buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Satan's followers are in the churches deceiving the mass . Wide is the gate to destruction.
Philippians 3:18
(For many walk,ofwhom I have told youoften, and now tell you even weeping, thatthey aretheenemiesofthecrossofChrist:
The Bible needs to be studied and taken seriously for the truth of the Gospel of Grace.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing thewordoftruth.
Romans 1:16
ForIamnotashamedof the gospel of Christ: foritis the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning ofbarleyharvest.
2 Kings 4:42
And there came a man from Baalshalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves ofbarley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat.
2. Wheat , Second Coming
John 12:24
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn ofwheatfall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
1 Samuel 6:13
And they of Bethshemesh were reaping theirwheatharvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.
Matthew 13:30
Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather thewheatinto my barn
3. Grapes , Wrath of God
Revelation 14:18
And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for hergrapesare fully ripe.
Isaiah 5:2
And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forthgrapes, and it brought forth wildgrapes.
Mark 15:23
And they gave him to drinkwinemingled with myrrh: but he received it not.
Matthew 26:29
But I say unto you, I will notdrinkhenceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when Idrinkit new with you in my Father's kingdom.
Dear Father, there's been a lot of changes after Jesus Christ died . We no longer have to follow the law for Salvation and we don't have to sacrifice animals for remission of sins. Father, we can pray everyday anywhere with out a temple to go to. Father, thank you for setting me free from bondage that no longer works for all of us. Father, you're only begotten Son, Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven and I truly thank you for my Salvation by believing the gospel of grace and nothing added. Father, thank you so much for the Holy Spirit that guides me in prayer and studying the Bible day and night. Father, I thank you for washing my sins daily by the word of God, by reading and studying. Father, God in Heaven, please bless this website ministry for your honor and glory. Father, I know I can only trust your word to be true and alive .
The kingdom on earth will definitely be for Israel, but we may have some part in it. The body of Christ is the grace age church that's in glory.
1 Thessalonians 2:13-
13For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
14For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
15Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
16Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
The wrath of God will be at His Second Coming and that is the Tribulation.
5For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
6And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.
7So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
8For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
9For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
10And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come
Wrath to come is the Tribulation of the Second coming of Jesus Christ.
Stuart Bird, God love us so much that He gave us His Son , Jesus Christ and it didn't cost us anything.
May God bless you and you're family.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able toseparateus from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
To say I love God, is to say I believe the gospel of grace in Christ Jesus.
Karen, sorry to hear about false claims. I pray that God will protect you and you're family in Christ Jesus. The day will come when we see Jesus Christ face to face.
When I read this verse, I know that there's not a percentage of money for me to give or someone telling me when I should give. I give because it's in my heart from the Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth acheerfulgiver.
If we give with a unhappy heart, then it's not giving with a happy heart.
May God bless you and you're family.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
God gave us with a cheerful heart and that was Jesus Christ.
Thank you bro. Richard for all that you have presented, specifically focussing on the conduct & ministry of Christ's Church. I've appreciated following your thoughts, even as you have personally seen & experienced much of what you have addressed. Whenever I consider the formation of the NT Church & to what I see today functioning as Christ's Body, I see how far we have drifted from the simple & essential. Not saying that there should not be differences at all, as many factors would contribute to the difference between the 1st century Church to the 21st century, including congregation numbers, different types of pressure faced, government requirements, etc. So, differences there will be, but when we depart from the essentials & the simplicity in Christian living & gathering together, then difficulties arise & the further away we drift from God's Plan.
To this end, in the matter of Church leadership, as you've shared: even though I don't particularly see any one Church gathering as perfectly conforming to the Lord's pattern of leadership, behavior, and belief; in my association with various groups, I've found that the 'open' Brethren Assemblies seem to follow most closely to the above. I don't attend one because of distance & probably my wife wouldn't join me anyway, but in their meetings, I usually sense how the early Church would have been organized & behaved. They don't have pastors, only elders & deacons (the elders fulfilling pastoral duties, with the care of the believers, home visitiation, counselling, etc.). Music is limited to a piano or organ, the congregation, as led by the Spirit, can share a Scripture, a Word, a testimony for edification to all, and a Bible message from an Elder. No salaries are given (the elders need to be working men), all other service (for maintenance of Church or grounds) is voluntary, as believers are able or qualified; and the only expense is toward payment of taxes & dues, as well as missionary support. Thanks again.
Brother Jesse, I join with bro S. Spencer in appreciation of all your hard work going through the NT & picking out certain verses that needed clarification from the original language - which of course, must be very helpful to the serious Bible student.
Yes, I remember the reason why you began this series of notes, but I suspect that the person who questioned you & enquired further from you, is doubtless amazed by the extent of your response. I'm sure that even a few examples of why the KJV, indeed any translation into any other language from the original, can never be exact, is simply because of the nature of language itself & the ideas & culture behind them. As well, how we read it in our language is very often colored by our own perceptions or predispositions, making the original given text at variance to what we ought to be reading & understanding. I too, will always stick with the KJB, but your efforts have indeed added much more to my understanding & appreciation of the Word, as the actual intended message from the writers are revealed - and all these harmonize with the rest of Scripture. Blessings brother & be encouraged further to complete this huge task.
You are welcome and thank you for sticking with this from the beginning. And may the Lord continue to bless you also! I should be ready to start posting on 2 Thessalonians, hopefully by tomorrow. It's been quite the journey thus far and I am grateful for you and a few others who have been following along and giving me the encouragement to see this through. If it wasn't for you and those who have been blessed by some of the things I've shared, I would have probably stopped way back in Matthew after the individual who asked me to do this falsely accused me of discrediting the Holy Spirit and then left this forum all together.
I stood wondering what I had just done, knowing that if I had seen the Mosque prior to my arrival at the shop, I would have just walked by, and thinking that it would be impossible to sell here, even if I could muster up the courage to do so. As the Lord had earlier blinded the eyes of that priest raging against us, now the Lord blinded my own eyes so that His Word could get out. Again, I was left marveling at the Lord's Hand in all this, as well how easily those books would now have gone out to those Muslim devotees attending the mosque for their prayers & then purchasing 'Christian' books afterwards, receiving the Gospel into their hearts. I could never reach so many Muslims, & most would have rejected those books coming from me. This is all the Lord's Doing alone - I could never have done anything like this. We are but instruments in His Hands to reach out in ways that would ordinarily be impossible - for man - not for our God. And yes, as God had done in the past, with Pharaoh, Ahasuerus, Nebuchadnezzar, etc., He still can do today, using non-believers to help disseminate His Word.
At another time, my whole team of four (at that time) were in our van traveling to a pre-determined location to start some book sales, etc. At this time, I had another team member driving the van, and as we went down a narrow road with a short median road divider, a motor cycle rider wanted to overtake us. There wouldn't have been much room to do so, but 'insha'allah' (in God's Name) as he would have thought or shouted, having deemed the risk worth taking. But we had to take a right turn soon, my driver gave his turn indicator plus a hand signal (as one does there), but that wouldn't deter any Pakistani from proceeding with such a manoeuvre. The result? As we turned, with him suddenly beside us, our van struck him & down he went. Onto Page 3.
Brother Giannis. I could share a couple of other events (stories) during my short years in Pakistan as you enquired, not to project myself at all, but for the Glory & Praise of our Almighty Heavenly Father.
While on my own during my book-selling distribution work, I went from shop to shop to show the retailers the books, Gospel packets, & tracts that I had. After I finished with one shop the next one was a little way away, but when I came to it, it was a bookshop. I wondered whether they would be interested. I showed them the books: about the lives of the 'prophets', Jesus, of David, of Abraham, of Moses, etc., & the shop-keeper was very impressed, as he had never seen any literature giving details of these men of old. As you might know, the Quran refers to those men but never shares much detail about them as we read in the Bible.
The shop-keeper thought he had a windfall in some very special books that no other bookshop had to sell - indeed he could make a lot of money from selling these books. He then asked me to take out all the books from my bag & then asked for the total price I wanted for them all. He paid my price & I left thankful to him & of course, to the Lord, rejoicing on my way, & no heavy load to carry back with me. This has never ever happened to me before or after. One might think that that was all that the Lord had done (i.e. giving us such a great book sale; and I should add, the Mission never gave us any money to live, we had to learn to trust the Lord for it through book sales or any gifts).
But the Lord revealed to me something even more astounding, that only He could do. When I walked away from the bookshop, I turned around for some reason (just as I turned around at that other time when the Muslim priest was hounding us away). This time when I looked, I saw a large mosque connected to the bookshop. YES - I actually sold Christian books with the Gospel message clearly in them, to a Mosque bookshop. Onto Page 2.
What is sin today ? ? Is the Ten Commandments shows us that we are sinners ? ? Ten Commandments was given to Israel from Moses to follow and more laws were added. Here is the Ten Commandments in Exodus.
Exodus 20:1-17
1 And God spake all these words, saying,
2I am theLordthy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
4Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
5Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I theLordthy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
6And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
7Thou shalt not take the name of theLordthy God in vain; for theLordwill not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
8Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
10But the seventh day is the sabbath of theLordthy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
11For in six days theLordmade heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore theLordblessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
12Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which theLordthy God giveth thee.
13Thou shalt not kill.
14Thou shalt not commit adultery.
15Thou shalt not steal.
16Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
17Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
Ray
Apostle Paul is telling us that the Ten Commandments does not save us, It condemns us .
2 Corinthians 3:7
But if theministrationof death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
The law brings us to death.
Romans 7:5
For when we were intheflesh,themotionsofsins, which were bythelaw, did work in our members to bring forthfruitunto death.
We are not saved by following the Ten Commandments, we are saved by believing the gospel of grace.
Galatians 2:16
Knowing that a man is not justified bytheworksofthelaw, but bythefaithofJesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified bythefaithofChrist, and not bytheworksofthelaw: for bytheworksofthelaw shall nofleshbe justified.
Apostle Paul is telling us not to sin in the flesh and is call out the sin in the flesh.
Galatians 5:19-23
19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
No man on earth can follow all of the Ten Commandments, that's why Jesus Christ nail it on the cross.
Colossians 2:14
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way,nailing it to his cross
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the Holy Spirit keeps us from sinning and the Word of God cleanses us from sin.
Jesus as a preacher possible had a job as a carpenter with His stepfather Joseph.
Matthew 13:55
Is not this thecarpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
Jesus as a preacher does not believe in a church to sell goods for profit.
Matthew 21:12
And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of themoneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
Jesus as a preacher also paid his taxes .
Matthew 17:24-27
24And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
25He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
26Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
27Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The gospel of grace has no payroll, it's free.
Apostle Paul the preacher was making tents for income.
Acts 18:3
And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they weretentmakers.
Apostle Paul warns the preacher Timothy of the money being collected for the poor Jews in the Kingdom.
1 Timothy 6:10
For the love ofmoneyis the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
I think it's best not to judge a Pastor of how much he takes in for a payroll. If a Pastor doesn't want to get judge, it would be better to have a job besides the tithing payroll , like Apostle Paul.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
May we pray for our Pastors in Christ.
The most dangerous thing in the Bible is being deceived by false prophets, false apostles, false accusers, false witness and false Christs . Satan will use anyone to do his work in deception.
Jesus warns his Twelve Disiples of people that will say bad things against them.
Matthew 5:11
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against youfalsely, for my sake.
Jesus warns the Twelve Disiples of false prophets.
Matthew 7:15
Beware offalseprophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
.
Jesus warns the Twelve Disiples of false witness.
Matthew 15:19
For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts,falsewitness,
Jesus warns the Twelve Disiples of false prophets.
Matthew 24:11
And manyfalseprophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Jesus warns the Twelve Disiples of false Christs.
Matthew 24:24
For there shall arisefalseChrists, andfalseprophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Jesus warns the Twelve Disiples of false witness.
Mark 10:19
Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bearfalsewitness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
Jesus warns the Twelve Disiples of false Christs and false prophets.
Mark 13:22
ForfalseChrists andfalseprophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
Jesus warns the Twelve Disiples of false witness.
Luke 18:20
Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bearfalsewitness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
Ray, in Christ Jesus
Apostle Paul warns us of false witness.
Romans 13:9
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bearfalsewitness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Apostle Paul said that we will be calls false witnesses for God in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:15
Yea, and we are foundfalsewitnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
Apostle Paul warns us of false apostles.
2 Corinthians 11:13
For such arefalseapostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
Apostle Paul warns us of false Jews in the ministry.
2 Corinthians 11:26
In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils amongfalsebrethren;
Apostle Paul said that false Jews will spy and try to put us in bondage inwhich is the law.
Galatians 2:4
And that because offalsebrethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
Apostle Paul warns us of false science and vain babblings.
1 Timothy 6:20
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of sciencefalsely so called:
Apostle Paul warns us of false accusers.
2 Timothy 3:3
Without natural affection, trucebreakers,falseaccusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Apostle Paul warns us of falsely accuse of our good conversation in Christ.
1 Peter 3:16
Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed thatfalsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Apostle Peter in the Tribulation warn his Jewish followers of false prophets.
2 Peter 2:1
But there werefalseprophets also among the people, even as there shall befalseteachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Saint John warns us in the Tribulation of false prophets.
1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because manyfalseprophets are gone out into the world.
Saint John warns the Jewish followers of false prophets.
Revelation 16:13
And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of thefalseprophet.
We are in the Church age of grace, we do not have prophets to deliver us the word of God and we do not a apostles to give us another revelation to add to the Bible.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Apostle Paul is our Apostle for today
The Gospel of the Kingdom is for the Jews and the Gospel of Grace is for the Gentiles.
We start with the Gospel of the Kingdom on earth for the Jews for the New Jerusalem.
Matthew 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching thegospelofthekingdom, and healing all mannerofsickness and all mannerofdisease among the people.
The gospel of the kingdom required
Matthew 24:14
And thisgospelofthekingdomshall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall repentance.
Jesus Christ told the Twelve Disiples not to go to the Gentiles with the gospel of the kingdom.
Matthew 10:5-7
5These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Jesus Christ job was to minister to the Jews for in the gospel of the kingdom.
Romans 15:8
Now I say that Jesus Christ was aministerofthecircumcisionforthetruth of God,toconfirmthepromises made untothefathers:
Ray. In Christ Jesus Corinthians 15:1-4
We start with the Gospel of Grace that was revealed to Apostle Paul for the Gentiles to believe the finished work of the cross. Jesus Christ died for our sins and was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
There is no repentance for sin in the gospel of grace , we believe only . 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Acts 20:24
But noneofthese things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have receivedofthe Lord Jesus, to testify thegospelofthegraceofGod.
The Twelve Apostles agreed to let Apostle Paul spread the gospel of grace to the Gentiles.
Galatians 2:9
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived thegracethatwasgivenunto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
The gift of the gospel of grace was given to Apostle Paul from God.
Ephesians 3:7
Whereof Iwasmade a minister, according to the gift of thegraceof Godgivenunto me by the effectual working of his power.
Apostle Paul labor more than anything with the gospel of grace.
1 Corinthians 15:10
But by thegraceof God I am what I am: and hisgracewhich was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but thegraceof God which was with me.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Acts 11:20-26
20And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching theLordJesus.
21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
22Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
25Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
26And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Apostle Paul share the gospel of grace to Agrippa . Agrippa always believed the gospel.
Acts 26:28
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be aChristian.
Peter is writing to his Jewish followers to not be ashamed of being a Christian in believing the gospel of grace.
1 Peter 4:16
Yet if any man suffer as aChristian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Peter writes to his Jewish followers and tells them that Apostle Paul has the gospel of grace.
2 Peter 3:15
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our belovedbrotherPaulalso according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
Today we are being attacked by believing the gospel of grace as a Christian.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Christian believe the gospel of grace
All Twelve Disiples followed Jesus earthly ministry in the four gospels for the kingdom of heaven on earth.
Matthew 4:19
And he saith unto them,Followme, and I will make you fishers of men.
Mark 1:18
And straightway they forsook their nets, andfollowed him.
Luke 5:11
And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, andfollowed him.
John 1:37
And the two disciples heard him speak, and theyfollowed Jesus.
Why should we follow Apostle Paul ? ?
Jesus Christ in Heaven did say that Apostle Paul was a chosen vessel for the Gentiles.
Acts 9:15
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is achosenvesselunto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
Jesus Christ is the author of the whole Bible.
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus theauthorand finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Jesus Christ wants us to follow Apostle Paul's epistle for doctrine and Salvation.
1 Corinthians 11:1
Be yefollowers ofme, even as I also am of Christ.
Apostle Paul's doctrine is from Jesus Christ in Heaven.
Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to thedoctrinewhich ye have learned; and avoid them.
Apostle Paul said that we can always learn from the Old Testament and the caring down kingdom of gospel in the four gospels. The death of Jesus Christ started the New Testament
Hebrews 9:16
For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of thetestator.
Romans 15:4
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for ourlearning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
I follow Apostle Paul's epistle in Jesus Christ for Doctrine and Salvation.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Genesis 1:26
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Satan took over the earth and the air, when Adam sinned against God.
Matthew 4:8
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all thekingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Lucifer used to be a beautiful Angel of Light. Now , he is called Satan the Devil.
Isaiah 14:12
How art thou fallen from heaven, OLucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Satan is still dangerous to us right now.
2 Corinthians 2:11
LestSatanshould get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Satan can transform himself into a beautiful light .
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; forSatanhimself is transformed into an angel of light.
Satan can hurt the earthly body .
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger ofSatanto buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Satan's followers are in the churches deceiving the mass . Wide is the gate to destruction.
Philippians 3:18
(For many walk,ofwhom I have told youoften, and now tell you even weeping, thatthey aretheenemiesofthecrossofChrist:
The Bible needs to be studied and taken seriously for the truth of the Gospel of Grace.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing thewordoftruth.
Romans 1:16
ForIamnotashamedof the gospel of Christ: foritis the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1. Barley , Jesus Christ
Ruth 1:22
So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning ofbarleyharvest.
2 Kings 4:42
And there came a man from Baalshalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves ofbarley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat.
2. Wheat , Second Coming
John 12:24
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn ofwheatfall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
1 Samuel 6:13
And they of Bethshemesh were reaping theirwheatharvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.
Matthew 13:30
Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather thewheatinto my barn
3. Grapes , Wrath of God
Revelation 14:18
And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for hergrapesare fully ripe.
Isaiah 5:2
And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forthgrapes, and it brought forth wildgrapes.
Mark 15:23
And they gave him to drinkwinemingled with myrrh: but he received it not.
Matthew 26:29
But I say unto you, I will notdrinkhenceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when Idrinkit new with you in my Father's kingdom.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
May we all be bless by the Word of Truth.
1 Thessalonians 2:13-
13For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
14For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
15Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
16Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
The wrath of God will be at His Second Coming and that is the Tribulation.
5For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
6And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.
7So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
8For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
9For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
10And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come
Wrath to come is the Tribulation of the Second coming of Jesus Christ.
May God bless you and you're family.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able toseparateus from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
To say I love God, is to say I believe the gospel of grace in Christ Jesus.
May God bless you and you're family in Christ.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The gospel of grace.
When I read this verse, I know that there's not a percentage of money for me to give or someone telling me when I should give. I give because it's in my heart from the Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth acheerfulgiver.
If we give with a unhappy heart, then it's not giving with a happy heart.
May God bless you and you're family.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
God gave us with a cheerful heart and that was Jesus Christ.
To this end, in the matter of Church leadership, as you've shared: even though I don't particularly see any one Church gathering as perfectly conforming to the Lord's pattern of leadership, behavior, and belief; in my association with various groups, I've found that the 'open' Brethren Assemblies seem to follow most closely to the above. I don't attend one because of distance & probably my wife wouldn't join me anyway, but in their meetings, I usually sense how the early Church would have been organized & behaved. They don't have pastors, only elders & deacons (the elders fulfilling pastoral duties, with the care of the believers, home visitiation, counselling, etc.). Music is limited to a piano or organ, the congregation, as led by the Spirit, can share a Scripture, a Word, a testimony for edification to all, and a Bible message from an Elder. No salaries are given (the elders need to be working men), all other service (for maintenance of Church or grounds) is voluntary, as believers are able or qualified; and the only expense is toward payment of taxes & dues, as well as missionary support. Thanks again.
I thank God for blessing you with the endurance to do this!!
God bless
Yes, I remember the reason why you began this series of notes, but I suspect that the person who questioned you & enquired further from you, is doubtless amazed by the extent of your response. I'm sure that even a few examples of why the KJV, indeed any translation into any other language from the original, can never be exact, is simply because of the nature of language itself & the ideas & culture behind them. As well, how we read it in our language is very often colored by our own perceptions or predispositions, making the original given text at variance to what we ought to be reading & understanding. I too, will always stick with the KJB, but your efforts have indeed added much more to my understanding & appreciation of the Word, as the actual intended message from the writers are revealed - and all these harmonize with the rest of Scripture. Blessings brother & be encouraged further to complete this huge task.
God loves us cheerful givers as they don't expect anything in return.
You are welcome and thank you for sticking with this from the beginning. And may the Lord continue to bless you also! I should be ready to start posting on 2 Thessalonians, hopefully by tomorrow. It's been quite the journey thus far and I am grateful for you and a few others who have been following along and giving me the encouragement to see this through. If it wasn't for you and those who have been blessed by some of the things I've shared, I would have probably stopped way back in Matthew after the individual who asked me to do this falsely accused me of discrediting the Holy Spirit and then left this forum all together.
God Bless!!!
God bless you.
God's in control of everything, but we have to show Him our intrest.
Brother David stay strong in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The gospel of grace.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
We are in the last times, may we all keep believing in the gospel of grace which was given to us by Jesus Christ according to the scriptures.
God bless
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the gospel of grace....