Thank you bro Giannis for your lengthy response. If I might address some of your points.
a. John 3:3-6. "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God". If my Gk Lexicon is correct, the rendering is that 'a man is born out of/out from water and out of/out from the Spirit' ('ek'). In both references to the water & the Spirit, we see that one has to make a new appearance: the first which represents the physical birth (since this whole discussion with Nicodemus is about these two births), & the second, the spiritual birth. In neither of these births, the babe has any control or power. In the physical, the natural laws of human birth must take place, as also in the spiritual, the natural working of the Holy Spirit must take place to produce a new child/creation.
And there must be evidence of that work; Nicodemus could only understand it in the natural sphere, but in the spiritual sphere, the Spirit's Presence & Working must be seen, or else it is false. Therefore, I can understand the Spirit working through the Gospel preached by man & by the Word that is read, to minister to an unbeliever, but when a person turns to Christ & is born again, the Holy Spirit must indwell him & reside permanently ("Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his", Romans 8:9) - a very telling verse, leaving no room for misunderstanding. I could never perceive that the one who is in Christ can ever be one without the Holy Spirit residing within - it simply goes against the reason & working of the Spirit. So when you write, "So the Spirit works in the heart of a born again person, although He may not dwell in them", this is something that I simply cannot understand in light of the Scriptures, because re-birth is always from an inward dwelling, not an outward influence. See Page 2.
Another comparison of two Bibles. The KJB and the Niv.
The KJB ( Col. 1:14) In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.
(The KJB says we have redemption ((THROUGH HIS BLOOD))
The Niv (Col, 1:14) Says "In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins".
(The Niv leaves out the words "through his blood".)
That should be a really big deal to all Christians who are seeking the True Word of God. Do you honestly think this version could be the Inspired Word of God?
The KJB ( 1 Tim. 3:16) This verse tells us "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh"
(The KJB says ((God was manifest in the flesh))
The Niv (1 Tim, 3:16) Says "Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body"
The Niv says "He appeared in a body"
(The Niv completely takes away the words "God was manifest in the flesh" and says "He appeared in a body")
The KJB (Lu. 2:33) "And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him" (This verse is speaking of Jesus, so the KJB the True Word of God says ((Joseph)) and his mother.
The Niv (Lu, 2:33) Says "The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him" The Niv is saying Joseph was the father of Jesus Christ. Is it not? Do you trust this Niv book? I don't even want to call it a Bible!
The KJB has the word (hell) in it 54 times.
The Niv has the word (hell) in it 15 times.
The KJB has the word (devil) in it 106 times.
The Niv has the word (devil) in it 33 times..
So the Niv removes the word hell 39 times.
And the Niv removes the word devil 73 times.
Do you see the difference in the Truly Inspired Words of the LORD, and the words of men?
I believe I have read that archeology has only found proof of the written language of the Hebrew people as far back as 1000 BC. I have 'heard' by the voice of a man that there were no 'Vs' in the early 'block' Hebrew language. So I can assume that modern man has come up with 'Yahweh." When Moses received the Ten Commands, He said to God, 'what am going to say', when the people ask, 'who sent me'? God answered,
'I Am that I Am. The ditopology of I Am that I Am in the Hebrew is 'E H Y H' or the name spelled in English, J e H o Y a H.
There is not a 'J' in the Hebrew alphabet, so The Divine Name is spelled Y e H o Y a H.
According to E. W. Bullinger's, Companion Bible (KJV) God's Divine Name was hidden 'Five times' in the book of Esther. Two times forward, two times backward, and one time I Am that I Am. The reason it was hidden was to protect the bloodline of Christ. Each time it is hidden in the Acrostic, it should be in all capital letters, such as Esther 1:20, "ALL THE WIVES SHALL GIVE."
I remember Mishael saying he was ill in the weeks before he stopped posting. He was very committed to participating here and so I continue to pray for him.
We miss him and T. Levi's and Suze, and Bro Dan, and Dr. Lee, and many other we have not heard from on here for some time.
It is good to keep praying for them when they come to mind.
I believe T Lewis left the site and dropped in a little while ago if I'm not mistaken, but Mishael just stopped posting and responding all of a sudden and never returned.
Jesus by calling Peter a satan tried to show Peter what a serious fault it is for one to oppose God's work in humanity for salvation. Anybody who does that is a satan, figuratively. Because it is satan who tries to stop God's work on people. Salvation has nothing to do with feelings. Jesus doesn't place His feelings for Peter infront of mankind's salvation. At that time Peter was an obstacle on Jesus way to the cross. Often newly saved christians are opposed by their families to follow Jesus. But they have to follow Jesus and not their feelings for their family. Because if they follow their feelings they will loose what they have earned and they won't be able to lead their families to salvation either. GBU
Cornelious and his own people got Spirit baptised before getting water baptised. Paul was also baptised in water after he was baptised in Spirit. So it actually seems that baptism in Spirit may occur before or after water baptism.
But definitely after believing, with the exception of Cornelius where it seems that believing and baptism occured at the same time. So Spirit baptism may occur simultaneously with new birth but also after new birth. Why? Because they are different things.
But definitely it can not occur before new birth. There is a verse in Galatians 4:6, "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." Here it says that God sends His Spirit to people because as it says, you are sons ALREADY, not because you will become sons in the future.
Finally we see that during that early age ALL believers were baptised in God's Spirit. The apostles urged people to receive the Spirit. That is shown in Samaria where with no delay at all the apostles went there to lay hands on believers, it is shown in Ephessus where the very first question Paul asked those disciples was if they had received the Spirit AFTER they believed, it is shown in Paul himself when he received the Spirit as soon as he saw again etc. So in the ancient times there was an urgency that all believers should be Spirit baptised. That is why in all the epistles the apostles wrote they talk to people who are Spirit baptised. But this is not the case with many of today's christians who assume they have the Spirit dwelling in them just because they are tought it is so but it actually isn't so.
Chris, would you ever think of starting asking God in your prayer to give you His Spirit with an external manifestation? What would you think if you started talking in unknown languages? Would you then believe me that it is so? I know I can not convince you that I am right but God can certainly do that.
Tongues on Pentecost, in the case of Cornelius, in Ephessus. In Samaria although the text doesn't reveal anything about external signs, Simon the sorcerer must had seen something happening, otherwise he wouldn't try to bribe the apostles. He saw or heard something. ...?...
THE WAY NEW BIRTH AND SPIRIT BAPTISM OCCUR
1. New Birth
Going back to that discussion Jesus said that new birth occurs by the "water" and the "Spirit'. Now about the Spirit it is clear it means God's Spirit. Water?
Ephessians 6:26, "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,"
Peter 1:23, "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."
Also James 1:18, "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures."
So when one hears the living Word of God, that Word produces repentance in their heart and desire for a new clean life with Jesus, then next the Spirit of God regenerates their heart.
2. Spirit Baptism.
On Pentecost during praying.
In Cornelious' case when hearing the Word of God. This is the only case that matches with the way new birth occurs.
In Samaria when the apostles laid hands on believers. Similarly in Ephessus. Similarly in Paul himself.
In Luke 11:11-13, "...if ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?". So when we ask God in prayers to baptize us in His Spirit.
WHEN?
When Peter preached to Jews on Pentecost He clearly places Spirit Baptism after believing and getting water baptised, Acts 2:38, "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." Also verse 41 says that all of them got water baptised afterwards.
Thank you for your response. I will make some comments and leave this subject, unless you would like us to keep on.
Firstly I can not accept the idea that things used to be otherwise in the early times of the church than nowadays. In such a case the Bible does not serve as a ruler to compare things with the Truth of God's Word. In the case that things change anybody can claim anything and nobody can check if something is right or not. This is not to offend you but it is something I firmly believe.
I do accept the change in your life. In John 1416-18, Jesus said to His disciples, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for HE DWELTH WITH YOU, and shall be in you.". That is how the apostles were clean. It was the Spirit who worked in them, although it didn't dwell IN them, He actually dwelt WITH them. So the Spirit works in the heart of a born again person, although He may not dwell in them.
But lets take it from the begining
EXTERNAL MANIFESTATION OF NEW BIRTH AND SPIRIT BAPTISM
1. New Birth
In that famous discussion between Jesus and Nicodemus, Jesus explained how new birth occurs, John 3:5-8, "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."
Jesus said that we can not know how new birth occurs, there is nothing to show that a person is saved, not any external sign but only their life (this doesn't mean that one can not leave their good course later on)
I'm sorry, but scriptures like this make me wonder if Jesus was anything more than a very kind and wise philosopher. It contradicts his own teachings. Calling your friend "Satan" because they don't want you to die?! Even if Jesus' death was ultimately good for us, there's no way Peter could have truly known that. I guess even Jesus could be in a cranky mood sometimes.
All "the things of God" are about loving other PEOPLE. We can only manifest our love for God through our treatment of each other. It's too convenient to "put God first" in a vacuum where you never have to ACT on that love. God cannot die; people can. God cannot starve; people can. God doesn't reproduce; humans do. God doesn't take up space or dillute resources we may want for ourselves; people do. Many "things of men" ARE things of God, like marriage, brotherhood, charity, medicine, math and language, and much more. Things that help us fulfill Godly ambitions, not things we designed for our own pleasure and convenience.
Hate to sound like I'm arguing with Jesus. Maybe he was referring to something else about Peter that isn't mentioned there, I don't know. Just don't see how it could be "Satanic" to warn your dearest friend away from a brutal death. Especially if you don't know that their death will be good for everyone else. In that case, Judas should be considered a hero for turning on him.
Matthew 24 Doesn't have to do with the eclipse that you where referring to. but Jesus did talk about
the end of times. of course he was talking here about Jerusalem's temple at that time which did happened. but this scripture event continues into our day until Jesus comes. as you read this scripture; you read the signs Jesus was talking about would happen and compare it to pass centuries and today? also Jesus talked about his appearance ( Matthew 24:30) after these things (verse 4-14) will be accomplished. After that Great Tribulation of the destruction of Jerusalem (verse 29,30) The son of man which is Jesus will appear ( Matthew 24:14).
Jesus hasn't yet came. but we still see war (verse 6) but the end is not yet! (verse 36)
I am in agreement with these answers you've been given. If I may add a little bit of information and share some Greek word understanding:
It says, for consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself,
The word consider is a Greek word where we get our English word analog, or analyze from. It is an educational term for what a student does with their books and materials as they are preparing for a test.
So don't just look at Jesus, let's analyze Him, the one who endured the cross. He endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest you be wearied and faint in your minds.
So he's introducing us to the fact that while we're running the race, we're going to become weary. If you've ever participated in a sporting event, after a while, you're going to get weary.
No matter what athletic event you're doing, you're going to experience some tiredness, weary.
So analyze Jesus, His suffering that He experienced by sinners against Himself, lest you be wearied. And it is interesting because there's really only one statement here instead of two, lest you be wearied by fainting in your minds.
So the last phrase is what is called a Modal Participle. It describes what wearied means. Lest you be wearied by becoming faint in your minds. It's the word PSEUCHE, which means Psyche.
Thanks S.Spencer , I spend quite a bit of time going through the older posts so I'm guessing that's why your post are so familiar to me , I've been reading you and a few others recently but they are older posts :) keep it up please .
Paul is writing a letter to the Galatians, Corinthians, Ephesians, etc, etc...But why everybody is reading especially the Americans when it wasn't intended for them..? I'm just curious ;)
S Steven....You are not realizing what Peter is saying in Acts 2:34....David is dead and his grave is with us till today...This 2nd Samuel 7:12 is prophetic that Christ is gonna sit on Davids throne....And its the Child that comes out of Christ loins that is gonna reign for ever and ever...Which is the H.G. That Child of Promise....When Jesus breath on them his breathe was his words which are his seeds...That what Peter is trying to tell us in Acts 2:34...For David is not ascended into the heavens but he saith himself the Lord said unto my lord sit thou at my right till i make your foes your footstool....This 2 nd Samuel is telling us that a special Son is gona come out of DAVIDS LOINS...That is gonna reign forever and ever....But Solomon died at 58 hardly reigning for ever....But solomon was allowed to build the temple...And Psalms 89 is also telling us that Christ is gonna reign for ever but it Uses the name of DAVID INSTEAD OF Christ...I will make him my 1st born higher then the Kings of the earth....Thats prophetic of Christ, Gods 1st born in the flesh....David was not a 1st born....But all thru the 89th Psalm instead of saying the lord it refers to David as the lord....Thats how God hid this great secret that a very special son was gonna come out of Christ loins...Which is to the H.G. that is gona reign for ever...The manchild that is gonna rule all nations Rev. 12:5 is prophetic of that great promise that a special son that is gona come out of Christ loins....It was his seed his word that impregnated the woman in Rev 12 :5 Resulting in her Child that is gona reign and rule FOREVER.
....Fulfilling 2 nd Samuel 7-12....And the 89 th Psalms.... Acts 2 :34...Thats what Peter was trying to tell all the ppl its not David that is ascended into heaven...His tomb is with us till today...Its Christ and his son the H.G. that Child of Promise that is gonna rule and reign for ever..The Kingdom does not come till the woman births the manchild that is gonna rule all forever..
May I ask a question without wishing to be impolite ? Your posts in this series are very familiar to me , it seems I've read them before , have you perhaps posted them previously on here ? Or maybe I've read them on another website or in a book ? It's driving me crazy to know why they are so familiar to me :) .
0817880641. You asked, "what is a gentile to God?" When we think of a 'gentile' (or, a non-Jew), we can only use the word after Noah, the Flood, & ultimately his sons as they & their descendants departed & inhabited the 'new world' (post-Flood). Before Noah, there were no Jews or Israel - but man from the very beginning began to depart from worshiping the true God. So when you look at the generations from Shem (Noah's son, through whom God called out His special people), in Genesis 11:10-26, we see that God had a specific plan to bring about blessing first to Israel & then to the gentiles. Even though it might seem that the gentile was unimportant to God, because they did not receive His Favor, His Laws, & His Presence, gentiles were never far from God's thoughts, even using them to sometimes bless or chastise His people.
Till the coming of Jesus, His Sacrifice for all sinners (Jew & Gentile alike: Romans 10:12, "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him"), the gentile had little knowledge or participation in the Grace of God. Therefore, gentiles, as the Jew, are from the one Adam onto Noah & his sons - all are precious to Him & all will fulfill His Plan for the world.
You have questioned your position & purpose as a gentile before God. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 9:25,26, "As he saith also in Osee (Hosea), I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God" ( Hosea 2:23). This is speaking about us, to us. If you as a gentile rejected God's Call on your life to salvation & blessing, then you would be in the same boat as the Jew, who received the blessings, but still rejecting God's Grace in His Son. "There is no difference". You are more precious to God if you have called upon Him.
Another comparison of 2 Bibles. The KJB and the Niv.
The KJB.
( Daniel. 3:25)
He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
(The KJB says the form of the fourth is like the ((Son of God)) The Son of God IS Jesus Christ!!
The Niv
Daniel 3:25 in the Niv says:
"He said, Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods".
(The Niv says the fourth looks like ((a son of the gods)) A son of the gods? a small s, and small g.
( 2 Tim. 3:16) Tells us "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness".
(Do you think the True inspired Word of God would say "the fourth looks like ((a son of the gods))"?)
(Which verse would you think would be profitable for doctrine?)
(Which of those verses could be used for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness?)
The Words of the LORD are pure Words. ( Ps. 12:6-7)
Would Gods pure inspired Words say Jesus Christ looks like a ((son of the gods))? NO THEY WOULD NOT!!
Would Gods pure inspired Words say "the form of the fourth is like the ((Son of God))? YES!
The KJB is the inspired Word of God.
The KJB says in ( Jeremiah. 23:36) "for ye have (perverted) the words of the living God" The word (perverted) is #2015; it means to turn about or over, by implying to change, overturn, pervert, change.
This verse tells us the word (perverted) means to CHANGE. When using the KJB we have the option of looking the word (perverted) up in the Original language to see that it means ((to change)) that is exactly what the Niv did, they changed the words of the living God, which is perverting the pure Words of God.
The Niv Jer. 23:36 Says "and so you (distort) the words of the living God" We cant look the word (distort) up to get the True meaning in the Original language!
REVIEWING THE NEW TESTAMENT CONSIDERING PREMILLENNIAL AND AMILLENNIAL VIEW POINTS.
In the previous section I left off discussing the council in Jerusalem mentioned in Acts 15:13-17 and Paul's writings in Romans 11:25.
These verses is concerning what become of Israel and the Covenant promises while the Church age has begun.
This tempts me to revisit the OT and usher in Daniel 9:24-27 at this junction but I will save that for now.
The focus is on Gods future plans for Israel and the timing and location of the Kingdom reign of Christ.
Some call it the Millennium reign or Millennium kingdom which can unfortunately confusing.
Millennium is a Thousand years.
That's just how long Satan will be chained.
Christ reign is everlasting. We must no mistake the Millennium for eternity. There's still sin, chastening and death in the Millennium. Christ rule with a rod of iron. Eternity is entirely different.
The Millennium is a time of testing.
There's a final rebellion by Man after the Devil is loosed for a season.
The statement in Acts 15:13-17 is drawn from Amos 9:11-12 which has been debated.
Amillenarians sought to make this a contradiction of the premillennial point of view.
It seems that "after these things I will return" refers to the return of Christ after the period of Gentile prominence which began in 606 B.C. and is destined to continue until the second coming. It is "after these things" judgment on Israel, their scattering, and discipline that Christ will return and build again the tabernacle or tent of David. The reference to the tent of David does not concern itself with any building but rather with the political power and sway which David had.
Amos 9:14-15 debunks that,
Especially verse 15. "And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God."
Thank you bro Giannis for your lengthy response. If I might address some of your points.
a. John 3:3-6. "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God". If my Gk Lexicon is correct, the rendering is that 'a man is born out of/out from water and out of/out from the Spirit' ('ek'). In both references to the water & the Spirit, we see that one has to make a new appearance: the first which represents the physical birth (since this whole discussion with Nicodemus is about these two births), & the second, the spiritual birth. In neither of these births, the babe has any control or power. In the physical, the natural laws of human birth must take place, as also in the spiritual, the natural working of the Holy Spirit must take place to produce a new child/creation.
And there must be evidence of that work; Nicodemus could only understand it in the natural sphere, but in the spiritual sphere, the Spirit's Presence & Working must be seen, or else it is false. Therefore, I can understand the Spirit working through the Gospel preached by man & by the Word that is read, to minister to an unbeliever, but when a person turns to Christ & is born again, the Holy Spirit must indwell him & reside permanently ("Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his", Romans 8:9) - a very telling verse, leaving no room for misunderstanding. I could never perceive that the one who is in Christ can ever be one without the Holy Spirit residing within - it simply goes against the reason & working of the Spirit. So when you write, "So the Spirit works in the heart of a born again person, although He may not dwell in them", this is something that I simply cannot understand in light of the Scriptures, because re-birth is always from an inward dwelling, not an outward influence. See Page 2.
The KJB ( Col. 1:14) In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.
(The KJB says we have redemption ((THROUGH HIS BLOOD))
The Niv (Col, 1:14) Says "In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins".
(The Niv leaves out the words "through his blood".)
That should be a really big deal to all Christians who are seeking the True Word of God. Do you honestly think this version could be the Inspired Word of God?
The KJB ( 1 Tim. 3:16) This verse tells us "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh"
(The KJB says ((God was manifest in the flesh))
The Niv (1 Tim, 3:16) Says "Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body"
The Niv says "He appeared in a body"
(The Niv completely takes away the words "God was manifest in the flesh" and says "He appeared in a body")
The KJB (Lu. 2:33) "And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him" (This verse is speaking of Jesus, so the KJB the True Word of God says ((Joseph)) and his mother.
The Niv (Lu, 2:33) Says "The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him" The Niv is saying Joseph was the father of Jesus Christ. Is it not? Do you trust this Niv book? I don't even want to call it a Bible!
The KJB has the word (hell) in it 54 times.
The Niv has the word (hell) in it 15 times.
The KJB has the word (devil) in it 106 times.
The Niv has the word (devil) in it 33 times..
So the Niv removes the word hell 39 times.
And the Niv removes the word devil 73 times.
Do you see the difference in the Truly Inspired Words of the LORD, and the words of men?
The Truth matters!
I didn't know Mishael was ill.
Sad to hear that.
Thank you.
God bless.
I believe I have read that archeology has only found proof of the written language of the Hebrew people as far back as 1000 BC. I have 'heard' by the voice of a man that there were no 'Vs' in the early 'block' Hebrew language. So I can assume that modern man has come up with 'Yahweh." When Moses received the Ten Commands, He said to God, 'what am going to say', when the people ask, 'who sent me'? God answered,
'I Am that I Am. The ditopology of I Am that I Am in the Hebrew is 'E H Y H' or the name spelled in English, J e H o Y a H.
There is not a 'J' in the Hebrew alphabet, so The Divine Name is spelled Y e H o Y a H.
According to E. W. Bullinger's, Companion Bible (KJV) God's Divine Name was hidden 'Five times' in the book of Esther. Two times forward, two times backward, and one time I Am that I Am. The reason it was hidden was to protect the bloodline of Christ. Each time it is hidden in the Acrostic, it should be in all capital letters, such as Esther 1:20, "ALL THE WIVES SHALL GIVE."
There is a lot to be understood here.
I remember Mishael saying he was ill in the weeks before he stopped posting. He was very committed to participating here and so I continue to pray for him.
We miss him and T. Levi's and Suze, and Bro Dan, and Dr. Lee, and many other we have not heard from on here for some time.
It is good to keep praying for them when they come to mind.
And thank you.
As for T Lewis and Mishael,
I believe T Lewis left the site and dropped in a little while ago if I'm not mistaken, but Mishael just stopped posting and responding all of a sudden and never returned.
That is shocking considering the commitment.
Blessings
Jesus by calling Peter a satan tried to show Peter what a serious fault it is for one to oppose God's work in humanity for salvation. Anybody who does that is a satan, figuratively. Because it is satan who tries to stop God's work on people. Salvation has nothing to do with feelings. Jesus doesn't place His feelings for Peter infront of mankind's salvation. At that time Peter was an obstacle on Jesus way to the cross. Often newly saved christians are opposed by their families to follow Jesus. But they have to follow Jesus and not their feelings for their family. Because if they follow their feelings they will loose what they have earned and they won't be able to lead their families to salvation either. GBU
Similarly in Samaria and in Ephessus.
Cornelious and his own people got Spirit baptised before getting water baptised. Paul was also baptised in water after he was baptised in Spirit. So it actually seems that baptism in Spirit may occur before or after water baptism.
But definitely after believing, with the exception of Cornelius where it seems that believing and baptism occured at the same time. So Spirit baptism may occur simultaneously with new birth but also after new birth. Why? Because they are different things.
But definitely it can not occur before new birth. There is a verse in Galatians 4:6, "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." Here it says that God sends His Spirit to people because as it says, you are sons ALREADY, not because you will become sons in the future.
Finally we see that during that early age ALL believers were baptised in God's Spirit. The apostles urged people to receive the Spirit. That is shown in Samaria where with no delay at all the apostles went there to lay hands on believers, it is shown in Ephessus where the very first question Paul asked those disciples was if they had received the Spirit AFTER they believed, it is shown in Paul himself when he received the Spirit as soon as he saw again etc. So in the ancient times there was an urgency that all believers should be Spirit baptised. That is why in all the epistles the apostles wrote they talk to people who are Spirit baptised. But this is not the case with many of today's christians who assume they have the Spirit dwelling in them just because they are tought it is so but it actually isn't so.
Chris, would you ever think of starting asking God in your prayer to give you His Spirit with an external manifestation? What would you think if you started talking in unknown languages? Would you then believe me that it is so? I know I can not convince you that I am right but God can certainly do that.
GBU
2. Spirit Baptism.
Tongues on Pentecost, in the case of Cornelius, in Ephessus. In Samaria although the text doesn't reveal anything about external signs, Simon the sorcerer must had seen something happening, otherwise he wouldn't try to bribe the apostles. He saw or heard something. ...?...
THE WAY NEW BIRTH AND SPIRIT BAPTISM OCCUR
1. New Birth
Going back to that discussion Jesus said that new birth occurs by the "water" and the "Spirit'. Now about the Spirit it is clear it means God's Spirit. Water?
Ephessians 6:26, "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,"
Peter 1:23, "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."
Also James 1:18, "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures."
So when one hears the living Word of God, that Word produces repentance in their heart and desire for a new clean life with Jesus, then next the Spirit of God regenerates their heart.
2. Spirit Baptism.
On Pentecost during praying.
In Cornelious' case when hearing the Word of God. This is the only case that matches with the way new birth occurs.
In Samaria when the apostles laid hands on believers. Similarly in Ephessus. Similarly in Paul himself.
In Luke 11:11-13, "...if ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?". So when we ask God in prayers to baptize us in His Spirit.
WHEN?
When Peter preached to Jews on Pentecost He clearly places Spirit Baptism after believing and getting water baptised, Acts 2:38, "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." Also verse 41 says that all of them got water baptised afterwards.
Thank you for your response. I will make some comments and leave this subject, unless you would like us to keep on.
Firstly I can not accept the idea that things used to be otherwise in the early times of the church than nowadays. In such a case the Bible does not serve as a ruler to compare things with the Truth of God's Word. In the case that things change anybody can claim anything and nobody can check if something is right or not. This is not to offend you but it is something I firmly believe.
I do accept the change in your life. In John 1416-18, Jesus said to His disciples, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for HE DWELTH WITH YOU, and shall be in you.". That is how the apostles were clean. It was the Spirit who worked in them, although it didn't dwell IN them, He actually dwelt WITH them. So the Spirit works in the heart of a born again person, although He may not dwell in them.
But lets take it from the begining
EXTERNAL MANIFESTATION OF NEW BIRTH AND SPIRIT BAPTISM
1. New Birth
In that famous discussion between Jesus and Nicodemus, Jesus explained how new birth occurs, John 3:5-8, "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."
Jesus said that we can not know how new birth occurs, there is nothing to show that a person is saved, not any external sign but only their life (this doesn't mean that one can not leave their good course later on)
All "the things of God" are about loving other PEOPLE. We can only manifest our love for God through our treatment of each other. It's too convenient to "put God first" in a vacuum where you never have to ACT on that love. God cannot die; people can. God cannot starve; people can. God doesn't reproduce; humans do. God doesn't take up space or dillute resources we may want for ourselves; people do. Many "things of men" ARE things of God, like marriage, brotherhood, charity, medicine, math and language, and much more. Things that help us fulfill Godly ambitions, not things we designed for our own pleasure and convenience.
Hate to sound like I'm arguing with Jesus. Maybe he was referring to something else about Peter that isn't mentioned there, I don't know. Just don't see how it could be "Satanic" to warn your dearest friend away from a brutal death. Especially if you don't know that their death will be good for everyone else. In that case, Judas should be considered a hero for turning on him.
Galatians 6:9
2 Timothy 3:16,17
Galatians 6:9
2 Timothy 3:16,17
Galatians 6:9
the end of times. of course he was talking here about Jerusalem's temple at that time which did happened. but this scripture event continues into our day until Jesus comes. as you read this scripture; you read the signs Jesus was talking about would happen and compare it to pass centuries and today? also Jesus talked about his appearance ( Matthew 24:30) after these things (verse 4-14) will be accomplished. After that Great Tribulation of the destruction of Jerusalem (verse 29,30) The son of man which is Jesus will appear ( Matthew 24:14).
Jesus hasn't yet came. but we still see war (verse 6) but the end is not yet! (verse 36)
I know Yahweh (YHWH/) is Jehovah in Hebrew. Thank
Would have been my reply also.
Please let me correct you, who you are replying to. It's S. Spencer.
I am in agreement with these answers you've been given. If I may add a little bit of information and share some Greek word understanding:
It says, for consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself,
The word consider is a Greek word where we get our English word analog, or analyze from. It is an educational term for what a student does with their books and materials as they are preparing for a test.
So don't just look at Jesus, let's analyze Him, the one who endured the cross. He endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest you be wearied and faint in your minds.
So he's introducing us to the fact that while we're running the race, we're going to become weary. If you've ever participated in a sporting event, after a while, you're going to get weary.
No matter what athletic event you're doing, you're going to experience some tiredness, weary.
So analyze Jesus, His suffering that He experienced by sinners against Himself, lest you be wearied. And it is interesting because there's really only one statement here instead of two, lest you be wearied by fainting in your minds.
So the last phrase is what is called a Modal Participle. It describes what wearied means. Lest you be wearied by becoming faint in your minds. It's the word PSEUCHE, which means Psyche.
So let's analyze Him. Let's look to Jesus.
....Fulfilling 2 nd Samuel 7-12....And the 89 th Psalms.... Acts 2 :34...Thats what Peter was trying to tell all the ppl its not David that is ascended into heaven...His tomb is with us till today...Its Christ and his son the H.G. that Child of Promise that is gonna rule and reign for ever..The Kingdom does not come till the woman births the manchild that is gonna rule all forever..
Why would I declare it impolite?
However, No and Yes to your answer. I've posted similar series like this but as far as I can remember not this indebted on this site. Only fragments.
However I've taught it in my Sunday school class a couple years ago and discussed it
I gathered material over the years from the scripture, web, preaching, teaching ect... It never ends.
As noted in the original post It's to serve as a way we can examine our hermeneutics and a few other things.
This is not a hard series to do but time consuming.
From Genesis 12 on to Acts 2 , most of what you have is about Israel.
That's a lot of scripture for them not to be prominent.
The focus is on Gods future plan for Israel and the Covenant promises is what this is all about!
This should be familiar and not hard to research,, there's a lot said about it whether by scripture, web television ect.
We gather and pass it on.
God bless.
You may have seen fragments of the topic from off this site or
Till the coming of Jesus, His Sacrifice for all sinners (Jew & Gentile alike: Romans 10:12, "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him"), the gentile had little knowledge or participation in the Grace of God. Therefore, gentiles, as the Jew, are from the one Adam onto Noah & his sons - all are precious to Him & all will fulfill His Plan for the world.
You have questioned your position & purpose as a gentile before God. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 9:25,26, "As he saith also in Osee (Hosea), I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God" ( Hosea 2:23). This is speaking about us, to us. If you as a gentile rejected God's Call on your life to salvation & blessing, then you would be in the same boat as the Jew, who received the blessings, but still rejecting God's Grace in His Son. "There is no difference". You are more precious to God if you have called upon Him.
The KJB.
( Daniel. 3:25)
He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
(The KJB says the form of the fourth is like the ((Son of God)) The Son of God IS Jesus Christ!!
The Niv
Daniel 3:25 in the Niv says:
"He said, Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods".
(The Niv says the fourth looks like ((a son of the gods)) A son of the gods? a small s, and small g.
( 2 Tim. 3:16) Tells us "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness".
(Do you think the True inspired Word of God would say "the fourth looks like ((a son of the gods))"?)
(Which verse would you think would be profitable for doctrine?)
(Which of those verses could be used for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness?)
The Words of the LORD are pure Words. ( Ps. 12:6-7)
Would Gods pure inspired Words say Jesus Christ looks like a ((son of the gods))? NO THEY WOULD NOT!!
Would Gods pure inspired Words say "the form of the fourth is like the ((Son of God))? YES!
The KJB is the inspired Word of God.
The KJB says in ( Jeremiah. 23:36) "for ye have (perverted) the words of the living God" The word (perverted) is #2015; it means to turn about or over, by implying to change, overturn, pervert, change.
This verse tells us the word (perverted) means to CHANGE. When using the KJB we have the option of looking the word (perverted) up in the Original language to see that it means ((to change)) that is exactly what the Niv did, they changed the words of the living God, which is perverting the pure Words of God.
The Niv Jer. 23:36 Says "and so you (distort) the words of the living God" We cant look the word (distort) up to get the True meaning in the Original language!
REVIEWING THE NEW TESTAMENT CONSIDERING PREMILLENNIAL AND AMILLENNIAL VIEW POINTS.
In the previous section I left off discussing the council in Jerusalem mentioned in Acts 15:13-17 and Paul's writings in Romans 11:25.
These verses is concerning what become of Israel and the Covenant promises while the Church age has begun.
This tempts me to revisit the OT and usher in Daniel 9:24-27 at this junction but I will save that for now.
The focus is on Gods future plans for Israel and the timing and location of the Kingdom reign of Christ.
Some call it the Millennium reign or Millennium kingdom which can unfortunately confusing.
Millennium is a Thousand years.
That's just how long Satan will be chained.
Christ reign is everlasting. We must no mistake the Millennium for eternity. There's still sin, chastening and death in the Millennium. Christ rule with a rod of iron. Eternity is entirely different.
The Millennium is a time of testing.
There's a final rebellion by Man after the Devil is loosed for a season.
The statement in Acts 15:13-17 is drawn from Amos 9:11-12 which has been debated.
Amillenarians sought to make this a contradiction of the premillennial point of view.
It seems that "after these things I will return" refers to the return of Christ after the period of Gentile prominence which began in 606 B.C. and is destined to continue until the second coming. It is "after these things" judgment on Israel, their scattering, and discipline that Christ will return and build again the tabernacle or tent of David. The reference to the tent of David does not concern itself with any building but rather with the political power and sway which David had.
Amos 9:14-15 debunks that,
Especially verse 15. "And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God."
It's bedtime for me.
I will continue at a later time.
God bless.