Acts 14:12 - And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius. Except in the Greek text, it is literally "They called Barnabas ZEUS, and they called Paul HERMES."
In Greek mythology, Zeus is the supreme deity. He is the god over all the gods in Greek mythology. He's the head!
Hermes is the god of speech, or messenger. And Hermes would be the messenger for Zeus. Hermes would do all the talking. And Zeus was the supreme deity. In Greek mythology it says that at one point in history that both Zeus and Hermes visited the Greek people in human form.
And so, since Barnabas is the quiet one, and probably the bigger one because the word Paul means small, but when they saw Barnabas standing there and not saying anything, and Paul doing all the talking and miracles, they said "Zeus and Hermes have come back!"
And they called Paul Hermes because he was the chief speaker. Of course!
Acts 14:14 - Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
They didn't go down and rent clothes. The term is an expression of anguish. They began to tear their clothes as an outward sign. That would get somebody's attention in church, wouldn't it? You know, if the pastor started ripping his clothes because he was so angry!
So, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
Acts 14:22 - Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
The word tribulation is the word THLIPSIS which means stress. As you serve the Lord, and follow Him, and represent Him, and even maybe preach the gospel, people are going to pursue you. They are going to cause affliction or stress.
Acts 14:2 - But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
But the unbelieving Jews. A very fascinating statement. The word unbelieving in our text, the "ing" on the end tells us that it is a Present Participle. But the word belief is the word persuasion.
The un-persuaded Jews, or to put it literally, the Jews who were continually unwilling to be persuaded, they stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
Acts 14:3 - Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
I want to share this with you because it becomes a very important element in our day. In the early church, God gave them the power to do signs and wonders. It was a sign to them!
In the book of Hebrews, it says "How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by them that heard him, God also bearing them witness both with signs and wonders, and with divers (or various) miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost according to His own will."
God bearing witness! We are also told by Paul in his presentation in 2 Corinthians 12:12, he says "Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all patience in signs and wonders and mighty deeds."
God had told them that signs and wonders would accompany them in order to establish for those that were listening that what they are hearing is the word of God. Once God's word has been established, and that's all it was for, no more signs and wonders, at least in this way!
Acts 14:9 - The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
Isn't that amazing? They looked at this man and perceived that God had given him faith to be healed. And the word healed is the word SODZO for salvation!
Acts 13:16 - Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.
In this first section in Verse 16, Paul is the one that stood up. And he beckoned with his hand and said, Men of Israel, and you that fear God, and as I mentioned earlier, this is the term "God fearers."
It is a technical term for Gentiles who are worshipping with Jews, also known as proselytes of the gate from a Jerusalem standpoint. These "God fearers," they are not Jewish, but they worship as a Jew. They keep the Sabbath days and the festivals.
The difference is that they are not circumcised for whatever personal reasons they have. Nor have they experienced "Mikveh," baptism required to convert to Judaism. So, they are Gentiles, worshipping with the Jews, as a Jew. But they are not Jewish!
Acts 13:41 - Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
Behold, you despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise, and that's a "double negative" in the Greek. You will never believe, though a man declares it unto you.
In other words, today you have fulfilled that scripture. I've detailed it all for you, laid it all out how God provided for our nation from the beginning to the end.
And at the end God even provided for us a Savior, and that this Savior is the recipient of all the promises that God has given to our father David.
But now he warns them. He warns them and he says beware lest that come upon you, which was spoken (prophesied in Habakkuk 1:5), that you will never believe though a man declares it unto you.
In other words, pay attention lest that scripture is fulfilled in your life if you don't repent. If you don't receive this Jesus, then Habakkuk 1:5 was written about you.
Acts 13:1 - Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch,
So, Barnabas and Paul and John Mark made their trek back to Antioch after delivering the goods because of the famine that was there.
They are back at Antioch and there were certain prophets and teachers. A prophet in the New Testament was one who spoke the word of God. In fact, the word prophet means spokesperson and teachers.
Now according to the Greek text, these are broken up. We are given five names. The first three apparently are prophets, and the last two are teachers.
The first three are Barnabas, Simeon that was called Niger, as in Nigerian, and Lucius or Luke of Cyrene. And Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
So, this Manaen grew up and was childhood buddies with Herod, but he has since received Christ, and he is part of the faith. But notice the last person that's mentioned. It is Saul. Barnabas is mentioned first. He appears to be the lead pastor in Antioch. And Saul was listed last.
Acts 13:6 - And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
In Aramaic, Bar means son. And of course, Jesus both means Jesus and represents Joshua. So, he called himself the son of Jesus.
Acts 13:10 - And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
The word "right" is the word straight, the straight ways of the Lord. So, he's accused of perverting the straight ways, putting curves and whatever in the highway making it harder for people to come to the things of Christ.
When you say you "don't buy into this white throne narrative people are claiming," I gather that you are referring to the narrative I shared, so I felt a need to respond.
First, I want to say that I agree with you when you say that God opposes the proud, pride is before the fall, and that we must be on guard in these final days to the enemy's deceptive tricks. But please know that I am not the enemy!
Now, concerning 2 Corinthians 5:10, in context, when Paul says "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ;" he is referring to all believers in Christ Jesus. If we take each verse, beginning with Verse 1, it seems pretty clear that Paul is speaking to the believers in Corinth.
If we take every single verse in context from Verse 1 leading up to Verse 10 and examine the words "we" and "us" in each of these verses, how would these verses be applicable to a person who flat out rejects Christ?
When Paul says we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, he is speaking about all believers. That's the "all" Paul is referring to. This judgment seat is called the Bema Seat judgment, and it is for believers only.
There is a difference and a gap between the Bema Seat Judgment of Christ that Paul spoke about in 2 Corinthians 5:10, and the vision of the Great White Throne judgment that was given to John in Revelation 20:11-15.
We do have a different view, but I can assure you that I'm in no way "attempting to trick anyone into avoiding moral responsibility," I don't assume that I'm in "some special VIP club," and I do not "expect VIP treatment" when I stand before God. When I stand before God, I'm going to know that I don't deserve to be there. My only hope of entering in is that He is going to see Christ in me.
We all have things to contribute to this forum. There will be disagreements from time to time, but when disagreement comes, neither side should be considered an enemy trying to deceive others.
I agree. Salvation requires complete surrender to Christ, making Him the Lord of your life. There is no partial salvation. A person is either fully saved or not saved at all. When Christ saves us, He gives us eternal life, or shall I say He gives us Himself and He is eternal! So, if we have Christ the eternal one in us, and He has promised to never leave nor forsake us, we have eternal life, never to be lost!
Early this morning I woke up with a dream which is still vivid. I caught up in passing a fairly good fish by the tail and went running to skin it but It dropped out of my hand and next moment I turned back to retrieve it. I turned aside only to find a yeard where fishes hollowed out and lizard-like scaly thing dying away. Only in the course of the day I realized the significance of it. I did not fish it with my skill so the Spirit allowed me to take away for a purpose. What presented in the waste heap of carrion was not the place for me. I have a Bible ministry elsewhere so I shall be engaged elsewhere. In the path of life I need be wise and know how I spend what God has entrusted me with.
I'm glad you are feeling refreshed . The time and effort that you put into your messages is greatly appreciated . May God bless you with everything that you need to stay healthy and on this site and close to Himself .
The 1st rider is not Christ. The 4 horsemen correspond w/ the 1st four seals opened by the Lamb. As it's Christ who opens the scroll of judgment in heaven, we can realize then that He cannot be the rider of the white horse. Usually, white is symbolic for things such as peace, purity, or safety & security. The 1st rider conquers the whole world via deception. He carries a bow & is given a crown. If you look more closely at the actual words, 'bow' & 'crown' in Greek, it is 'toxon' & 'stephanos', respectively. From Strong's Greek: 'Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin from kata and toxeu (to shoot with a bow); from toxon Definition to strike down with an arrow.' In ancient Greece, they used to poison the tips of their arrows. Stephanos 'means properly, a wreath (garland), awarded to a victor in the ancient athletic games'. I won't mention what the former word reminds me of here, but as to the latter word, the aforementioned garland reminds me of the WHO emblem. This emblem was chosen by the First World Health Assembly in 1948. The WHO declared the CV19 outbreak an international public health emergency of in Jan '20, & assessed the outbreak as having become a pandemic in Mar '20. In Apr '20, Pope Francis made a lot of interesting remarks regarding pandemic, if you care to investigate. A lot of flowery words, but between the lines, it's clear that he's priming the masses for the UN's 2030 SDG. The WHO & UN will continue to push their agenda throughout the 7-yr trib period. Obviously, the red horse, representing war, is already riding & things will cont. to escalate, spreading the conflict globally. The pale horse has also started to rise, that being famine & economic collapse, a natural consequence of everything proceeding it. The 4th horseman is death, essentially from war, civil unrest, famine, natural and man-made disasters, and disease. The attack on 10/7/23 & everything that's occurred since is setting the stage for the AC & FP to take control.
I praise my Lord Saviour who hears my prayers. Lately I was much troubled by a throat infection and prayers of many certainly helped. It lingered on even though I completed the prescribed course of antibiotics. Couple of days ago my sister prayed over face time and I feel uplifted in my body and spirits. May His name be praised. Hallelujah,
My mistake This sentence "Once saved is not forever saved without committing your life 100% to be born by him". It should read as "Once saved is not forever saved without committing your life 100% to be borne by him." I meant in the sense 'abiding' or carried about as the lamb by the good shepherd. Jesus of God has become sanctification. So total sanctification as far as our salvation concerned is our worship. It is due to him. Final salvation is not you or I can say but it rests with Jesus Christ. God looks not as man sees so shall we leave him that privilege, shall we?
Q: God is a consuming fire and the prayer of saints are thrown into the fire as Re.8:5 says,"And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake." How does it work?
A: This is set in heaven immediately following the silence 'about the space of half an hour.' You have to read from vv.3-5. While the seven angels are ready to sound,
it is 'another angel' who approaches the altar. To him with the golden censer was given "much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.". The Ancient of days with his fiery throne represents the Law of the Spirit. So there is no collateral damage but the wrath of God is directed to those on the earth who offend. in v.4 we read, the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascends up before God. In v.5: "And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth." The Spirit inserts this formula to inform us that it is the determined Will of God. "and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings,". This resonates with God descending on mount Sinai."on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud."(Ex.19:16). The mountain shook and we read 'and an earthquake."(8:6)
The angels with trumpets as with the Lamb breaking open seven seals set forth consequences so wrath of God against all those who hold truth in unrighteousness shall take effect. It is for this reason the volume of saints and the wicked are apportioned. For example,"And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed." Third part is a cue for the Son and do not mean that ships are broken up in three parts.
Q: The city of God is foursquare, so is the altar of incense? In the volume of each believer there must be certain golden ratio so a believer grows from glory to glory, Does it not?
A: Certainly. The altar has a certain position so has the city of God in the new heaven and new earth. What God specified for the tabernacle is after the pattern shown to Moses. (Ex.30:2) Let us consider these. An altar is "A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits shall be the height thereof." Father and Son as Jesus said, "My Father and I are one. "Two cubits shall be the height thereof" denote the two commandments Jesus taught us. (Matt.22:40). The golden ratio therefore sets these relationship in relation to the world without. "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." So how shall we consider the altar, as dress to change for occasions or as a living sacrifice? Paul exhorts,"that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."(Ro.12:1-2)
"And thou shalt put it before the vail" The altar is set before the vail representing the face, "and the firmament sheweth his handywork" and the glory of heaven interfaces with earth so it iis a face; it is in this sense Paul writes here, "to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." In short our heart is a kind of glass which adds to our understanding, "that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."(2 Pe.1:4-8)
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."(2 Co.3:18) This liberty has freed us from law of sin.
As I mentioned in the first ever discussion, you are free to disagree and unless grace is given from above many things to discern the right from wrong can cause divisions. In essentials unity, and in non-essentials charity. You have to determine yourself which is which.
Sheep is likely to go astray and the good shepherd at times shall hold the lamb close and it is for the lamb's safety. Jesus is the true vine and branches are running like sheep saying once saved is saved. The branches abide in the vine drawing nutrients and the goodness of the tree. Third analogy I can cite: God commanded Moses to make the altar of incense. "And two golden rings shalt thou make to it under the crown of it, by the two corners thereof, upon the two sides of it shalt thou make it; and they shall be for places for the staves to bear it withal."(Ex.30:4) The body of a believer is a living sacrifice. You are not to remove the rings ever. You are not free to burn strange mixture of incense therein. Instead the incense has to be of precise mix so you shall be a sweet smelling savour to God. Think it over.
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
Ephesians 1:3-12
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
I stand in position with you on eternal security, or the permanency of salvation. Amen! I believe that salvation is something that cannot be taken away or lost. You mentioned that you disagreed with everything that he (Bennymkje) said.
Even though I am not in agreement on everything said, there was something said that I find some truth in. The statement that "Once saved is not forever saved without committing your life 100% to be born by him" does have some truth to it.
Here's why I say so:
When I look at this statement with the key word being "without," it tells me that a person cannot be saved forever (eternally saved) unless they commit their life completely to Christ and are born of God's Spirit. In other words, for you and I and all those who believe in eternal security, once saved is indeed forever saved once we have completely surrendered our lives to Jesus Christ and been born of His Spirit.
Unless that was not the intent of that particular statement, I have to agree that if one completely commits their life to Christ (Surrenders their life to Him), and is born of His Spirit, that person is saved forever. Eternally saved! At least that's how I read that statement.
But if the message is that a born-again believer can lose their salvation, then I stand with you in disagreement. I know this is a sensitive topic and I suspect I might take some heat for this, but I know where I stand in my relationship with Christ. We have a salvation that can never be taken away from us and a Savior who has promised to keep us by His power until the day that He comes to redeem us! If our salvation is dependent upon us, we're in trouble.
May the Lord bless you as you continue in fellowship with Him and His Word!
You asked that I read the whole sentence. I posted the whole sentence.
However you added to the sentence when you stated;
(The sheep has to abide in the hand of Christ.)
Bennymkje the sheep is not holding on to Christ.
Christ is holding on to them. That's what a shepherd does!
If a sheep gets lost he go get them! Christ sheep never get lost!
If they get out of line he has a staff!
I suppose you put the same conditions on Jude 1:24, "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Bennymkje sorry but we will have to agree to disagree.
Read the whole sentence, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." Eternal life comes with condition. The sheep has to abide in the hand of Christ.
It is sandwiched between two verses,"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:" and the other,"My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."(v.29)
Now what have we here?
'My sheep hear my voice," and follow him all the way. My father gave them (the sheep)and it is what the everlasting covenant states. Sheep are entrusted to the Son by Father. St Paul says,"God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:/According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world." (Ep.1:3-4) Abraham and you included are thus given over to his Son. Prayer of Jesus ( John 17) also makes it clear. Once saved is not forever saved without committing your life 100% to be born by him. The other is the voice of robbers and hirelings. They also speak eternal life and line their pockets.
The same group that tell you that a believer will be judged again for their salvation is often the same group that says you can lose your salvation.
They often ignore scripture such as John 10:28-29 "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. and Jude 1:24 "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
This comes from a lack of understanding the nature of salvation/Justification.
However there are many deceived amongst us in any congregation and will to be judged "by" their works and face condemnation "BECAUSE" they never truly trusted Christ and sought to add their own justification to the gift of Christ.
Acts 14:12 - And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius. Except in the Greek text, it is literally "They called Barnabas ZEUS, and they called Paul HERMES."
In Greek mythology, Zeus is the supreme deity. He is the god over all the gods in Greek mythology. He's the head!
Hermes is the god of speech, or messenger. And Hermes would be the messenger for Zeus. Hermes would do all the talking. And Zeus was the supreme deity. In Greek mythology it says that at one point in history that both Zeus and Hermes visited the Greek people in human form.
And so, since Barnabas is the quiet one, and probably the bigger one because the word Paul means small, but when they saw Barnabas standing there and not saying anything, and Paul doing all the talking and miracles, they said "Zeus and Hermes have come back!"
And they called Paul Hermes because he was the chief speaker. Of course!
Acts 14:14 - Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
They didn't go down and rent clothes. The term is an expression of anguish. They began to tear their clothes as an outward sign. That would get somebody's attention in church, wouldn't it? You know, if the pastor started ripping his clothes because he was so angry!
So, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
Acts 14:22 - Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
The word tribulation is the word THLIPSIS which means stress. As you serve the Lord, and follow Him, and represent Him, and even maybe preach the gospel, people are going to pursue you. They are going to cause affliction or stress.
Acts 14:2 - But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
But the unbelieving Jews. A very fascinating statement. The word unbelieving in our text, the "ing" on the end tells us that it is a Present Participle. But the word belief is the word persuasion.
The un-persuaded Jews, or to put it literally, the Jews who were continually unwilling to be persuaded, they stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
Acts 14:3 - Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
I want to share this with you because it becomes a very important element in our day. In the early church, God gave them the power to do signs and wonders. It was a sign to them!
In the book of Hebrews, it says "How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by them that heard him, God also bearing them witness both with signs and wonders, and with divers (or various) miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost according to His own will."
God bearing witness! We are also told by Paul in his presentation in 2 Corinthians 12:12, he says "Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all patience in signs and wonders and mighty deeds."
God had told them that signs and wonders would accompany them in order to establish for those that were listening that what they are hearing is the word of God. Once God's word has been established, and that's all it was for, no more signs and wonders, at least in this way!
Acts 14:9 - The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
Isn't that amazing? They looked at this man and perceived that God had given him faith to be healed. And the word healed is the word SODZO for salvation!
Acts 13:16 - Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.
In this first section in Verse 16, Paul is the one that stood up. And he beckoned with his hand and said, Men of Israel, and you that fear God, and as I mentioned earlier, this is the term "God fearers."
It is a technical term for Gentiles who are worshipping with Jews, also known as proselytes of the gate from a Jerusalem standpoint. These "God fearers," they are not Jewish, but they worship as a Jew. They keep the Sabbath days and the festivals.
The difference is that they are not circumcised for whatever personal reasons they have. Nor have they experienced "Mikveh," baptism required to convert to Judaism. So, they are Gentiles, worshipping with the Jews, as a Jew. But they are not Jewish!
Acts 13:41 - Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
Behold, you despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise, and that's a "double negative" in the Greek. You will never believe, though a man declares it unto you.
In other words, today you have fulfilled that scripture. I've detailed it all for you, laid it all out how God provided for our nation from the beginning to the end.
And at the end God even provided for us a Savior, and that this Savior is the recipient of all the promises that God has given to our father David.
But now he warns them. He warns them and he says beware lest that come upon you, which was spoken (prophesied in Habakkuk 1:5), that you will never believe though a man declares it unto you.
In other words, pay attention lest that scripture is fulfilled in your life if you don't repent. If you don't receive this Jesus, then Habakkuk 1:5 was written about you.
(Acts Part 31):
Acts 13:1 - Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch,
So, Barnabas and Paul and John Mark made their trek back to Antioch after delivering the goods because of the famine that was there.
They are back at Antioch and there were certain prophets and teachers. A prophet in the New Testament was one who spoke the word of God. In fact, the word prophet means spokesperson and teachers.
Now according to the Greek text, these are broken up. We are given five names. The first three apparently are prophets, and the last two are teachers.
The first three are Barnabas, Simeon that was called Niger, as in Nigerian, and Lucius or Luke of Cyrene. And Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
So, this Manaen grew up and was childhood buddies with Herod, but he has since received Christ, and he is part of the faith. But notice the last person that's mentioned. It is Saul. Barnabas is mentioned first. He appears to be the lead pastor in Antioch. And Saul was listed last.
Acts 13:6 - And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
In Aramaic, Bar means son. And of course, Jesus both means Jesus and represents Joshua. So, he called himself the son of Jesus.
Acts 13:10 - And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
The word "right" is the word straight, the straight ways of the Lord. So, he's accused of perverting the straight ways, putting curves and whatever in the highway making it harder for people to come to the things of Christ.
When you say you "don't buy into this white throne narrative people are claiming," I gather that you are referring to the narrative I shared, so I felt a need to respond.
First, I want to say that I agree with you when you say that God opposes the proud, pride is before the fall, and that we must be on guard in these final days to the enemy's deceptive tricks. But please know that I am not the enemy!
Now, concerning 2 Corinthians 5:10, in context, when Paul says "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ;" he is referring to all believers in Christ Jesus. If we take each verse, beginning with Verse 1, it seems pretty clear that Paul is speaking to the believers in Corinth.
If we take every single verse in context from Verse 1 leading up to Verse 10 and examine the words "we" and "us" in each of these verses, how would these verses be applicable to a person who flat out rejects Christ?
When Paul says we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, he is speaking about all believers. That's the "all" Paul is referring to. This judgment seat is called the Bema Seat judgment, and it is for believers only.
There is a difference and a gap between the Bema Seat Judgment of Christ that Paul spoke about in 2 Corinthians 5:10, and the vision of the Great White Throne judgment that was given to John in Revelation 20:11-15.
We do have a different view, but I can assure you that I'm in no way "attempting to trick anyone into avoiding moral responsibility," I don't assume that I'm in "some special VIP club," and I do not "expect VIP treatment" when I stand before God. When I stand before God, I'm going to know that I don't deserve to be there. My only hope of entering in is that He is going to see Christ in me.
We all have things to contribute to this forum. There will be disagreements from time to time, but when disagreement comes, neither side should be considered an enemy trying to deceive others.
Blessings!
Thanks again Brother Jesse.
Committing our life 100% to be born "by him" implies you have 0% hope in any other way.
Thanks always and God bless.
come lord jesus
I agree. Salvation requires complete surrender to Christ, making Him the Lord of your life. There is no partial salvation. A person is either fully saved or not saved at all. When Christ saves us, He gives us eternal life, or shall I say He gives us Himself and He is eternal! So, if we have Christ the eternal one in us, and He has promised to never leave nor forsake us, we have eternal life, never to be lost!
Hope you have a Christ filled day!
It is good to hear from you. I prayed last night that you (and others who haven't posted here for a while) would post soon!
I am glad to hear that you are finally getting past this throat infection. Praise the Lord who brings us healing.
Hopefully you will be returned to good health in no time and that will no longer have symptoms of a sore throat.
My mistake This sentence "Once saved is not forever saved without committing your life 100% to be born by him". It should read as "Once saved is not forever saved without committing your life 100% to be borne by him." I meant in the sense 'abiding' or carried about as the lamb by the good shepherd. Jesus of God has become sanctification. So total sanctification as far as our salvation concerned is our worship. It is due to him. Final salvation is not you or I can say but it rests with Jesus Christ. God looks not as man sees so shall we leave him that privilege, shall we?
Thanks for replying.
I figured you were referring to John 15 when you mentioned abide in your reply.
One of my favorite verses in John 15 is verse 5,
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: FOR WITHOUT ME YE CAN DO NOTHING.
YOU CAN DO NOTHING!
I believe that includes "abide"
Thanks and God bless.
I certainly would agree if Bennymkje would have said a person is not saved without committing your life 100% to be born by him.
However, this is what he said,
"Once saved is not (forever) saved without committing your life 100% to be born by him"
It seems he is saying if you committed to him 50% to being born again then you can be saved but then lose it.
I believe if you don't turn it ALL over to Jesus (100%) then you were never saved.
Hopefully that's not what he meant.
God bless.
Q: God is a consuming fire and the prayer of saints are thrown into the fire as Re.8:5 says,"And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake." How does it work?
A: This is set in heaven immediately following the silence 'about the space of half an hour.' You have to read from vv.3-5. While the seven angels are ready to sound,
it is 'another angel' who approaches the altar. To him with the golden censer was given "much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.". The Ancient of days with his fiery throne represents the Law of the Spirit. So there is no collateral damage but the wrath of God is directed to those on the earth who offend. in v.4 we read, the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascends up before God. In v.5: "And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth." The Spirit inserts this formula to inform us that it is the determined Will of God. "and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings,". This resonates with God descending on mount Sinai."on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud."(Ex.19:16). The mountain shook and we read 'and an earthquake."(8:6)
The angels with trumpets as with the Lamb breaking open seven seals set forth consequences so wrath of God against all those who hold truth in unrighteousness shall take effect. It is for this reason the volume of saints and the wicked are apportioned. For example,"And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed." Third part is a cue for the Son and do not mean that ships are broken up in three parts.
Q: The city of God is foursquare, so is the altar of incense? In the volume of each believer there must be certain golden ratio so a believer grows from glory to glory, Does it not?
A: Certainly. The altar has a certain position so has the city of God in the new heaven and new earth. What God specified for the tabernacle is after the pattern shown to Moses. (Ex.30:2) Let us consider these. An altar is "A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits shall be the height thereof." Father and Son as Jesus said, "My Father and I are one. "Two cubits shall be the height thereof" denote the two commandments Jesus taught us. (Matt.22:40). The golden ratio therefore sets these relationship in relation to the world without. "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." So how shall we consider the altar, as dress to change for occasions or as a living sacrifice? Paul exhorts,"that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."(Ro.12:1-2)
"And thou shalt put it before the vail" The altar is set before the vail representing the face, "and the firmament sheweth his handywork" and the glory of heaven interfaces with earth so it iis a face; it is in this sense Paul writes here, "to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." In short our heart is a kind of glass which adds to our understanding, "that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."(2 Pe.1:4-8)
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."(2 Co.3:18) This liberty has freed us from law of sin.
As I mentioned in the first ever discussion, you are free to disagree and unless grace is given from above many things to discern the right from wrong can cause divisions. In essentials unity, and in non-essentials charity. You have to determine yourself which is which.
Sheep is likely to go astray and the good shepherd at times shall hold the lamb close and it is for the lamb's safety. Jesus is the true vine and branches are running like sheep saying once saved is saved. The branches abide in the vine drawing nutrients and the goodness of the tree. Third analogy I can cite: God commanded Moses to make the altar of incense. "And two golden rings shalt thou make to it under the crown of it, by the two corners thereof, upon the two sides of it shalt thou make it; and they shall be for places for the staves to bear it withal."(Ex.30:4) The body of a believer is a living sacrifice. You are not to remove the rings ever. You are not free to burn strange mixture of incense therein. Instead the incense has to be of precise mix so you shall be a sweet smelling savour to God. Think it over.
John 6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
Ephesians 1:3-12
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.
2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.
4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.
5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.
6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
10 The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.
11 The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
13 The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.
14 From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
15 He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.
16 There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
17 An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
22 Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
I stand in position with you on eternal security, or the permanency of salvation. Amen! I believe that salvation is something that cannot be taken away or lost. You mentioned that you disagreed with everything that he (Bennymkje) said.
Even though I am not in agreement on everything said, there was something said that I find some truth in. The statement that "Once saved is not forever saved without committing your life 100% to be born by him" does have some truth to it.
Here's why I say so:
When I look at this statement with the key word being "without," it tells me that a person cannot be saved forever (eternally saved) unless they commit their life completely to Christ and are born of God's Spirit. In other words, for you and I and all those who believe in eternal security, once saved is indeed forever saved once we have completely surrendered our lives to Jesus Christ and been born of His Spirit.
Unless that was not the intent of that particular statement, I have to agree that if one completely commits their life to Christ (Surrenders their life to Him), and is born of His Spirit, that person is saved forever. Eternally saved! At least that's how I read that statement.
But if the message is that a born-again believer can lose their salvation, then I stand with you in disagreement. I know this is a sensitive topic and I suspect I might take some heat for this, but I know where I stand in my relationship with Christ. We have a salvation that can never be taken away from us and a Savior who has promised to keep us by His power until the day that He comes to redeem us! If our salvation is dependent upon us, we're in trouble.
May the Lord bless you as you continue in fellowship with Him and His Word!
I disagree with everything you said.
You asked that I read the whole sentence. I posted the whole sentence.
However you added to the sentence when you stated;
(The sheep has to abide in the hand of Christ.)
Bennymkje the sheep is not holding on to Christ.
Christ is holding on to them. That's what a shepherd does!
If a sheep gets lost he go get them! Christ sheep never get lost!
If they get out of line he has a staff!
I suppose you put the same conditions on Jude 1:24, "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Bennymkje sorry but we will have to agree to disagree.
God bless.
Read the whole sentence, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." Eternal life comes with condition. The sheep has to abide in the hand of Christ.
It is sandwiched between two verses,"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:" and the other,"My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."(v.29)
Now what have we here?
'My sheep hear my voice," and follow him all the way. My father gave them (the sheep)and it is what the everlasting covenant states. Sheep are entrusted to the Son by Father. St Paul says,"God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:/According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world." (Ep.1:3-4) Abraham and you included are thus given over to his Son. Prayer of Jesus ( John 17) also makes it clear. Once saved is not forever saved without committing your life 100% to be born by him. The other is the voice of robbers and hirelings. They also speak eternal life and line their pockets.
The same group that tell you that a believer will be judged again for their salvation is often the same group that says you can lose your salvation.
They often ignore scripture such as John 10:28-29 "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. and Jude 1:24 "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
This comes from a lack of understanding the nature of salvation/Justification.
However there are many deceived amongst us in any congregation and will to be judged "by" their works and face condemnation "BECAUSE" they never truly trusted Christ and sought to add their own justification to the gift of Christ.