4. John 14:16, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that HE may abide with you for ever".
The word another (in grk allon) and the word Comforter (Parakleitos) are of masculine gender in grk.".
5. John 16:7, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter (masculine) will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send HIM unto you."
Jesus had to go so the Spirit took His place in guiding the church.
6. John 14:13-16, "13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.14He shall glorify me: for HE shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." Pay attention please, among others, to that " for he shall not speak of himself"
7. Acts 5:3-4, "3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou GAST NOT LIED UNTO MEN, BUT UNTO GOD " Lie to a thing?
8. Acts 10:19-20, "19While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
20Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I HAVE SENT THEM" Also 11:12, "And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:"
9. Acts 13:2-4, "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, SEPATATE ME Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.4So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus"
Apostle Paul is the Masterbuilder of the gospel of grace that was given to him by the ascended Jesus Christ our God and Saviour.
2 Peter 1:20
Knowing this first, thatnoprophecy of the scriptureisof anyprivateinterpretation.
2 Timothy 3:16
Allscriptureis given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Apostle Paul started his ministry in Acts chapter nine .
Acts 9:15
ButtheLord said unto him,Gothy way: for heis a chosen vessel unto me,tobear my name beforetheGentiles, and kings, andthechildren ofIsrael:
The Jews did not want to hear Apostle Paul's doctrine , so Apostle Paul and Barnabas went to the Gentiles.
Acts 13:46
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said,It was necessary thattheword ofGod should first have been spokentoyou: but seeing ye putit from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turntotheGentiles.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Apostle Paul's gospel of the grace of God
What is the Holy Ghost or the Holy Spirit ? They are the same in one .
The Holy Spirit talks in the book of Acts, a transitional book of history.
Acts 8:29
Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
Acts 10:19
While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
The Holy Spirit is a male person.
Acts 13:2
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them
The Holy Spirit has a body shape .
Luke 3:22
And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
The Holy Spirit got Mother Mary pregnant.
Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
The Holy Spirit is a God.
John 4:24
Godisa Spirit: and they that worship him must worshiphimin spirit and in truth.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 may God bless you with the Holy Spirit .
If the above interpretation troubles you, we can see another verse, Hebrews 1:5, "For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?"
What is meant by "this day I begotten you"? Does it refer to Jesus' physical birth? Lets see how Paul explains it in Acts 13:32-33, "32And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,33God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee" So it is obvious that Paul considers that that birth" refers to Jesus' resurrection and not to His physical birth.
So lets go back to that "firstborn from the dead". I think it gets quite clear that it means that Jesus is the first to be resurrected from the dead. The rest to be resurrected is God's people, either now spiritually or later physically.
Just to clarify, Evangelist1. The reference to Joel 2:28 & what the Apostle Peter referenced to in his preaching in Acts 2:18, was Israel-specific. I'm not at all suggesting that the spirit of Prophecy, & other gifts, have not been designated to Christ's Church as well, but those references were (& are) for Israel only (as in "your sons" & "your daughters"). When you read Joel 2:28-32, the message is clearly directed to Israel's future repentance & deliverance before that great & awful Day of the Lord arrives. That is still in the future for them & the world.
So, how does that translate to Pentecost Day & the Church in the NT & present? It is certain that the Holy Spirit has given 'gifts' to the Lord's people, and prophetical utterances are one of them (as we see in Acts 11:28; Acts 13:1; Acts 21:9,10,11; and by John the Revelator). In whatever way & location, today in the Church, there has been given an order to be followed. And we see this in 1 Corinthians 11:3 and 1 Timothy 2:11-13. As much as the world might want & demand total equality amongst the sexes, which is not wrong at all for we are all created equal; yet in His Church, Christ has ordained a specific order in leadership & Church operation. And we can't call upon OT examples of women leaders or judges as justification for sisters leading & teaching within the Church; simply because the nation of unsaved Israel does not equate to the saved Body of Christ. We must always be mindful of not letting the teachings of the world & personal inclinations impose on what Christ requires of His people. GBU.
Hi bennymkje, everything you are pointing out is probably true for the Jew only. Most of the Bible was for the Jew. Please enjoy this Bible study.
Did Jesus Christ like Gentiles ? ? Part 1
Matthew 10:5
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of theGentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
Did the Disciples kept Jesus Christ word to Jew only ?
Acts 11:19
Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to nonebutunto theJewsonly.
The Jews did not want to listen to Apostle Paul's gospel of grace, so he went to the Gentiles.
Acts 13:46
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said,It was necessary thattheword ofGod should first have been spokentoyou: but seeing ye putit from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turntotheGentiles.
Hello Timmywynne. There are many Scriptures that point to the Triune Nature of God, and specifically, that Jesus Christ & the Holy Spirit are revealed to us from the very Being of God the Father. When we think of the Trinity, we know we won't find that word in the Bible, as it is purely a descriptive word of what the Bible declares to be the fullness of God's Being. So to the verses you seek, and you will need to read them fully in your Bible.
Of Jesus Christ: Isaiah 9:6,7 (an Old Testament Prophecy); Micah 5:2 & John 1:1-14 (from everlasting); Matthew 1:22,23; Mark 2:5-7; John 8:56-58; John 16: 27,28; John 17:4,5; John 20:27,28; Philippians 2:5-7; Colossians 1:15-17; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:13; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:8-10; 1 John 5:7; 1 John 5:20.
Of the Holy Spirit: Matthew 12:31; Luke 1:34,35; Luke 11:13; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7-11; Acts 5:3; Acts 8:29; Acts 13:4; Romans 8:14; Romans 8:26,27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 12:11; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 10:29; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 5:6.
The above are a few Scriptures that point to the deity of Jesus Christ & God's Spirit: all showing that they don't work independently from God, but have been sent out from God, from God's Being, to accomplish His Purposes in the world. And we know that Jesus, as the Word of God clothed with humanity, is the very expression of God to the world ( John 14:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 4:2). Hope these will help you in your study of this very important doctrine. Blessings.
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.
There are different understandings of this and the difference is based on whether one believes souls are immortal. My understanding is the immortal soul belief came from Greek philosophy, Platonism. This was blended into the Church along with the definition of death meaning separation, the separation of the soul from the body.
My understanding from scripture every part of us is mortal and when we die, we sleep in the dust/grave Job 14:12-14, Job 17:13-16.
When is a corn plant absent from its seed, it is when it springs forth from its grave of the earth. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 We are sown, we sleep in the grave, Daniel 12:2Acts 13:36 and until resurrection which there are two, Revelation 20:4-10 and Revelation 20:11-15.
We are sown in corruption it is raised in incorruption, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 We as mortal beings do not put on immortality until we are resurrected being freed from this body of corruption into a glorified body, then we will be present with the Lord, 1 Thessalonians 2:19.
May others give their understanding for you to study for yours.
Church of God in Christ Sunday School Book June 30,2024
I Corinthians 1:10-17 KJV
My Respiond:: COGIC Worship - Acts 13:46 KJV
I Worship the God of a holiness sound, God of Unity, Harmony. God that gives you a voice and ability to speak what he says. A God that is and also allows you to love one another, care for one another , make good decisions.
You've given some Scriptures here David0921, to which I will respond.
Romans 9:13-16. From Romans 9:1-23, the apostle is speaking about his kinsmen, the Jews; that God had selected Isaac through whom would come Jacob & all of Israel - as opposed to Esau (who was rejected), even though he was the firstborn. All this Paul rehearses before his readers to show that God's promises will be realized, according to His Word, that "In Isaac shall thy seed be called". God was not being partial to one & not the other, but in God's Knowledge & Plan, one was accepted to the rejection of the other.
Here then is God's selection process - not for salvation (since each person has to demonstrate faith & love to God regardless of which tribe or nation they belong to), but of election & receiving the Promises of God. And so Paul goes on in Romans 9:24-33, to show that those of Israel who have rejected the LORD, & not come by faith ( Romans 9:30-32), have been cut out of the olive tree, with the Gentiles being engrafted in (only if the Gentiles stand in faith, Romans 11:20). Why have I written all this? Only to show that the process of leading to salvation (which we're discussing now) is not revealed here, but of who are God's Elect - that the Gospel would now go to the Gentiles, the Jew having rejected it ( Acts 13:46-48).
Jeremiah 17:9. Fully agree as mentioned previously.
Joel 2:12-14. You might need to give your reason for mentioning this Scripture, as I'm unable to relate it to what we're discussing.
Ezekiel 36:24-28. I understand this passage is still in the future (probably during the Millennial rule of Christ), when Israel finally acknowledges their Messiah, receiving a new heart & new spirit. Btw, I do NOT subscribe to Replacement Theology, inasfar as Israel no longer being a part of prophetic fulfilment and the Church is now the new Israel.
Hi Jema: I know I'm a bit late replying to this but I just now read the whole thread of what happened and I am so glad you and GiGi and Giannis are good to go with each other and I'm sorry my reaction was so strong and I caused trouble. I'm trying not to do that again. I am back to discussing the Sabbath with Giannis again, unless he doesn't want to then I won't. The only reason I continue to discuss the Sabbath is because (I'm not insulting Giannis, only stating my perception of these discussions and why I'm hanging on like a Pitbull LOL.) I don't feel like he has responded to my questions about why he believes that the breaking of bread can only mean the weekly service of the Early Church - that there can be no other possible interpretation. All his beliefs in the Early Church abandoning the Sabbath for Sunday worship are based on the breaking of bread premise that it had to only mean that it refers to the weekly meeting of the Early Church. Some scriptures do state that the Church met on the first day of the week, Sunday but that could just simply mean the church met on Sunday at different times other then on the Sabbath just as churches meet on different days today. For example, John 20:19 (the Church gathered together on the first day of the week because they were afraid of the Jews, not because it was time for church.) Giannis also used historical writings to back up his belief that the Early Church stopped worshipping on the Sabbath and I couldn't agree to that. (Giannis if you read this post, please don't think I am talking behind your back. I would never do that I am just trying to explain why I haven't given up on the Sabbath.) He asked me to provide scripture that validated they didn't give up on the Sabbath and I gave him a lot but he just wouldn't accept them with no real response why. All you have to do read these few and you can see that the Early church was keeping the Sabbath holy.. Acts 17:2, Acts 13:14, Acts 15:21, Acts 18:4. God Bless :)
Hi Momsage. You asked for "biblical proof that the early church worshiped on the first day of the week". The verses already given, I admit, don't specifically show that day to be Sunday. But was wondering, are there any verses that show the the early Church worshiped on the Sabbath? I know that the Apostle Paul frequently went to the synagogue on the Sabbath ( Acts 13:14, Acts 18:4), but clearly that wasn't to celebrate the day with the Church, but to minister to the Jews. I just can't think of an occasion where it stated that the Church met on the Sabbath for worship, in spite of 'Jeremy Taylor' stating that they did (without Scriptural references given).
If I may add a few points to this subject, I know we have different understandings on this and I hope you will not be offended, these are questions I have asked myself. What does Scripture support, our soul is an immortal entity that consciously lives on after the death of the body or does it sleep in the grave until the resurrection? Is the definition of death a separation of the soul from the body or is it the end of life, a permanent cessation, and the grave is our home until we are resurrected?
John 3:15-16 Without the belief in Jesus we will perish the Greek word apollumi means destroy utterly, to put out of the way entirely, abolish as in Psalms 37:10Psalms 92:7Proverbs 10:28-29Job 20:4-7Malachi 4:1-32 Peter 2:12.
Matthew 10:28 we are to fear the one who can destroy the body and the soul in hell, the Greek word for destroy is apollumi same as perish, a permanent/absolute destruction. Hell, the Greek word is geenna the fire and smoke that goes up and burns forever that never goes out is a reference to the lake of fire. Job 17:13 the Hebrew word sheol is the same word translated as hell. Job 17:16 the word pit is the same Hebrew word.
Our first death is sleep, Psalms 13:3Daniel 12:2Acts 13:361 Cor. 15:51. If all souls are immortal which means they have eternal life, the question must be asked, what is the gift of eternal life we see in John 3:15John 6:54Romans 6:23Titus 1:21 John 2:25Jude 1:21? If our soul is immortal, why do we have to put immortality on as said in 1 Corinthians 15:51-58?
You are your own judge jury and executioner at the end of the day. You judge yourself unworthy of everlasting life and not God judges you, he passes down the sentence as you judged yourself.
Acts 13:[46] Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
2nd Cor 13:5] Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
1st Cor 11:31] For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
When you can't judge yourself, how do you expect to judge angels.
1st Cor 6:3] Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
[4] If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
The person you wake up to each day is the one who will be judging you. God will not judge you, neither does Jesus. You judge yourself.
Romans 8:6] For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
[7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
[8] So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
[9] But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
[10] And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
1John 1:3 John was speaking on the other side of the baptizmal of the Christ, he knew in power of being dead unto sin,
& the power of the resurrection of Christ within Him, joining Him to Christ & the Father John 17:21-24 in a consummate intimate fellowship which he explains to His children "that your joy maybe full, which they had & are experiencing in a measure; as they continue in the working out of their salvation, steadfast & confident unto the end.
We ourselve experience an increase in joy of this fellowship as He takes away our sin, & we don't return to them. His Presence increases in our lives, receving more of His Spirit by the hearing & obedience of Faith, which gives & increases us in what John say later "an understanding" 1John 5:20 & a part of this understanding is Philippians 4:13 which we have received.
Could non-believers read this epistles & become believers, of course; Mark 9:23 This is the heart of God Isa 49:6Acts 13:47
"Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen (relatives), and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me."
So Paul had relatives who were in Christ before him. I believe that they were certainly praying for him. I believe that God answered their prayers and saved Paul.
In Galatians 1:15-16 Paul writes, "15 But when it pleased God, who separated me(Paul) from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen..."
Here Paul claims that God had chosen him from his mother's womb to send him to preach about Christ.
SO which one is true? Was Paul saved because some people were praying for him OR because that was God's plan before Paul was born?
The answer is, both.
Lets examine it. It was Jesus who appeared to Paul on his way to Damascus. Later God called him to go and preach to the gentiles together with Barnabas, and led them to all the places He intented them to go ( Acts 13:2-4).
So one expects that God gave them His grace to complete their ministry, doesn't he?
But lets read Ephessians 6:19, "And (pray) for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel," Somewhere else Paul asks for prayers for him to be freed from his enemies.
So the question is. Why is Paul asking his fellow christians to pray for him to be given words of preaching? Wasn't God who sent him to preach? Wasn't God going to give him words to do what He asked him for?
Yes it was God who sent him BUT God is expecting us to cooperate with Him. God will not do anything unless we cooperate with Him. He asks for our cooperation, whatever that is, prayers, testimonies, preachings, helping others, ...
Lets not expect for God to do all things on His own while we are laying lazely on our couches. HE WILL NOT. He demands our cooperation, the offering of ourselves for His purposes. And prayers are very significant. So... lets go.
I think, David0921, that I missed your comment: "I'm not catching your point regarding 1 Corinthians 15:55. The word translated "grave" in this verse is the Greek "hades", or you might have deleted it.
In case I missed it, my Lexicon shows: in 1 Corinthians 15:55, the word given for death (twice mentioned, unlike the KJV), is 'thanatos', & this is not Hades, Hell, etc. This refers to death, so the rendering should be, "O death, where is thy sting? O DEATH, where is thy victory". For their own reasons, the KJV translators placed 'grave' there, which of course, isn't wrong, as the grave is also the place of the dead.
To Psalm 16. I read this Psalm as David's personal song of Trust in His God: vv1-8 (the LORD to be his portion in life) & vv 9-11 (to also preserve him in death). So David was speaking of himself & not of Christ, BUT in doing so, the Spirit guided his words & prophetically applied those words (in vv 8-10) to Jesus, Who as the 'Son of David', would fulfil that perfectly, so that those, like David, might yet have hope in the resurrection.
The Apostle Peter cites this portion (as Paul does in Acts 13:34-37), that Christ would not be restrained in Sheol, nor suffer corruption (body decay through death). But David in writing this Psalm, speaks of himself 'not being left in Sheol, nor will God suffer His Holy One(s) to see corruption'. The Hebrew here for Holy One is 'hasideka', having the same letters & inflections added giving the plural of that phrase (Holy Ones); cf Psalm 52:9 & Psalm 79:2 (both, 'your saints' - same 'hasideka'). So David does speak about himself that he won't be 'left to rot' if you will, but ultimately, this could only apply to Jesus, Who saw no corruption of flesh.
Unlike your understanding of this Psalm, I clearly see that David fully expected to enter Sheol ( Psalm 16:10), but only Christ, the Son of David, would not have the tomb or the underworld restrain Him (to these important points, both Peter & Paul referred to the Psalms).
The Celtics migrated from Gaul in Modern France around the 3rd century B.C.
The Romans conquered the Gauls in 189 B.C.
Galatia became a Roman Province in 25 B.C.
The name Galatia came to describe the entire Roman province.
The churches in southern Galatia were established during Paul's 1st missionary journey ( Acts 13:14-23). After Paul's 1st missionary journey, the Jerusalem Council met around 49 A.D. to discuss the problem of the Gentiles and the Law.
After Paul's 1st missionary journey and after the decision of the Jerusalem Council, false teachers (Judaizers) came into Galatia and infiltrated the churches with their false teaching. Shortly after the Jerusalem Council, Paul wrote his letter to the churches in the region of Galatia.
IV. THE THEME OF GALATIANS:
Salvation is by grace through faith alone.
V. WHY IT WAS WRITTEN:
False teachers attacked Paul's ministry and message. The Judaizers professed to be believers in Jesus as Messiah. Their doctrinal approach was the Gentiles are not in a position of Sons of the Covenant to receive the promises of God until they became Jews, and they follow the Law.
VI. HOW IT WAS WRITTEN:
The form of the letter of Galatians is different from all of the other letters written by Paul. Galatians is the only letter not containing a commendation. It is the only letter written by Paul that is addressed to more than one church.
VII. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BOOK OF GALATIANS:
Galatians is a shorter version of Romans. Romans is considered the "Constitution of the Christian Faith." Galatians is considered to be the Declaration of Independence of the Christian Faith.
VIII. SECTION OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF GALATIANS:
GALATIANS CHAPTERS 1-2 - The Defense of Paul's Ministry and Message
GALATIANS CHAPTERS 3-4 - The Doctrine of Justification
GALATIANS CHAPTERS 5-6 - The Doctrine of Sanctification
There was a tremendous revival. People are being receptive to Christ all through the island. And as they come out from the west side of the island, they go straight north to the mainland. Actually, it would be the southern coast of Asia Minor. They began traveling inland. Paul got sick. He caught malaria. It wasn't quite the time of revival like they had on the island of Cyprus. It was tough going!
And so, when they reached a place that is called Perga, John says I'm going home, it is enough for me! Not home to Antioch, but home to Jerusalem. So, he leaves the first missionary journey there in Perga of Pamphylia. And his actual departure from the trip is given to us in Acts 13:13.
Now from Antioch to Cyprus:
In the second missionary journey, Paul has apparently rejoined the church from Barnabas' encouragement to "come back up to Antioch." The second missionary journey, as recorded in Acts 15:37-40, shows us that Paul and Barnabas are ready to go on a missionary trip again. And Barnabas says I want to take John Mark. And Paul says no way. He can't make it. He quit. I am not taking him. Barnabas insisted. And so there is a split between Paul and Barnabas.
So, Paul wound up taking Silas and going back over the territories that they had covered in the first missionary journey, and Barnabas took Mark and went over to the island of Cyprus and came back. So, the two of them traveled around the island while Paul and Silas ministered up in the southern part of Asia Minor.
Now after this, it becomes even more interesting because after the second missionary journey, we have no record of really what happened to John Mark, like the book of Acts would tell us. We have indications of what has happened to him in the future. There are a lot of historical documents, but apparently after Barnabas and John Mark return from the island of Cyprus, John Mark went with Peter and became a disciple of Peter for the rest of his of life.
John Mark was a cousin of Barnabas, and that's given to us in Colossians 4:10. And I'm giving you these scripture texts and this piece of information now because of the travels and interaction with the different believers later, knowing that John Mark is related to Barnabas.
We travel with him now from Jerusalem to Antioch. John Mark has been in Jerusalem all this time. Paul and Barnabas have come to Jerusalem, and they've done some ministry work, and they are about ready to leave to go back up to Antioch. This is Antioch of Syria.
After the persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, many of the apostles stayed in Jerusalem. But many leaders in the church went up to Antioch of Syria right up on the coast. And that's where all the missionary journeys came from. And that's where the Gentiles were hearing the gospel and were being saved. And people were being sent out from Antioch.
So, Paul and Barnabas were finished with their work in Jerusalem, and they were going to go back up to Antioch, a couple hundred miles north, up the coast from Jerusalem. And what is interesting is that Acts 12:25 tells us that when Paul and Barnabas left Jerusalem, Mark left with them. Now you see the connection because he is related to Barnabas, and it was probably some connection there saying, come on son, you can be part of the ministry.
III. THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY:
This is given to us in Acts 13:1-3. Remember Paul is there, Barnabas is there, and Mark was there. The Holy Spirit tells the church that God has called out Paul and Barnabas to make the first missionary journey. And so, when they go to leave, they take John Mark with them. Again, probably because the connection with Barnabas. They go straight west and they go across the island of Cyprus.
Thank you GiGi. I didn't intend to infer, that had the Jews received Christ at the first, then they alone would have received the blessings of salvation, to the rejection of Gentiles; the Gentiles would hear the Gospel as well, though not as the initial beneficiaries. And of course, had the Jews overwhelmingly accepted Jesus as their Messiah, would they have put Him to the Cross? How then would their sins find perfect atonement without the shed Blood of God's Holy Lamb? It could well be that Jesus would still have needed to come & give His Life, but not by what we know now as hateful Jews condemning Him to death.
So, verses such as John 3:16 & Galatians 3:8,9, clearly show that God's Salvation Plan did include the Gentiles ("God so loved the world" & "justify the heathen through faith"), but God's primary focus was that His people Israel would be saved by the Gospel & then Acts 13:46-48 would take place. The Jews would have first inherited salvation's blessings & be a mighty beacon to the whole world of salvation's plan, yet rather, because of their rejection, the Gospel then came to us. And so we see Paul's great yearning for his people in spite of his primary calling to preach to the Gentiles; in Romans 11:14, "If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them". That through the abundant conversion of Gentiles, even through his ministry, his own people might be provoked to jealousy/rivalry (Gk. parazeloo), that he might also save some of them. That they too might inherit eternal life when their ears & hearts are opened, not only to the Gospel, but to the power of the Gospel, just as those of the Gentiles who came under the sound of it, were convicted & believed.
It would be hard to imagine what the State of Israel would be like today had they turned to Christ (as the firstfruits) - or would they have gone down the same road as the other nations, allowing Satan to gain a foothold into their hearts & government?
The Davidic Covenant centers on several key promises that are made to David. First, God reaffirms the promise of the land that He made in the first two covenants with Israel (the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants). This promise is seen in 2 Samuel 7:10, "I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore." God then promises that David's son will succeed him as king of Israel and that this son (Solomon) would build the temple. This promise is seen in 2 Samuel 7:12-13, " I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name."
But then the promise continues and expands: "I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever" (verse 13), and "Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever" (verse 16). What began as a promise that David's son Solomon would be blessed and build the temple turns into something different-the promise of an everlasting kingdom. Another Son of David would rule forever and build a lasting House. This is a reference to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, called the Son of David in Matthew 21:9.
The promise that David's "house," "kingdom," and "throne" will be established forever is significant because it shows that the Messiah will come from the lineage of David and that He will establish a kingdom from which He will reign. The covenant is summarized by the words "house," promising a dynasty in the lineage of David; "kingdom," referring to a people who are governed by a king; "throne," emphasizing the authority of the king's rule; and "forever," emphasizing the eternal and unconditional nature of this promise to David and Israel.
Davidic Covenant; Jeremiah 23:5; 30:9; Isaiah 9:7; 11:1; Luke 1:32, 69; Acts 13:34; and Revelation 3:7.
Another sad fact is that many are not serious about fulfilling the Great Commission. This lack of perseverance robs many of using spiritual gifts; which are illustrated in examples such as Acts 16:17. This reminds us of Acts 13:8-12 with another person who was seeking to attain Paul's miraculous powers by offering him money. This caused him to become blind much as Paul did for a season.
The first example really hits home because many so called Christians aren't even discerning enough to tell when obvious false Gospel messages are creeping in. This woman was telling the truth; and not just any way was proclaimed but she stated through the spirit in her that it was THE way. The error was the spirit was using her (probably because of her own desire for recognition or money) to draw attention to itself; we must remember that the demons know and shudder ( James 2:19). It seems Paul tolerated this behavior for a time; either he wanted to ignore the distraction or wasn't sure it was from the enemy.
Sadly; from my own experiences and having been granted some spiritual discernment the truth is never very popular. I try not to be jaded myself with so many false prophecies and revelations promulgated today lest there be a few that are genuine. It seems more than cooincidence that there are very few words of knowledge that are critical of actions; and if a rebuke is given it is often more of a show of pride than an honest assessment. Nonetheless; so much can be prevented if such responsibilities would be done quickly by elders as well as responsible laypersons before error is allowed to take root; or sins destroy the life of an individual or family. Jesus didn't mince words with Peter and other would be disciples; try that approach in todays seeker friendly church and see how long it is before you are escorted out the door. Truth be told we cannot love our brethren without exhortation and rebuke balancing encouragement
The obvious answer to your question is to make sure the Spirit of God has sole residence in the soul of your child. I will make an assumption here that she is a professing believer as well as possessing the Holy Spirit as evidenced by fruit in her life; as her mom you can probably see changes if indeed they exist from who she used to be. Then; of course there has to be no sin that the enemy can use as a legal stronghold.
Most people mention Satan himself; who is only in scripture mentioned to possess Judas Iscariot (although he spoke through Peter in manipulating his thoughts in response to Christ and an attempt to prevent Him going to the cross). He directly gives Antichrist his throne; but it appears the demon Apollyon from the abyss will possess him at that time when he has what appears to be a resurrection.
There is debate on whether a Christian can be possessed or not; or just oppressed. I personally have had demonic attack in my sleep so I would say that can occur; but oppression certainly is quite detrimental as well. Again; besetting sins allow strongholds; the only thing he can do when we are fully submitted to the Lord is affect us from the outside with instigating thoughts (which we will rebuke immediately with spiritual authority when in proper state with God); he also will bring persecution into our lives as well as those who would say pleasant things to draw us away from the Lord.
I would emphasize a repeated theme on my postings; that of being sure that those who you pray with are indeed Spirit filled; and to AVOID all those who are compromised so that you will not for instance; have them lay hands on you and bring demons into your life. (See Acts 13:3). Those who hear His voice will recognize those who God will use to strengthen us and to rebuke the enemy. Also as with Satan the demons can be cast out but not yet sent to the Abyss before the time.
God may use trials also to strengthen your daughter; even the enemy.
This form of self-transformation is also referred to as self-righteousness ( Romans 10-3), while in truth you follow after a image of a false god and a false Christ ( Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; Gal. 4:8; Rev. 12:9). This is how Satan has transformed himself into an angel of light ( 2 Cor. 11:13-15) and deceived the whole world ( Rev. 12:9), as people by nature are in fact children of the devil ( Acts 13:10).
Gal. 1:11,12. The gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ ( Daniel 12:4,9; Amos 3:7; Matthew 16:17; Luke 2:26; Romans 16:25; 1 Cor. 2:10; Gal. 1:16; Eph. 3:3,5; Rev. 1:1).
The Word of God is God ( John 1:1) and the scriptural references we use serve as confirmation that it is not us that speak, but the Spirit of our Father that speaketh in us ( 2 Samuel 23:2; Matthew 10:20; Acts 4:8; 6:10).
Narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it ( Matthew 7:14).
4. John 14:16, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that HE may abide with you for ever".
The word another (in grk allon) and the word Comforter (Parakleitos) are of masculine gender in grk.".
5. John 16:7, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter (masculine) will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send HIM unto you."
Jesus had to go so the Spirit took His place in guiding the church.
6. John 14:13-16, "13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.14He shall glorify me: for HE shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." Pay attention please, among others, to that " for he shall not speak of himself"
7. Acts 5:3-4, "3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou GAST NOT LIED UNTO MEN, BUT UNTO GOD " Lie to a thing?
8. Acts 10:19-20, "19While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
20Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I HAVE SENT THEM" Also 11:12, "And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:"
9. Acts 13:2-4, "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, SEPATATE ME Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.4So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus"
See pt 3
Apostle Paul is the Masterbuilder of the gospel of grace that was given to him by the ascended Jesus Christ our God and Saviour.
2 Peter 1:20
Knowing this first, thatnoprophecy of the scriptureisof anyprivateinterpretation.
2 Timothy 3:16
Allscriptureis given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Apostle Paul started his ministry in Acts chapter nine .
Acts 9:15
ButtheLord said unto him,Gothy way: for heis a chosen vessel unto me,tobear my name beforetheGentiles, and kings, andthechildren ofIsrael:
The Jews did not want to hear Apostle Paul's doctrine , so Apostle Paul and Barnabas went to the Gentiles.
Acts 13:46
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said,It was necessary thattheword ofGod should first have been spokentoyou: but seeing ye putit from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turntotheGentiles.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Apostle Paul's gospel of the grace of God
What is the Holy Ghost or the Holy Spirit ? They are the same in one .
The Holy Spirit talks in the book of Acts, a transitional book of history.
Acts 8:29
Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
Acts 10:19
While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
The Holy Spirit is a male person.
Acts 13:2
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them
The Holy Spirit has a body shape .
Luke 3:22
And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
The Holy Spirit got Mother Mary pregnant.
Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
The Holy Spirit is a God.
John 4:24
Godisa Spirit: and they that worship him must worshiphimin spirit and in truth.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 may God bless you with the Holy Spirit .
If the above interpretation troubles you, we can see another verse, Hebrews 1:5, "For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?"
What is meant by "this day I begotten you"? Does it refer to Jesus' physical birth? Lets see how Paul explains it in Acts 13:32-33, "32And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,33God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee" So it is obvious that Paul considers that that birth" refers to Jesus' resurrection and not to His physical birth.
So lets go back to that "firstborn from the dead". I think it gets quite clear that it means that Jesus is the first to be resurrected from the dead. The rest to be resurrected is God's people, either now spiritually or later physically.
So, how does that translate to Pentecost Day & the Church in the NT & present? It is certain that the Holy Spirit has given 'gifts' to the Lord's people, and prophetical utterances are one of them (as we see in Acts 11:28; Acts 13:1; Acts 21:9,10,11; and by John the Revelator). In whatever way & location, today in the Church, there has been given an order to be followed. And we see this in 1 Corinthians 11:3 and 1 Timothy 2:11-13. As much as the world might want & demand total equality amongst the sexes, which is not wrong at all for we are all created equal; yet in His Church, Christ has ordained a specific order in leadership & Church operation. And we can't call upon OT examples of women leaders or judges as justification for sisters leading & teaching within the Church; simply because the nation of unsaved Israel does not equate to the saved Body of Christ. We must always be mindful of not letting the teachings of the world & personal inclinations impose on what Christ requires of His people. GBU.
Did Jesus Christ like Gentiles ? ? Part 1
Matthew 10:5
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of theGentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
Did the Disciples kept Jesus Christ word to Jew only ?
Acts 11:19
Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to nonebutunto theJewsonly.
The Jews did not want to listen to Apostle Paul's gospel of grace, so he went to the Gentiles.
Acts 13:46
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said,It was necessary thattheword ofGod should first have been spokentoyou: but seeing ye putit from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turntotheGentiles.
Of Jesus Christ: Isaiah 9:6,7 (an Old Testament Prophecy); Micah 5:2 & John 1:1-14 (from everlasting); Matthew 1:22,23; Mark 2:5-7; John 8:56-58; John 16: 27,28; John 17:4,5; John 20:27,28; Philippians 2:5-7; Colossians 1:15-17; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:13; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:8-10; 1 John 5:7; 1 John 5:20.
Of the Holy Spirit: Matthew 12:31; Luke 1:34,35; Luke 11:13; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7-11; Acts 5:3; Acts 8:29; Acts 13:4; Romans 8:14; Romans 8:26,27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Corinthians 12:11; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 10:29; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 John 5:6.
The above are a few Scriptures that point to the deity of Jesus Christ & God's Spirit: all showing that they don't work independently from God, but have been sent out from God, from God's Being, to accomplish His Purposes in the world. And we know that Jesus, as the Word of God clothed with humanity, is the very expression of God to the world ( John 14:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 4:2). Hope these will help you in your study of this very important doctrine. Blessings.
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.
There are different understandings of this and the difference is based on whether one believes souls are immortal. My understanding is the immortal soul belief came from Greek philosophy, Platonism. This was blended into the Church along with the definition of death meaning separation, the separation of the soul from the body.
My understanding from scripture every part of us is mortal and when we die, we sleep in the dust/grave Job 14:12-14, Job 17:13-16.
When is a corn plant absent from its seed, it is when it springs forth from its grave of the earth. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 We are sown, we sleep in the grave, Daniel 12:2 Acts 13:36 and until resurrection which there are two, Revelation 20:4-10 and Revelation 20:11-15.
We are sown in corruption it is raised in incorruption, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 We as mortal beings do not put on immortality until we are resurrected being freed from this body of corruption into a glorified body, then we will be present with the Lord, 1 Thessalonians 2:19.
May others give their understanding for you to study for yours.
God bless,
RLW
I Corinthians 1:10-17 KJV
My Respiond:: COGIC Worship - Acts 13:46 KJV
I Worship the God of a holiness sound, God of Unity, Harmony. God that gives you a voice and ability to speak what he says. A God that is and also allows you to love one another, care for one another , make good decisions.
You've given some Scriptures here David0921, to which I will respond.
Romans 9:13-16. From Romans 9:1-23, the apostle is speaking about his kinsmen, the Jews; that God had selected Isaac through whom would come Jacob & all of Israel - as opposed to Esau (who was rejected), even though he was the firstborn. All this Paul rehearses before his readers to show that God's promises will be realized, according to His Word, that "In Isaac shall thy seed be called". God was not being partial to one & not the other, but in God's Knowledge & Plan, one was accepted to the rejection of the other.
Here then is God's selection process - not for salvation (since each person has to demonstrate faith & love to God regardless of which tribe or nation they belong to), but of election & receiving the Promises of God. And so Paul goes on in Romans 9:24-33, to show that those of Israel who have rejected the LORD, & not come by faith ( Romans 9:30-32), have been cut out of the olive tree, with the Gentiles being engrafted in (only if the Gentiles stand in faith, Romans 11:20). Why have I written all this? Only to show that the process of leading to salvation (which we're discussing now) is not revealed here, but of who are God's Elect - that the Gospel would now go to the Gentiles, the Jew having rejected it ( Acts 13:46-48).
Jeremiah 17:9. Fully agree as mentioned previously.
Joel 2:12-14. You might need to give your reason for mentioning this Scripture, as I'm unable to relate it to what we're discussing.
Ezekiel 36:24-28. I understand this passage is still in the future (probably during the Millennial rule of Christ), when Israel finally acknowledges their Messiah, receiving a new heart & new spirit. Btw, I do NOT subscribe to Replacement Theology, inasfar as Israel no longer being a part of prophetic fulfilment and the Church is now the new Israel.
To Page 2.
Acts 16:13, Acts 17:2 Acts 18:4
"Protestants do not realize that by observing Sunday they accept the authority of the Spokesperson, the Pope." ( Our Sunday Visitor February 5, 1950.)
Merry Christmas every one!
Numbers 6:
24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
December 23, 2023
Part 1
If I may add a few points to this subject, I know we have different understandings on this and I hope you will not be offended, these are questions I have asked myself. What does Scripture support, our soul is an immortal entity that consciously lives on after the death of the body or does it sleep in the grave until the resurrection? Is the definition of death a separation of the soul from the body or is it the end of life, a permanent cessation, and the grave is our home until we are resurrected?
John 3:15-16 Without the belief in Jesus we will perish the Greek word apollumi means destroy utterly, to put out of the way entirely, abolish as in Psalms 37:10 Psalms 92:7 Proverbs 10:28-29 Job 20:4-7 Malachi 4:1-3 2 Peter 2:12.
Matthew 10:28 we are to fear the one who can destroy the body and the soul in hell, the Greek word for destroy is apollumi same as perish, a permanent/absolute destruction. Hell, the Greek word is geenna the fire and smoke that goes up and burns forever that never goes out is a reference to the lake of fire. Job 17:13 the Hebrew word sheol is the same word translated as hell. Job 17:16 the word pit is the same Hebrew word.
Our first death is sleep, Psalms 13:3 Daniel 12:2 Acts 13:36 1 Cor. 15:51. If all souls are immortal which means they have eternal life, the question must be asked, what is the gift of eternal life we see in John 3:15 John 6:54 Romans 6:23 Titus 1:2 1 John 2:25 Jude 1:21? If our soul is immortal, why do we have to put immortality on as said in 1 Corinthians 15:51-58?
See part 2
Acts 13:[46] Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
2nd Cor 13:5] Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
1st Cor 11:31] For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
When you can't judge yourself, how do you expect to judge angels.
1st Cor 6:3] Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
[4] If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
The person you wake up to each day is the one who will be judging you. God will not judge you, neither does Jesus. You judge yourself.
Romans 8:6] For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
[7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
[8] So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
[9] But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
[10] And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
1John 1:3 John was speaking on the other side of the baptizmal of the Christ, he knew in power of being dead unto sin,
& the power of the resurrection of Christ within Him, joining Him to Christ & the Father John 17:21-24 in a consummate intimate fellowship which he explains to His children "that your joy maybe full, which they had & are experiencing in a measure; as they continue in the working out of their salvation, steadfast & confident unto the end.
We ourselve experience an increase in joy of this fellowship as He takes away our sin, & we don't return to them. His Presence increases in our lives, receving more of His Spirit by the hearing & obedience of Faith, which gives & increases us in what John say later "an understanding" 1John 5:20 & a part of this understanding is Philippians 4:13 which we have received.
Could non-believers read this epistles & become believers, of course; Mark 9:23 This is the heart of God Isa 49:6 Acts 13:47
in love & truth
Grace be to you
"Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen (relatives), and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me."
So Paul had relatives who were in Christ before him. I believe that they were certainly praying for him. I believe that God answered their prayers and saved Paul.
In Galatians 1:15-16 Paul writes, "15 But when it pleased God, who separated me(Paul) from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen..."
Here Paul claims that God had chosen him from his mother's womb to send him to preach about Christ.
SO which one is true? Was Paul saved because some people were praying for him OR because that was God's plan before Paul was born?
The answer is, both.
Lets examine it. It was Jesus who appeared to Paul on his way to Damascus. Later God called him to go and preach to the gentiles together with Barnabas, and led them to all the places He intented them to go ( Acts 13:2-4).
So one expects that God gave them His grace to complete their ministry, doesn't he?
But lets read Ephessians 6:19, "And (pray) for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel," Somewhere else Paul asks for prayers for him to be freed from his enemies.
So the question is. Why is Paul asking his fellow christians to pray for him to be given words of preaching? Wasn't God who sent him to preach? Wasn't God going to give him words to do what He asked him for?
Yes it was God who sent him BUT God is expecting us to cooperate with Him. God will not do anything unless we cooperate with Him. He asks for our cooperation, whatever that is, prayers, testimonies, preachings, helping others, ...
Lets not expect for God to do all things on His own while we are laying lazely on our couches. HE WILL NOT. He demands our cooperation, the offering of ourselves for His purposes. And prayers are very significant. So... lets go.
In case I missed it, my Lexicon shows: in 1 Corinthians 15:55, the word given for death (twice mentioned, unlike the KJV), is 'thanatos', & this is not Hades, Hell, etc. This refers to death, so the rendering should be, "O death, where is thy sting? O DEATH, where is thy victory". For their own reasons, the KJV translators placed 'grave' there, which of course, isn't wrong, as the grave is also the place of the dead.
To Psalm 16. I read this Psalm as David's personal song of Trust in His God: vv1-8 (the LORD to be his portion in life) & vv 9-11 (to also preserve him in death). So David was speaking of himself & not of Christ, BUT in doing so, the Spirit guided his words & prophetically applied those words (in vv 8-10) to Jesus, Who as the 'Son of David', would fulfil that perfectly, so that those, like David, might yet have hope in the resurrection.
The Apostle Peter cites this portion (as Paul does in Acts 13:34-37), that Christ would not be restrained in Sheol, nor suffer corruption (body decay through death). But David in writing this Psalm, speaks of himself 'not being left in Sheol, nor will God suffer His Holy One(s) to see corruption'. The Hebrew here for Holy One is 'hasideka', having the same letters & inflections added giving the plural of that phrase (Holy Ones); cf Psalm 52:9 & Psalm 79:2 (both, 'your saints' - same 'hasideka'). So David does speak about himself that he won't be 'left to rot' if you will, but ultimately, this could only apply to Jesus, Who saw no corruption of flesh.
Unlike your understanding of this Psalm, I clearly see that David fully expected to enter Sheol ( Psalm 16:10), but only Christ, the Son of David, would not have the tomb or the underworld restrain Him (to these important points, both Peter & Paul referred to the Psalms).
III. THE HISTORY OF GALATIA:
The Celtics migrated from Gaul in Modern France around the 3rd century B.C.
The Romans conquered the Gauls in 189 B.C.
Galatia became a Roman Province in 25 B.C.
The name Galatia came to describe the entire Roman province.
The churches in southern Galatia were established during Paul's 1st missionary journey ( Acts 13:14-23). After Paul's 1st missionary journey, the Jerusalem Council met around 49 A.D. to discuss the problem of the Gentiles and the Law.
After Paul's 1st missionary journey and after the decision of the Jerusalem Council, false teachers (Judaizers) came into Galatia and infiltrated the churches with their false teaching. Shortly after the Jerusalem Council, Paul wrote his letter to the churches in the region of Galatia.
IV. THE THEME OF GALATIANS:
Salvation is by grace through faith alone.
V. WHY IT WAS WRITTEN:
False teachers attacked Paul's ministry and message. The Judaizers professed to be believers in Jesus as Messiah. Their doctrinal approach was the Gentiles are not in a position of Sons of the Covenant to receive the promises of God until they became Jews, and they follow the Law.
VI. HOW IT WAS WRITTEN:
The form of the letter of Galatians is different from all of the other letters written by Paul. Galatians is the only letter not containing a commendation. It is the only letter written by Paul that is addressed to more than one church.
VII. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE BOOK OF GALATIANS:
Galatians is a shorter version of Romans. Romans is considered the "Constitution of the Christian Faith." Galatians is considered to be the Declaration of Independence of the Christian Faith.
VIII. SECTION OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF GALATIANS:
GALATIANS CHAPTERS 1-2 - The Defense of Paul's Ministry and Message
GALATIANS CHAPTERS 3-4 - The Doctrine of Justification
GALATIANS CHAPTERS 5-6 - The Doctrine of Sanctification
I will post Ephesians tonight also. Blessings!
There was a tremendous revival. People are being receptive to Christ all through the island. And as they come out from the west side of the island, they go straight north to the mainland. Actually, it would be the southern coast of Asia Minor. They began traveling inland. Paul got sick. He caught malaria. It wasn't quite the time of revival like they had on the island of Cyprus. It was tough going!
And so, when they reached a place that is called Perga, John says I'm going home, it is enough for me! Not home to Antioch, but home to Jerusalem. So, he leaves the first missionary journey there in Perga of Pamphylia. And his actual departure from the trip is given to us in Acts 13:13.
Now from Antioch to Cyprus:
In the second missionary journey, Paul has apparently rejoined the church from Barnabas' encouragement to "come back up to Antioch." The second missionary journey, as recorded in Acts 15:37-40, shows us that Paul and Barnabas are ready to go on a missionary trip again. And Barnabas says I want to take John Mark. And Paul says no way. He can't make it. He quit. I am not taking him. Barnabas insisted. And so there is a split between Paul and Barnabas.
So, Paul wound up taking Silas and going back over the territories that they had covered in the first missionary journey, and Barnabas took Mark and went over to the island of Cyprus and came back. So, the two of them traveled around the island while Paul and Silas ministered up in the southern part of Asia Minor.
Now after this, it becomes even more interesting because after the second missionary journey, we have no record of really what happened to John Mark, like the book of Acts would tell us. We have indications of what has happened to him in the future. There are a lot of historical documents, but apparently after Barnabas and John Mark return from the island of Cyprus, John Mark went with Peter and became a disciple of Peter for the rest of his of life.
II. KEY RELATIONSHIP:
John Mark was a cousin of Barnabas, and that's given to us in Colossians 4:10. And I'm giving you these scripture texts and this piece of information now because of the travels and interaction with the different believers later, knowing that John Mark is related to Barnabas.
We travel with him now from Jerusalem to Antioch. John Mark has been in Jerusalem all this time. Paul and Barnabas have come to Jerusalem, and they've done some ministry work, and they are about ready to leave to go back up to Antioch. This is Antioch of Syria.
After the persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, many of the apostles stayed in Jerusalem. But many leaders in the church went up to Antioch of Syria right up on the coast. And that's where all the missionary journeys came from. And that's where the Gentiles were hearing the gospel and were being saved. And people were being sent out from Antioch.
So, Paul and Barnabas were finished with their work in Jerusalem, and they were going to go back up to Antioch, a couple hundred miles north, up the coast from Jerusalem. And what is interesting is that Acts 12:25 tells us that when Paul and Barnabas left Jerusalem, Mark left with them. Now you see the connection because he is related to Barnabas, and it was probably some connection there saying, come on son, you can be part of the ministry.
III. THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY:
This is given to us in Acts 13:1-3. Remember Paul is there, Barnabas is there, and Mark was there. The Holy Spirit tells the church that God has called out Paul and Barnabas to make the first missionary journey. And so, when they go to leave, they take John Mark with them. Again, probably because the connection with Barnabas. They go straight west and they go across the island of Cyprus.
So, verses such as John 3:16 & Galatians 3:8,9, clearly show that God's Salvation Plan did include the Gentiles ("God so loved the world" & "justify the heathen through faith"), but God's primary focus was that His people Israel would be saved by the Gospel & then Acts 13:46-48 would take place. The Jews would have first inherited salvation's blessings & be a mighty beacon to the whole world of salvation's plan, yet rather, because of their rejection, the Gospel then came to us. And so we see Paul's great yearning for his people in spite of his primary calling to preach to the Gentiles; in Romans 11:14, "If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them". That through the abundant conversion of Gentiles, even through his ministry, his own people might be provoked to jealousy/rivalry (Gk. parazeloo), that he might also save some of them. That they too might inherit eternal life when their ears & hearts are opened, not only to the Gospel, but to the power of the Gospel, just as those of the Gentiles who came under the sound of it, were convicted & believed.
It would be hard to imagine what the State of Israel would be like today had they turned to Christ (as the firstfruits) - or would they have gone down the same road as the other nations, allowing Satan to gain a foothold into their hearts & government?
The Davidic Covenant centers on several key promises that are made to David. First, God reaffirms the promise of the land that He made in the first two covenants with Israel (the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants). This promise is seen in 2 Samuel 7:10, "I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore." God then promises that David's son will succeed him as king of Israel and that this son (Solomon) would build the temple. This promise is seen in 2 Samuel 7:12-13, " I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name."
But then the promise continues and expands: "I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever" (verse 13), and "Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever" (verse 16). What began as a promise that David's son Solomon would be blessed and build the temple turns into something different-the promise of an everlasting kingdom. Another Son of David would rule forever and build a lasting House. This is a reference to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, called the Son of David in Matthew 21:9.
The promise that David's "house," "kingdom," and "throne" will be established forever is significant because it shows that the Messiah will come from the lineage of David and that He will establish a kingdom from which He will reign. The covenant is summarized by the words "house," promising a dynasty in the lineage of David; "kingdom," referring to a people who are governed by a king; "throne," emphasizing the authority of the king's rule; and "forever," emphasizing the eternal and unconditional nature of this promise to David and Israel.
Davidic Covenant; Jeremiah 23:5; 30:9; Isaiah 9:7; 11:1; Luke 1:32, 69; Acts 13:34; and Revelation 3:7.
Next.
See Fulfillments.
Another sad fact is that many are not serious about fulfilling the Great Commission. This lack of perseverance robs many of using spiritual gifts; which are illustrated in examples such as Acts 16:17. This reminds us of Acts 13:8-12 with another person who was seeking to attain Paul's miraculous powers by offering him money. This caused him to become blind much as Paul did for a season.
The first example really hits home because many so called Christians aren't even discerning enough to tell when obvious false Gospel messages are creeping in. This woman was telling the truth; and not just any way was proclaimed but she stated through the spirit in her that it was THE way. The error was the spirit was using her (probably because of her own desire for recognition or money) to draw attention to itself; we must remember that the demons know and shudder ( James 2:19). It seems Paul tolerated this behavior for a time; either he wanted to ignore the distraction or wasn't sure it was from the enemy.
Sadly; from my own experiences and having been granted some spiritual discernment the truth is never very popular. I try not to be jaded myself with so many false prophecies and revelations promulgated today lest there be a few that are genuine. It seems more than cooincidence that there are very few words of knowledge that are critical of actions; and if a rebuke is given it is often more of a show of pride than an honest assessment. Nonetheless; so much can be prevented if such responsibilities would be done quickly by elders as well as responsible laypersons before error is allowed to take root; or sins destroy the life of an individual or family. Jesus didn't mince words with Peter and other would be disciples; try that approach in todays seeker friendly church and see how long it is before you are escorted out the door. Truth be told we cannot love our brethren without exhortation and rebuke balancing encouragement
Most people mention Satan himself; who is only in scripture mentioned to possess Judas Iscariot (although he spoke through Peter in manipulating his thoughts in response to Christ and an attempt to prevent Him going to the cross). He directly gives Antichrist his throne; but it appears the demon Apollyon from the abyss will possess him at that time when he has what appears to be a resurrection.
There is debate on whether a Christian can be possessed or not; or just oppressed. I personally have had demonic attack in my sleep so I would say that can occur; but oppression certainly is quite detrimental as well. Again; besetting sins allow strongholds; the only thing he can do when we are fully submitted to the Lord is affect us from the outside with instigating thoughts (which we will rebuke immediately with spiritual authority when in proper state with God); he also will bring persecution into our lives as well as those who would say pleasant things to draw us away from the Lord.
I would emphasize a repeated theme on my postings; that of being sure that those who you pray with are indeed Spirit filled; and to AVOID all those who are compromised so that you will not for instance; have them lay hands on you and bring demons into your life. (See Acts 13:3). Those who hear His voice will recognize those who God will use to strengthen us and to rebuke the enemy. Also as with Satan the demons can be cast out but not yet sent to the Abyss before the time.
God may use trials also to strengthen your daughter; even the enemy.
This form of self-transformation is also referred to as self-righteousness ( Romans 10-3), while in truth you follow after a image of a false god and a false Christ ( Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22; Gal. 4:8; Rev. 12:9). This is how Satan has transformed himself into an angel of light ( 2 Cor. 11:13-15) and deceived the whole world ( Rev. 12:9), as people by nature are in fact children of the devil ( Acts 13:10).
Gal. 1:11,12. The gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ ( Daniel 12:4,9; Amos 3:7; Matthew 16:17; Luke 2:26; Romans 16:25; 1 Cor. 2:10; Gal. 1:16; Eph. 3:3,5; Rev. 1:1).
The Word of God is God ( John 1:1) and the scriptural references we use serve as confirmation that it is not us that speak, but the Spirit of our Father that speaketh in us ( 2 Samuel 23:2; Matthew 10:20; Acts 4:8; 6:10).
Narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it ( Matthew 7:14).
Seek, and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).