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Apostle Paul has sound words in Christ.
2 Timothy 1:13
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me,infaith and love which isinChristJesus.
Being strong in the grace in Christ.
2 Timothy 2:1
Thou therefore, my son, be stronginthe grace that isinChristJesus.
If we don't suffer for God, then we might not be in Christ.
2 Timothy 3:12
Yea, and all that will live godlyinChristJesus shall suffer persecution.
All that we learn as a child in the scriptures may come to us because we are in Christ.
2 Timothy 3:15
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which isinChristJesus.
Apostle Paul writes more about in Christ then anyone in the Bible. Apostle Paul made a pattern for us to follow and that's his epistles.
1 Timothy 1:16
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for apatternto them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
Apostle Paul is the Masterbuilder of the grace of God for us to build on his foundation.
1 Corinthians 3:10
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wisemasterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
Apostle Paul is our Apostle, teacher and preacher in his Epistles for Salvation and doctrine to live by everyday.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Salvation doesn't require anything but believe.
I do not want to get rid of you, I appreciate your posts and your knowledge of Greek since you live there. It is just this subject, for many, it is not acceptable to not believe in the Trinity and we who don't are not saved and are blind, and in darkness, and cannot spiritually understand the Scriptures.
Acts 8:16 My understanding of this, Philip who was not an apostle, was the first to carry the gospel to the Samaritans and came back and told the apostles, and Peter and John went to see. This was just after Stephen was killed before Paul's conversion and Peter's dream. I feel God was showing Peter and John He was going to send the Gospel to the Gentiles, and God wanted them to see them receive the Holy Spirit, as we see they were reluctant.
Acts 19:3-7 Paul asked, unto what then were ye baptized? This was not a strange question; We do not know the education of these people, look at the Apostles they were uneducated.
They said the baptism of John; many came and were baptized by John. Paul told them they should believe in him which should come after him, that is, in Christ Jesus. They heard this and were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Paul laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
I am sorry I do not see in Acts 19:1-7 where they told Paul they were baptized in the name of Jesus or anything about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If Acts 19 Is not the right Scripture please tell me. I am sorry I do not see the one name representing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Dear brother you did not tire me out it is the subject; all I know is to tell the truth as it has been given to me. I do not doubt my salvation because of what I have seen and faced; I would not be here today if my Lord Jesus was not by my side.
God bless you, brother,
RLW
We often think that the ancient people were a bit brainless because they lacked in technology like nowadays. But it seems they were very clever and tried to find practical ways to solve problems. Even nowadays we admire what was achieved by many nations on earth. Bit by bit, century by century, we have come to today's level.
But let me ask you something, if you want to answer. I came to understand that you are of Pakistani origin and you are living in Australia. Am I right? And you have gone to missions to Pakistan. Isn't this extremely dangerous? Pakistan is considered in my country as country with people who are very fanatical for the religion of Islam. I have read stories about killings of people who consider they insult their prophet and their Holy Book. I believe you must have some very interesting events you have lived there. Do you wish to share some with us? If you wish to do so.
Thanks brother. GBU
So Paul seems to be suprised and asks them in which name were they baptized in?. Strange question, isn't it. One could think what this has to do with the Spirit. "We were baptized dear Paul in the name of the Lord Jesus, what are you implying with your question, what does this baptizm you are saying in the name of Lord Jesus has to do with the Spirit of God?" The answer is that it has nothing to do. Absolutely nothing.
But Paul's question gets very relevant if the baptizm was done in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. So Paul asks them "How come you never heard of it? In which name were you baprized, weren't you baptized in the name of the Holy Spirit as well? How is it posible that you don't know about the Holy Spirit?" Paul knows exactly what he is asking them. So you see that Paul's question is justified now?
So why Luke in other verses uses only the name of Lord Jesus? The most common answer is for brevity reasons, he avoids writing in detail. Or any other reason. This also shows that the name of Lord Jesus has the same importance as the name (one name, not three names) of The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). One name that represents the full Godhead. So Matthew in his last chapter of his gospel was not writting something false.
Thanks brother and sorry if I tired you. God Bless You.
I also know that when Spirit is use for God and Jesus, the " S " is capitalized always.
I truly believe this is very spiritual because not all can see it. I am not a expert on Greek, but I do have common sense to fit the word in its right place.
I will always believe God is in three parts but one. God can make anything possible. We can't think like God. God's thoughts are beyond us.
God bless
.Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit
Last post of mine on this topic (and you will get rid of me:)
About which name christians should be water baptized, lets see firstly two well known scriptures from Luke's Acts:
Acts 2:38, 'Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Acts 8:16, "(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they (the Samaritans) were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
It does matter that I mention that Luke wrote the Acts, because in another incidence in Luke's writtings of the Acts it is implied someting diferent than before. It is the incidence when Paul meets some disciples in Ephessus and asks them if they were baptized in the Holy Spirit. (This could also make some christians who consider that they get the Holy Spirit when they believe or get reborn, to think if their belief is right. Because then it seems quite weird that Paul asks such a question. Because Paul considers that those disciples are already water baptized, so they should had been born again before that. But this is a different topic and ask for discussion anyone who wish to do so)
So the dialogue goes as follows:
Acts !9:2-3, 2 "He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism."
In verse 5 it says that Paul baptized them in the name of Lord Jesus. But lets have a close look at their discussion. Paul asks them if they have been baptized in the Holy Spirit. They say they have never heard of the Holy Spirit. (this doesn't mean that they have never really heard of It, because the Spirit of God is mentioned many times in the O.T, OT's prophets were prophesing through the Spirit etc, etc,, but they have never heard of such an action of the Spirit in believers.)
See pt2
Thanks for the update.
I agree that the Scriptures plainly teach the pre-existence of Christ as an actual person who relates to His Father and the Holy Spirit in a divine union called the Godhead. I believe that what one believes about Jesus Christ is of vital importance because an incorrect view will deeply and negatively affect one's view of God and salvation in Christ. Therefore, along with the pre-existence of Jesus, the Scriptures attest to the deity of Jesus, (which is why He pre-existed eternally). I think that Christianity is firmly based on these two truths of the Bible, as Jesus is the foundation of our faith and life. Such truths are worth defending, even vigorously, because to not believe in Jesus deity is to dishonor Him, misrepresent Him to others, and defy the revealed truth of Scripture.
Jesus asked His disciples both who do others say that I am, but more importantly, who do you say that I am. Peter answered with a Spirit inspired attestation that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the Living God. The Jews of the day knew that attesting to Jesus being the Son of God, either by Jesus' words or those of the apostles was claiming that He was God and equal to the Father.
Blessings to You-- S.Spencer. Hope to speak with you soon.
"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, AND IN YOU ALL.
It reasonable to say this is the Holyspirit by which we are Identified with the Lord by way of Christ death, burial and ressurection.
Also, the Holy Spirit is God's spirit.
The Holyspirit is Identified as "HE" not "IT"
1 John 4:4.
Romans 8:10-11 ect..
He's also called a "Quickening spirit"
1 Corinthians 15:45 "And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
NOTE; "was made" is in italics, meaning it was added. It should read, "the last Adam a quickening spirit. This refers to Jesus. He wasn't made a quickening spirit.
Was Christ's spirit in existence before he took on flesh? Before we answer this we must take in consideration there is "one Spirit" and the Spirit gives life! He was never born!
The Spirit of Christ is the same Spirit of God.
Romans 8:9 reads "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.
1 Peter 1:10-11 says it was Christ Spirit that was in the OT Prophet's that testified of the suffering of Christ.
"Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
Searching what, or what manner of time THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
I believe here is a clear picture of the Father, Son and Holyspirit as one and the pre existence of the triune God.
Philippians 1:14-17
14And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
17But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
As a Christians, we are always going to offend others, because they are always ready to point it out. Satan and his followers will always accuse us of all our sins to God.
Revelation 12:10
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for theaccuserof our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
But there hope, it's Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
Titus 2:13
Looking for thatblessedhope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
The Holy Spirit inside us is a wonderful joy and I want to spread that joy to others.
Galatians 5:22-25
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The joy of the Resurrection of Christ Jesus
OTHER RELIGIONS. Many try to convince us to buy into "universal concepts" that are supposedly the same in other religions. Reasons for this are basic tenets of wisdom which may be merely human wisdom or writings that borrow some truth from the Old Testament and sometimes the New Testament. This is why we have to beware of false Christs and those sayings in the Apocrypha and other extrabiblical writings that have things the 66 books of the Bible state (such as necromancy) that are outright sin; or things that are proven to be historically in error.
EXTREMES. There are some things which are clearly foundations for doctrinal truth such as the death; burial and resurrection of Christ; how we must have saving faith and believe in the physical return of Christ. Rather than a detailed analysis of what some call secondary and tertiary levels of importance; I would say that with such items of "lesser" importance when one error occurs likely there is a more fundamental problem. A primary example of this situation of extremes occurs with the subject of Predestination vs Free Will. There is no reason to expect God created man without the ability to make choices; and I have argued that even with predestination because of the prompting of the Spirit man can and actually must make a decision to follow God and repent. Much misunderstanding occurs when people attempt to make such issues mutually exclusive; or accepting that God can work simultaneously involving two different concepts; for instance with natural Israel and the eventual repentance of those that survive the Tribulation and the spiritual Israel who currently incorporates both Jew and Gentile. There are multiple fulfillments that helps to explain the Millennium and eternal future; and events predicted which were fulfilled in 70 AD and again have a final fulfillment in the future.
In short a doctrine must fit into all scripture not vice versa.
Among the wolves there are obvious practitioners of false doctrines. More disturbing it seems are those who are correct in certain aspects and spurious in others and determining who is consistent enough to regularly follow particularly online.
There are many "personal" testimonies of extrabiblical experiences which are often close enough to scriptures to warrant some consideration of perhaps a new insight into things such as NDE's or actual death experiences; dreams; visions; etc. As with anything we can certainly dismiss obvious contradictions to the Word as demonic deception; which God allows when He "chooses their delusions" ( Isaiah 66:4). This is a very scary concept.
Beyond any lie as I have stated before the truth is used to convince the individual of their own skewed version of reality; much as the serpent did in the garden. Meditation on the Word so that we have a firm foundation in our minds that can grow in maturity and discernment helps us to see these things. Listed below are some common reasons we fall for false doctrines.
PEER PRESSURE. Careful study of the letters to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3 show how individuals whose names are written in the Book of Life come out of even the worst churches. At the very least we see a remnant who are dressed in white who are worthy being the ones escaping in the Rapture. Some argue that these churches mean all are saved but since wheat are mixed with tares I don't buy that; and that is why I believe some at least WILL be saved in the Tribulation. In short today clearly we are headed for the great apostasy and God is judging the church; look around at the politically correct signs outside many churches today.
HUMAN NATURE. We cannot fathom how God would send anyone to hell; at least as scripture describes. Equally as was brought up in my small group today God's love for His enemies and for us cannot be comprehended with human understanding. Read
Romans 3:4!
I didn't completely leave the fellowship at this local church I relinquished the leadership role I had in that church and split my time there and another church.
I do believe God put me in that Church and gave me a close up on some ongoing issues within the local churches.
I left my previous church because of similar issues in the leadership.
There is no perfect local church and I needed to mature to deal with what was going on and realize this is a issue in most if not all local Churches.
I believe all believers needs to be part of a local church. Sheep is not to be left alone, they should be part of a flock.
I believe we are to demonstrate the love of Christ towards one another without partiality.
This is a work of the Holyspirit and not of ourselves.
This is why I stress that a child of God that has Christ spirit in him or her doesn't hate the Brothern.
A spirit filled born again believer won't dedicate their life and ministry on anything that will cause division especially when fighting against the truth.
Especially when the pre existence of Christ is clear in scriptures such as Micah 5:2 "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; WHOSE GOINGS FORTH HAVE BEEN FROM OF OLD, FROM EVERLASTING.
It's getting late.
Perhaps we will talk tomorrow.
Blessings.
Hope to talk with you soon on another topic. I always welcome your input.
I continue to keep you in prayer. It is a blessing to have friends on here.
I believe I see where. my error was.
I believe I read your post and you stated "you realised that there are two separate issues that you need to be clear about . It's not that you think that these two issues might be essential for your salvation but non the less , they feel important to you in your understanding .
This is when the inquiry came up, " can an ungenerated person grasp such a doctrine apart from the Holyspirit.
BOY WAS THAT BAD TIMING!!
It was a honest question!
I meant to ask that apart from the thread so I signed in and applied the new comment button thinking that would separate me from the thread.
It seemed to work because it didn't say reply to Fuji. and I didn't read where it says "This reply will currently reply to the original (top-most) comment" and that's exactly what it did. It went to you.
This is what I'm purposely doing on this post as well and I believe this will go to you and your email.
What I should have done is back completely out of the thread and go to the main page and post.
Blessings.
"So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life." Since God placed the Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way at the "east" of the garden of Eden, it seems likely that there must have been a wall surounding it on the north, west, & south that did not need to be guarded. Otherwise why even place them only on the east side, or metion that's where they were stationed? It's also interesting to note that the wall of Jerusalem currently has a eastern gate that is sealed & will not be opened until the Messiah comes & enters through it... Ezekiel 44:1 "Then he brought me back the way of the gate of the outward sanctuary which looketh toward the east; and it was shut. 2Then said the LORD unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut. 3It is for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate, and shall go out by the way of the same." The east is also the side where the entrance into the temple of God & the outer & inner courts were. They were also walled with an opening on the east side.
part 2
I saw how my peers abused drugs in my youth and never wanted to try drugs and never have.
As to what Paul says that all things are permissible nut not all things are beneficial, what we put in our bodies is pretty irrelevant in the big scope of things. Our concern should be to give a clear witness of belonging to our Lord in our actions and lifestyles. Paul did say to not partake of something if our brother in Christ was against it. This is done out of love for them. But, we are not to let the judgment of others concerning such things keep us from following our conscience in light of our freedom in Christ.
1 Cor. 10:23 Romans 14:16 1Cor. 8:8
But our bodies are God's Temple and the Holy Spirit dwells in us, so we are to honor God with our bodies as well as our minds, souls, and will.
1 Cor. 3:16-17. Rom. 12;1; 1 Cor. 6:19-20
And finally, Paul tells us that whatever we do, we do it to the glory of God.
1 Cor. 10:31
I think that these (and other Scriptures) verses tell us of our freedom in Christ, but we are not use our freedom to sinful ends that do not glorify God or honor Him.
As believers, we need to choose for our own selves the parameters of what we eat or drink without judging other believers who do not follow our parameters as long as Scriptures do not prohibit what we consume.
Our bodies are wasting away, are temporal, and will die. But our witness to others is more important than what we eat or drink; our respect for the consciences of other believers is more important than fulfilling our freedoms; and our motivation for what we eat, drink, or do is to be for God's glory. I think that this last one: motivation, is probably the hardest for any believer to regularly perform because there are so many areas in life where we can indulge ourselves (not just what we eat or drink).
I was glad I was brought up to learn restraint in most matters. That was a gift from my parents and especially from the Lord.
According the Scriptures as Giannis has said, drinking alcohol is permitted In fact it was the common drink at meals for millenia because of contaminated water supplies. But the biblical command is not become drunk, especially not on a regular basis, as, it leads to other sinful choices, as you have noted.
I grew up in a family where My parents did not drink except for a few times during the holidays. As my dad got into his sixties, he enjoyed a beer on Fridays or a small glass of wine with dinner. He suffered for years with stomach issues, so this may have eased symptoms, as Paul instructs Timothy concerning settling his stomach with wine.
Among my aunts/uncles there were a number who were life-long alcoholics and us children noticed this.
I did not like to see them drunk. And now as an adult, I know they put themselves and their families at risk by driving while under the influence.
When I became an adult, I did have some occasions in college where I drank too much. It only took a few times for me to decide I was not going to consume alcohol regularly. My husbands family was full of alcoholism and drinking was present at most family gatherings. I did not like that, but it was their choice and freedom to do so.
My husband and I rarely have any alcohol. It just hasn't been a part of our marriage and family life. But we do not think that we need to abstain totally as it does not control either of us with compulsion or tempt us to overindulgence. We want to set a good example to our children or responsible consumption in moderation, as the bible says. I have Chris tian friends who do not drink alcohol at all and some that do in moderation. I am comfortable in each circumstance.
I can see how you would feel the way you do about consuming alcohol due to your father's addiction. I certainly felt that way about the smoking in my family as I grew up. I hated it! Therefore, I never tried it. I felt the same way about using drugs.
I respect your decision to come to an end in this discussion but I think I must clarify something that troubles many christians, which is why there is, or seems to be, such a difference between the gospel of Matthew and Luke's Acts about the name in which christians are baptized. Matthew says in the name of all three and Luke in the name of Jesus. But I will leave that for tomorrow. Just for a hint the key to understand it lies in a detail in the dialogue that Paul had with those disciples in Ephessus. But we will see it tomorrow. GBU
1 Thessalonians 3:3 - That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
The word moved is the word SEISMOS where we get our word for the earthquakes. Paul says that Timothy is coming to establish you and comfort you in the faith so that no man should be moved by these afflictions.
The only way a believer is going to stand strong in the storm of life is to put their faith and trust in Christ and just stand and trust Him. There are no principles to practice. There are no formulas to pray. It's trusting Christ.
1 Thessalonians 3:8 - For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
The word "if" is what is called a Third-Class Condition. It's not yet fulfilled. I mean, this is Paul saying we'll live if we get a report back saying that we're trusting the Lord. If we're not standing firm, we lose heart. He's just like a parent ministering to his kids!
1 Thessalonians 3:10 - Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
The word perfect is KATARTIDZO. It's a medical term for the mending of broken bones. We saw it used in Matthew Chapter 4 where the fishermen were mending their nets. In Ephesians Chapter 4, we see that God puts those in the ministry in the body of Christ, and the first thing is for the mending of the saints, KATARTIDZO.
People need to be mended. There's a difference between being saved and being mended. The very first day that Christ comes into my life, I'm saved. Ten years from now I'll be just as saved as I am today. It's forever. It's throughout eternity. But along with it, I carry in the cortex of my brain all of my former life, all of my experiences, good and bad. The experiences of my sins are recorded in the cortex of my brain.
That's why so many believers have such a tough time functioning in this life and in the body of Christ, because they've been saved but they have never been mended.
1 Thessalonians 2:8 - So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
The word dear is the word AGAPE (AGAPETOI). You will be love to us. We had an Agape love for you. Not only were we ready to preach the gospel to you, but even to sacrifice our own lives so that you could hear the gospel.
1 Thessalonians 2:12 - That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
The word worthy (AXIOS) means to live a life that matches who you are. AXIOS was the balance scales down at the marketplace. In those days, the heavier the item, the more expensive it is. You put the item on one side of the scale, and you had to put money on the other side until the scales evened out, and that's how much the item is worth. It's called worthy. It's called equal, matching.
So, he's basically saying may your walk match your profession, your confession of faith. If you belong to Christ, then live your life as one who belongs to Christ, like a father would exhort his child.
1 Thessalonians 2:14 - For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
For you, brethren, you became followers, and again that's the word MIMETAI, imitators. You became imitators of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for you also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
1 Thessalonians 2:2 - But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
But even after we had suffered before, we were shamefully entreated, which is HUBRISCO, the word for insulted, as you know in Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much conflict. It says contention in this verse. It's the word AGONA. It's an athletic term for the agony that an athlete goes through while participating in the contest. So, he says you know that even before we got to you, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God in much conflict, even there!
1 Thessalonians 2:3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
For our exhortation, or encouragement was not of deceit, and that's the Greek word PLANE for the word error. We get our word planet from this Greek word. It means to wander. When we came to encourage you, it was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor of guile: That would be our word for deception.
1 Thessalonians 2:4 - But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
It reads, "But as we were allowed of God," but the original language is much better to understand the full impact. The original language reads as we were approved by God. The word allowed is the word put to the test and to approve somebody after testing. Paul mentioned that about some of the disciples that he had encouraged others to listen to. In some of his letters he called them those that had been tested.
1 Thessalonians 2:7 - But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
He says but we were gentle. The word gentle means to be like a babe. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse nurses her children:
1 Thessalonians 1:3 - Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
I'll point out the technicalities to you because these are important. Notice that in each of these three phrases, it says of faith, of love, and of hope. It shows that each one of these is producing the very thing that's before it. Faith is producing the work. Love is producing the labor. And hope is producing the patience. This is the work of faith. Work does not produce faith, but faith produces works. This is one of Paul's triads, faith, hope, and love.
The word faith itself in Greek means persuasion. So, the believers in the early church, they lived by a persuasion that other people couldn't see. It was invisible to the human. It's spiritual. And the word hope in Greek, ELPIDZO, has to do with constant expectancy. It doesn't mean to wish or hope that something happens. It is confidence that you know it's going to happen.
So, your work of faith, your labor of love, and patience of hope, and in the King James text, it says in the Lord Jesus Christ. But the Greek text says of the Lord Jesus Christ. That is to say that faith, love, and hope is of the Lord. It belongs to Him.
1 Thessalonians 1:6 - And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
The word followers is the Greek word MIMETAI which is where we get our word mimic or mime from. You became mimics. The reason why I emphasize the point is that some people think that Paul is using the word for copying. Paul didn't call on them to copy him. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 11:1, he said it again, be ye followers, or imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ. It's the same word MIMETAI.
(1 Thessalonians Part 1): Written to the believers in Thessalonica who were made up of mostly Gentiles, but some Jews believed also. There are two themes that are found in Thessalonians. This is what is called an eschatological letter. ESKATOS means last days.
We study the rapture of the church in 1 Thessalonians, and we study the second coming of Christ in 2 Thessalonians. He's dealing with last days issues.
1 Thessalonians 1:1 - Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Silvanus is known as Silas. In Acts 15:22 he is called Silas. He's one of the leaders from the church in Jerusalem that goes with Paul back to Antioch. Silas was a Roman citizen just like Paul was, though he was Jewish. Silvanus is his Latin name (his Roman name), and Silas is his Greek name.
Paul always presents his letter as Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace (CHARIS) is the Greek greeting, and peace (SHALOM)is the Jewish greeting. And so, he's greeting both the Gentiles as well as the Jews.
John 1:1-3 says this. Heb. 1:8 says that God says this to the Son, Jesus.
Perhaps the real questions is this: Are you willing to believe what Scriptures plainly say about Jesus being God?
May you be graced by the Holy Spirit today in your search for biblical answers to your important questions.
It is clear from how S. Spencer opened his post that it was addressed to everyone who would read it. I am sorry that it went to your e-mail. Please know that this does happen at times when we post. So, be forgiving and do not take it at all personally now that S. Spencer has responded to you and apologized.
As to your question about what is an unregenerated person, this term is for one who has not been born-again by the Holy Spirit and brought to faith and salvation in Jesus Christ. It is the same as being an unbeliever.
Grace be to you today.
1 Timothy 3:1-3
1 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
Now the wine that Jesus Christ made was not wine that made a person drunk. God speak of being drunk is a sin. Good wine was grapejuice from Heaven.
John 2:10
And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forthgoodwine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept thegoodwineuntil now.
In my life time, I will never believe that strong drinks bring in goods things in life. Giannis in no disrespect to wine, I believe that anyone can drink it, but for a Pastor of a church, it's dangerous. I should of be dead at the age 6, my father was a drunk and nearly killed me, by the grace of God, I am alive . I don't hate the alcohol, it's the sin that comes after it. Believe me or not, I still respected my father until he died from illness of alcohol.
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Giannis, thank you and God bless you with the power of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
May we all believe the Resurrection.
Thank you, I did not start this thread and I should have known where it would lead. I have laid out my understanding of this over the years I have been on this site. I can give you my knowledge on what you replied, like Matthew 3:16-17 You see all three in these verses The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
What I see is that this message was given to John. When he sees the Holy Spirit alight on someone and remains, he will know that person is the one God has revealed to him as the Messiah, His Son, the Lamb of God, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. What else I see is God's Spirit was in Jesus, not on, God gave Jesus His Spirit without measure to do all the works God did.
God manifested Himself in Jesus on earth through His Spirit. God's Spirit did not leave Jesus, that is what Jesus said to His disciples, they know him for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. John 14:17, God's Spirit was in Jesus, and If you have seen me, you have seen the Father, John 14:9.
Matthew 28:19 I can say, I have researched this verse and the manuscripts, and many say it is not in the Greek manuscripts but that does not prove anything. I can also say if this was what Jesus told the disciples to do and the method to baptize, we do not see any baptizing done this way. All baptisms recorded in the New Testament is only done in the name of Jesus. Only in Jesus' name, Acts 2:38, Acts 4:12
I love you, brother, if I reply to all you have sent me nothing will change. I feel tensions rising, things are starting to be said, not by you, like I said I did not start this thread, and if you do not mind, I feel it is best if I do not discuss this subject anymore.
I care too much for those on this site.
God bless,
RLW