Discuss Acts 14 Page 3

In the New Testament, 'predestination' is mentioned twice: Ephesians 1:5 & 1:11. In both cases, the Apostle Paul indicates that the Christian has been predestined to be 'adopted as God's children' and 'to receive an inheritance in His Kingdom'.

So both these verses point to a Christian's assurance that God has secured a destiny for us that is immutable because of Christ's sacrifice for our sins enabling God forgiving us & our acceptability into His family. That God is now our Father, where we once obeyed & served our former evil father, & that God's Son is our (elder) brother who has shown us the way, indeed was the Way, to our Father, ought to bring us much joy, comfort & assurance in the Work of God for us.

It should be said, that there are some who believe that God has predestined each human being to either eternal life or eternal death & that no amount of preaching, convicting or urging can alter that determination by God. That belief is untrue & I don't know whether this aspect is in your mind as you asked your question. If that was the case, there would be no need for the Gospel, nor preaching, nor responding - indeed, the Cross itself would be brought into question. We do know that God, in His Omniscience (His foreknowledge) knows all about His creation & who will or will not respond to the Cross. But that Knowledge doesn't determine who will be saved or who will be denied salvation. Just thought to add this if you were wondering.

It interesting how you reply and present your side, which includes false assumptions, then end by saying you don't think Christians should argue about it. If that's what you believe then why did you start arguing over it?

I won't pick apart all the logical errors presented here, but will just mention one very common one people use to twist the Bible to say what they want is they do selective translations. Even though the Bible is already translated in the best way, someone will find something they don't like, then go to the Greek or Hebrew to try to re-translate it themselves. The problem with this is it's already translated, far more carefully and accurately than someone just trying to change one word that seems inconvenient to a person at the time. People use this fake news technique to justify all kinds of crazy beliefs. So, I will call it out when I see it. The earth is round just like the Bible says and that's easily proven today by countless means. God bless.

Dear Brother,

I have thought; prayed & meditated on the writing & meanings of each Book, Chapter & Verse - that I've studied as they've entered my life.

Starting this Bible study is my commitment to immerse my Soul in The Word of God!

I BELIEVE God is THE Author of the Old & New Testaments.

God spoke to each of the "Transcribers" & wrote what The Almighty "Dictated to them.

An example of this is Moses & the 10 Commandments; Moses being a "Vessel", filled with the Holy Spirit's Light, had to cover his head because, I Spiritually "See" Moses & I "See" that to look upon the Light of The Holy Spirit emanating from Moses' head would be like Looking at The Sun!

My point is this; if I had "Transcribed" for The Almighty, I would have written what I just wrote I "saw", KNOWING that most people would easily understand & experience what God had me Transcribe!

There were many "Transcribers", using their surroundings, customs & channeling of God's words to Transcribe accurately but understandably, God's Words for Humanity, for all time!

These were Holy Men (Holy Women, too!) Of God, FILLED with The Holy Spirit, who responsibily Transcribed in "The Books" God's SPOKEN Words into His Poetry, History- to Understand God for Fellowship with The Almighty & His Creation, MANKIND..

God's Laws, to be followed EXACTLY, For RIGHTEOUS Living; NO MATTER WHAT! So the Transcriber of each Book HAD to make sure "The Word of God" would be Understood & Followed, FOREVER!

Transcribers "INTERPRETED" The Prophecies; VERY IMPORTANT because to have TRUE FELLOWSHIP with Our Father, We Children must Trust & Live Our Father's Words; The Ten Commandments, His Laws for RIGHTEOUS Lives; to KNOW We Must give Our Will over to the Care of Our Father.

If We Live by Spiritual Law; God Will ALWAYS PROTECT US & if the God's Laws aren't Followed, what would happen- Warnrnings/inspiration to be Righteous!

About the Future of Mankind & Most of All - to give All His Children - HOPE!9

My brother Adam,

Just to write a kind reply. Many people today believe and have proof of the earth being "flat"(simple term). Proving the curve of the earth to not be real, or exist, as would be on a "ball". The only proof nasa or anybody else has is word of mouth and pictures/TV. As I am not here to make anybody believe anything. We are all on our own mission as you know.

So to the Bible. As Gary stated about the "firmament". Saying to study the word maybe that it actually means a "solid expanse". A couple other things in the Bible on this in Genesis. How the great lights that were created, sun, moon, stars, were set "in" the firmament. Genesis 1:14-17. How Joshua made the sun, and moon, stand still. Joshua 10:12-13. Some people say God really made the earth stop rotating and spinning because they didn't know we were on a "ball" in space back then. Basically saying the Bible is wrong here. Or maybe how the Bible says in so many places the earth is "fixed and immovable". Is the Bible wrong here too as nasa claims we are spinning at around 1000mph and rotating around the sun over 66k mph? I believe the Bible.

Did you know they say the tilt of the earth is 23.4 degrees? Minus a right angle of 90 degrees it is 66.6 degrees.

As I'll end with Isaiah claiming God to sit on the circle of the earth. A circle is not a "ball" or "sphere". Isaiah also knew this as well. In Isaiah 22:18 he states "toss thee like a ball". Which is a different Hebrew word than "circle".

Anyway, again, I don't think us followers of Christ should argue over such things. Sometimes the truth is not easy to accept after being deceived for all our lives.

Jesus Christ our Lord is the way and we should all focus on Him. Staying strong in the Word. Amen.

God Bless brother.

Does the KJV teach predestination?

Hi Gary, disbelievers usually refer to this as creation vs. science. However, it's really science vs atheism. Atheists are motivated to show only data that reaffirms what they want to believe, so they naturally have a bias against all scientific data that supports creation. It's not real science if it's biased. There are countless evidence of God through scientific data. There are many good YouTube videos and websites on this. For example, the fact that we even exist is a scientific data point supporting intelligent design. Tesla cars don't invent themselves randomly, but humans with even more features than a Tesla designed itself? That has never been seen or witnessed and can't be reproduced, which is why that's only a theory or a belief- similar to a religious belief, but with even less support.

Scientists often proclaim things boldly as indisputable facts and are often wrong, then they quietly retract the falsehoods and move on. Things like diet, how our body works, left brain/right brain assumptions, physics, animals and instinct, space. Nearly every topic people have been 100% wrong in the name of science, but they got everyone to believe it at the time. Al Gore said houses on beaches would be 10' underwater and that was supposed to be a few years ago. He even bought a mansion near the beach in Malibu so he obviously didn't believe it himself. So, there's a long history of people claiming to be scientists and being 100% wrong.

Now the firmament- you said there's a scientific paradigm that says the opposite. So, what? Do you believe one person's opinion over the wisdom of the Bible? Remember the world's smartest "scientists" used to believe the earth was flat, but the Bible said it was round- it called it the "circle of the Earth" which was written in Isaiah in BC. But scientists didn't agree or believe it until at least 1,500 years later. The Bible's wisdom has proven each time to be right on everything. Link

Genesis came to mind. The creation account clearly gives us the earth surrounded by water, above the firmament and below. Of course we now have a scientific paradigm that tells us the opposite. They both cannot possibly be correct and yet for quite some time now professed bible believers have mutilated the inspired word in their efforts to conform with the scientific world view. If you have the courage study the word firmament, it reveals the true nature of Gods creation.

when we die, do we go immediately to Heaven?

give the main outline of this chapter

I will state at the outset Melvin, that I've never fasted & prayed: I've never sensed the need to do so, though I do understand Jesus Own Words in this regard ( Matthew 17:21) & others in the Bible who have fasted & prayed ( Luke 2:37, Acts 14:23). There is no reason to not fast & pray, but when we consider these examples, it seems clear that fasting (coupled with prayer), is an act to make one more conscious & focused on the important/urgent matter in our hearts or in the spiritual work we might be called to do, that engages with the spirit world.

The opposite is also true: if you have a big lunch & its a lovely warm day, it doesn't take much for the body to relax & slowly drift away into sleep (for me at least). But when the body is denied food & coupled with a determination to bring our matters before the Lord, then our spirits are more centred on this & stray thoughts & need for sleep are kept at bay. As well, I would think that the Lord also sees the earnestness of our hearts about our matters before Him & we in a sense 'wrestle with the Lord' in prayer as Jacob did physically with God's Angel, saying, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." ( Genesis 32:26). And James in James 5:16 says, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much", which almost implies that if we choose to fast & pray, then this adds 'weight' to our fervent, effectual praying. Does this make our prayers more powerful? If our prayers are then made in full faith not doubting, in full earnestness, in full agreement with the Will of God, then yes, by fasting, both ourselves & God are pressed into 'action': from us, focused fervent prayer; from God, being conscious of our appeal to Him & not letting go until we see His Hand move.

Maybe others here on this Site, who engage in fasting & prayer may be able to help you further in this matter.

Page 1.

Spike, we generally understand that this letter, as also 3 John, are attributed to the Apostle John. Even though the letters don't indicate this, the early Church fathers, including Polycarp, a contemporary of John, ascribed the letter to the aged John (around 90 yrs of age). As well, even though elders were appointed in the Church by this time ( Acts 14:23, James 5:14, etc.), John's use of the word "Elder" speaks of his old age & apostolic position rather than any sign of humility. He was the last apostle to enter Glory & so probably felt a greater burden to give his remaining time to full use.

We aren't told who the "elect lady" was. She is generally referred to as Kuria or Kyria, but that is debatable as it doesn't come from any reliable source. Yet, from John's letter, we assume that she was a lady of note (a person, not a Church), who was faithful to Christ with her family & may have even received teachers of the Word into her home & supported the ministry. In any case, John had an approving view of her & hoped to see her on a visit - which we don't believe ever took place. You could also be correct, in that John abstained from naming her as it might have been improper & too forward to address a lady by name. And this may be clarified by his naming Gaius in his third letter.

Acts 14:11-14 tell us that Paul & Barnabas healed a crippled man at Lystra. This miracle caused some to think that the gods had come to visit them. So they named Paul, Mercurius & Barnabas, Jupiter. And to this Paul & Barnabas were extremely upset as they wanted to point people to the True & Living God, not mythological beings.

So Mercurius, or Hermes was a god of travel, commerce, communications, eloquence: to which Paul was likened for his speech. And Jupiter, or Zeus was the king god of the sky, thunder, lightning, law & justice.

Other Greek gods: Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite, Hermes, Dionysus, etc. These names I gleaned from the Web. And these gods would also be included in their religious & family practise.

Even better, by resurrection power in the name of Jesus and the Holy Ghost, Paul restored Eutychus to life, being dead (nekros).

The LORD granted unto the apostles signs and wonders to be done by their hands to validate their testimony of grace ( Acts 14:3; Romans 15:19).

In a similar fashion, Peter was used of the LORD to restore Tabitha, known as Dorcas, back to life in Acts 9.

Some of my favorites:

John chapter 16 is Jesus preparing his disciples for difficulty, ending with "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (verse 33).

Acts 14:22 is an exhortation to continue in the faith through tribulation.

Romans chapter 8 is Paul's testimony on hardship and the believer's victory in Christ Jesus.

Revelation 2:8-11 is Jesus encouraging the suffering Church.

Revelation 7:9-17 shows us a great multitude come out of tribulation, redeemed by the blood of the lamb.

Acts 14:22

[22]strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."

Someone sent this to me so I can not take credit. Sadly few seem to really understand the mission of the Church.

Persecution shall bring revival to the remnant church and separate the wheat from the tares or weeds.

Jesus promised us we would be hated:

Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

We are warned of Tribulation or Trouble in this world

Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Paul warned us of persecution in 2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

someone sent this to me:

"Everyone is always searching for the"One" sign/event that will trigger Christ's return, yet completely ignore the One thing that is the determining factor of when Christ returns.

It's not about what king or kingdom is doing that is the final event, It's what the Church is like, what the Church is doing.

Jesus is returning for a Bride that has Made Herself READY.....

A Church Triumphant.

His return is not a rescue mission,

It is a completion of the task He appointed the Church to fulfill and until She does, He will NOT return.

He is coming for a Bride that has made herself ready to be received by her husband, Her gown washed white in His blood, without spot or wrinkle.

The Bride is still not ready, the Great exploits of the Church has not yet occurred because She is still too immature, too busy acting childish. When She matures, then we will see the sings and wonders take place that will bring about the greatest revival in human history. The Latter rain is to be greater then the Former Rain."

Believers know this: 1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation (TROUBLE) enter into the kingdom of God.
People we are promised persecution and trouble in this world. Jesus warned us and it is coming as a storm. Now is the calm before the storm. Stay close to Jesus as that is all we shall have in this world and what is coming

See verses: Rom 3:23, Rom 6:23, Heb 9:27 Not by any good works of your own: Eph 2:8-9, Rom 4:5, Rom 10:3-4 Jesus Christ did it all! John 14:6, Acts 14:12 His precious blood was shed for you! Col.1:14, Rev 1:5, Acts:20:28,1 Pet.1:18-9.You must believe it,ask Jesus to save you and receive it. Rom10:9-13 He will do it! Then find a KJV only church and speak with the pastor about your next steps.

Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22

Believers Will have Tribulation,Trouble,Persecution Brought on by Non-Believers/ We Must Through Much Tribulation Enter into The Kingdom of God( Acts 14:22) Believers on The Other Side of The Planet are Thrown out of Their Homes Tortured Killed or Imprisoned.There's Only One Last Trump( 1 Corinthians 15:52) There's Only One First Resurrection( Revelation 20:6) Simplicity: Believers have Tribulation

Book of Acts is the gospel, they walked in the light as Jesus walked. This is the example that the apostles did wherever they went to preach. First to the Jewish people, then to the gentiles. The apostles were doing the command that our Lord gave them to preach and baptize in the name of the father, the son and the holy ghost. Therefore, the Holy Ghost is a gift given unto all who believe. Amen!

True Believers will Suffer: We Must Through Much Tribulation Enter into The Kingdom of God( Acts 14:22) It's Been Going on for 2000 Yrs/ 50 Countries on The Other side of the Planet, Arrest,Torture,Kill Believers Daily. In The US not so much as long as We Just go to Church, go home watch TV "Our Real GOD". Now it's our Phone or Anything that Draws You Away/ Preach The Gospel = Persecution.

Rahab did not pray for herself to be saved only, but for her household also, and they were saved. Thank God for His promise in Acts 14:31.

Tribulation started 2000 Yrs ago.---and that We Must go Through Much Tribulation Enter into The Kingdom of God( Acts 14:22) / The First Four Seals are Open:--- And Power was Given unto Them over The Fourth Part of The Earth, to Kill with Sword and with Hunger and with Death--- ( Revelation 6:8) The Lord's People are, Jailed, Torture, Beheaded on The Other side of the Planet. ( Matthew 5:10 )

Alexas: that is definitely the rapture that will take place but where does that say pre-trib? Matthew 24:29 immediately after The Tribulation of those days---v31: He shall send His Angels to do what? Revelation20:6 blessed and Holy is he that has part in the First Resurrection:/ --- we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22

Ivan: Tribulation started couple thousand years ago./ All True Believers must go through much Tribulation, before Entering The Kingdom of God. Acts 14:22. / They been Tortured,Burned, Hung on crosses, fed to the animals, Beheaded. On the other side of The Planet it's going on Daily it will get worse right before The Last trumpet sounds. / Revelation 20:15

--that we must through much Tribulation enter into The Kingdom of God. Acts 14:22. In The World ye shall have Tribulation: John 16:33. Tribulation started a few Thousand years ago. All True Believers will have Tribulation. Wrath is for nonbelievers. 4 Seals have been opened. They have been handed 25% of the planet. Many Believers are jailed, tortured beheaded on the other side of The Planet.

Steve: We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22 / Immediately after The Tribulation, The Lord will send His Angels to do what? Matthew 24: 29-31 / We Glory in Tribulation---Knowing Tribulation worketh patience. Romans 5:3

Paul and Barnabus in; Acts 14:22 "exhorting them"," through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." To use your words; "tantrums when faced with people that want to kill you." If you buckle and wine because of what "little ol' me has to say, how will you endure til the end?
A word of "exhortation" should be received with gratitude to the Lord at least.

Kurt: Yes:No one is Saved until one is Called(a Tugging on Your Heart): John 6:44 / Ask Forgiveness:1John1:9 /They are Washed in His Blood:Revelation1:5 / They Will be Baptized with His Spirit and giving a New Heart, You will be Changed! Mark l:8, 2Corinthians 5:17, You will Know! Impossible not to Know. Tribulation and Persecution comes to All who are Saved. Acts 14:22 / No roots: Matthew 13:21