John and the Twelve baptized because God commanded a covenant sign that prepared Israel for the nearness of the promised kingdom. John's mission was prophetic and God-sent: he came to make the Lord's paths straight ( Isa 40:3; Mal 3:1; Matt 3:3), and "He that sent me to baptize with water" defined his work ( John 1:33). His baptism was "of repentance for the remission of sins" ( Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3), publicly separating a believing remnant and manifesting the Messiah to Israel ( John 1:31). This fit Israel's priestly calling and cleansing types-washings consecrated service ( Exod 29:4; Lev 8:6), and prophets promised national purification ( Ezek 36:25; cf. Heb 9:10). Jesus then authorized the apostles to carry this forward in the kingdom gospel: "make disciplesbaptizing" ( Matt 28:19; Mark 16:15-16). At Pentecost Peter summoned Israel: "Repent, and be baptizedfor the remission of sins," with the gift of the Spirit and the hope of restoration ( Acts 2:38-41; 3:19-21). In Acts, water baptism identified penitents with the crucified and risen Christ, marked them off from unbelieving Israel, and was confirmed by signs, for "the Jews require a sign" ( Acts 8:12-17; 10:47-48; 22:16; 1 Cor 1:22; cf. Mark 16:17-18). With the later revelation of the Body of Christ, the saving baptism is the Spirit's work-placing believers into one Body apart from rites ( Eph 4:5; 1 Cor 12:13; Titus 3:5). Therefore Paul could say, "Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" ( 1 Cor 1:17). In sum, John and the apostles baptized in obedience within Israel's kingdom program-repentance, cleansing, identification, and Spirit-attested entry into the remnant-while today the "one baptism" that saves is the Spirit's, not water ( Eph 2:8-9). This preserves Israel's covenant logic with today's grace-salvation rests on Christ's cross-work by faith - not rites, while water witnessed repentance in Israel.
Thank you for your response Bennymkje. This question from your comment seems to reflect how you understood mine to Lbooth1955, "We walk by faith which entails work, don't you think?"
You may have misunderstood my comments, believing that I was denouncing works as the proper response to a genuine faith. Not at all, works that follow such a God-given faith must exist, or else it is no faith at all (and James deals with this quite well). So, it is not a work that results from faith that I refer to, but a work that must accompany faith to make our salvation real & effective.
The point I tried to make earlier, was that water baptism that accompanies repentance, belief, and faith, is a true baptism and not a work for it is part & parcel of one's testimony of a new life identified and received in Christ. And this is what I read in the Word by the many examples given ( Acts 2:38,41; Acts 8:12,13; Acts 8:36-38; Acts 9:17,18; Acts 10:21,44-48; Acts 16:14,15; Acts 16:30-33; Acts 18:8). All these folk were baptized immediately, or very soon after repenting and believing. Baptism here was not a 'work' added to salvation, but a very real part of one's witness before man & within oneself. In those days (as in some countries now), many would have suffered great loss or ostracization for turning to Christ, so baptism at that early stage was truly a bold declaration of love for the Savior & turning away from religion (& family) as a very real part of conversion.
Anything we do that adds to our salvation (even water baptism, if we deem it necessary to make our salvation real), is a work. And if that work, whether baptism, doing good deeds for others, attending to Jewish Law, etc., ensures our salvation, then our salvation is no longer of faith, but of works. For the salvation of God through His Son to be effective in our lives, it must be devoid of anything that attaches to that God-given faith; for that faith does save when it remains pure, free from all associations.
I appreciate your thoughts, and I agree with you that salvation has always been centered in Christ-"for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" ( Acts 4:12). Likewise, Paul rightly affirms that there is "one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" ( 1 Tim. 2:5). These truths are universal and unchanging.
However, dispensationalism recognizes that while the Person of salvation is the same, the message and audience differ according to God's progressive revelation. Peter and the Twelve ministered under the kingdom program, proclaiming Jesus as Israel's promised Messiah and King. Their call was "repent and be baptizedfor the remission of sins" ( Acts 2:38), looking for the restoration of Israel's kingdom on earth ( Acts 3:19-21).
Paul, in contrast, received from the risen, glorified Christ the "mystery" gospel-not revealed to the prophets nor known to the Twelve ( Eph. 3:1-9; Gal. 1:11-12). His commission was to the Gentiles, preaching "the gospel of the grace of God" ( Acts 20:24), centered in the finished cross-work of Christ and received apart from law or ordinances. While both messages rest on Christ, they represent different programs: Israel's prophetic hope versus the Body of Christ's heavenly calling.
Regarding Paul persecuting "the church" ( Acts 8:3), dispensationalists distinguish the kingdom church in Jerusalem from the Body of Christ later revealed to Paul. The prayers of those saints were answered when God, in His wisdom, raised up Paul for a new ministry-not to continue their message, but to unfold the revelation of grace.
So yes, Christ is the one Savior and mediator. Yet God's Word shows different stewardships: the gospel of the kingdom to Israel through the Twelve, and the gospel of grace to all nations through Paul. Recognizing these distinctions keeps us from blending programs and helps us "rightly divide the word of truth" ( 2 Tim. 2:15).
COGIC ADULTS MENS SUNDAY SCHOOL BOOK October 5, 2025 Acts 8: 9-24 KJV
West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California
My COGIC WORSHIP: 1Corithians 15:3-4 KJV Intro: I Worship God with meaning, Book of Acts all to obey God -How we need to believe God. Verse 9 I Worship God eyes to see, word to believe in, living water of life freely, healing power and cure. II . I Worship God Gospel of Jesus Christ available to all people. Verse 14 I Worship God of truth for me tool receive from God with authority. Holy Spirit to approve and disapprove. Holy Ghost to do all things through Christ which strengtheneths me.
Unfortunately, some believers do make water baptism necessary for salvation (and this would certainly be works added to faith). Whereas, if baptism was done correctly, as per NT teaching & practise, then the Church today would not be in a questionable position. I always observe in the NT, that believing & baptism went hand-in-hand: if you believed and confessed Jesus, you were taken to the water for baptism there and then. We can even take the case of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch ( Acts 8:26-39) for an immediate baptism, for both should go together & not our lazy way today of baptising believers weeks, months & years after the event. Or, even as we often hear from the pulpit: 'there will be a baptism service in three weeks, so any considering this important step, please see me after today's service'. This to me is a great digression from what the Lord commanded & was practised in those early days.
So, I could never see baptism or even works following faith, as anything other than what is expected to be done as a result of turning to Christ & reception of the Holy Spirit. Again to state, this is exactly the same Gospel preached & practised by both Peter and Paul, and no doubt by the other apostles as they ventured into farther lands. GBU.
Acts 8:5 "Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them."
Acts 8:14 "Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:"
Acts 8:25 "And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans."
Acts 8:34 "And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?"
Acts 8:35 "Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus."
Acts 8:38 "And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him."
Acts 10:32 "Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee."
Acts 10:46 "For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,"
Acts 10:47 "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?"
Acts 11:20 "And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus."
Acts 11:21 "And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord."
Hi DSCY222. This is a matter that would fall into the "too hard tray", for giving the right answer that applies to everyone. It is true that those deceased of Israel in the Old Testament & believers in the New Testament are said to be buried (e.g. Genesis 25:10; Genesis 35:19; Numbers 20:1; Deuteronomy 34:5,6; Joshua 24:32,33; etc. and Mark 6:29 (John the Bapt); Acts 8:2; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4); for this was the common practise, as opposed to how the heathen dealt with their dead. And so it is understandable for believers today to follow that pattern of treatment and respect for their dead as well.
Yet I'm sure, there would be many instances over the ages where believers have met their fate as martyrs at the burning stake, or in horrible fires or crashes, where whatever remains existed were treated as such & burned off in totality. And of course, some, for financial reasons & their own perspective & belief from the Word, have elected cremation over burial; or even relatives of the deceased have decided not to abide by the departed one's wishes for burial, opting for cremation. So, we have all sorts of situations in this regard, which should lead one to decide for themselves on how their remains are dealt with, knowing that the body returns to the earth anyway (whether to dust or ash), but the spirit of the person can never die and God is well able to effect a resurrection with or without whatever remains in the earth.
Both my wife and I have decided for burial when that time eventuates, following the pattern of those gone on before & for giving due respect to the life lived; but if that shouldn't happen (because of unexpected events leading to our demise), then would we be held in contempt of the Word & God's Will? This then becomes a very personal matter & decision, which no one should oppose you on, as you affirm it in all good conscience before God & from His Word.
Matthew 17:21: "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."
Matthew 18:11: "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."
Matthew 23:14: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation."
Mark 7:16: "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."
Mark 9:44: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Mark 9:46: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Mark 11:26: "But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."
Mark 15:28: "And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors."
Luke 17:36: "Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left."
John 5:4: "For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had."
Acts 8:37: "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
Acts 15:34: "Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still."
Acts 24:7: "But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,"
Acts 28:29: "And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves."
Romans 16:24: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
I John 5:7: "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
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.
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.)
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 .
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.
We've had others that use to come on the site with various names and toss those two scriptures out " Acts 8:37 and Acts 9:20" along with various other verses as battle invitations for a battling debate on the deity of Christ which brings contention in the body of Christ.
Here's what's important.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Acts 8:39 - And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
In the Greek text, this phrase "caught away" is the word HARPADZO, same word for the rapture. God's Spirit snatched Philip away, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. Many believe that this was a miracle where Philip was just there, and he's gone. But that doesn't necessarily have to be the translation as we understand it.
God Spirit just grabbed him by force. This wasn't a casual goodbye. It's one of those "I got to go!" And the eunuch saw him no more: and he (the eunuch) went on his way rejoicing. History tells us that this eunuch was the one who started the church, the body of Christ, in Ethiopia. Interesting when he got home!
Acts 9:2 - And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
So, he went to the high priest and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of "the way," and please notice the literal translation.
It is not "of this way." It's actually a title. The Christians were called or said to be of "the way." It is the word for road. It is the word for way of life taken from John 14:6. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life."
So, they did not see it as a religion. They saw it as a way of life, these people who are of "the way." Of what way? Of Jesus. He is their way of life. It's interesting that if he found any of "THE WAY," whether they were men or women, so he didn't care who they were, that he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
The word "bound" is in the Perfect Tense showing condition. He wants to get as many as he can find, both men and women, and bind them, put chains or ropes around them, and bring them into Jerusalem in this condition.
Acts 8:2 - And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
Meanwhile back home, devout men, (that would be Jewish religious men), carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
That last little phrase "making great lamentation over him" was actually an expression of rebellion. You were not allowed to weep or make lamentation over criminals. So, they were weeping over him!
Acts 8:3 - As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
The word "havock" (or raging) in Greek means destruction. He was destroying the church, literally dismantling the church. And entering into every house, and dragging men and women, he committed them to prison. This is a house-to-house search for Christians throughout the city of Jerusalem. I'd say that he is pretty obsessed with finding Christians!
Acts 8:37 - And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
And Philip said, and I'm going to give you a literal translation here because the literal translation brings out so much more than the English does.
The English says, "If thou believest with all thine heart."
The Greek says, "If you are believing from out of your whole heart." Your whole heart! And if you are continuously believing from out of your whole heart, Christ has just taken over your whole heart, you may. And he answered and said, I am believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Again, the term "Son of God" is in reference to Messiah, and the anointing of God Himself. He's making confession!
Acts 7:51 - Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
That's not a great way to start out and win friends. Stiffnecked! All of us have actually experienced waking up some morning with a stiff neck. But that's not what it means. They called a person a "stiffneck person" when they refused to bow. And someone would come over to them and grab them by the back of the neck and try to make them bow and they would stiffen up and refuse to bow. A "stiffnecked" person is a person who refuses to bow to the lordship of Christ.
Acts 8:1 - And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And Saul was consenting unto his death. That is a specific Jewish term making reference to vote. He was consenting. He cast his vote to have Stephen put to death. And at that time, there was a great persecution against the church, which was at, or in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
The apostles didn't travel, at least at the beginning, and they stayed behind. But Paul wasn't finished. He wasn't satisfied with just the death of Stephen. This began a city-wide persecution of rounding up believers. And so, they scattered. And that is their official name, even to this day. They are the DIASPORA. That is the Greek word for scattered. DIASPORA are the scattered ones, the Jews who had been scattered outside their homeland of Israel.
I am not going to answer your questiond directly but I will give you some scripture which clarifies, I believe, everything about water baptism.
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 8:27-39, "27And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
28Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
29Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
30And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
31And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
32The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
33In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
34And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
35Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and PREACHED UNTO HIM JESUS.
36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See,HERE IS WATER; WHAT DOTH HINDER ME TO BE BAPTIZED?
37And Philip said, IF THOU BELIEVEST WITH ALL THINE HEART, THOU MAYEST. And he answered and said,I BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD.
38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
39And when they were COME UP OUT OF THE WATER the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, ..."
This is the order that I was taught and still believe to be true based on my own study.
Acts 8:36-37 are some of the greatest verses about Baptism. Philip gives the conditions for baptism: That the individual must believe with all their heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (this rules out babies being baptized). 1 Pet 3:21 states that it is a figure that is the answer of a good conscience toward God. Based on those two passages, I believe that Belief comes before Baptism.
Now to compare being Born again to Believing, but first, just to define terms, what does being born again mean? It is the same as quickening and regenerating ( Eph 2:1; Tit 3:5). It is a phase of our salvation when God revives us spiritually with His Holy Spirit. We are physically born dead in trespasses and sins ( Eph 2:1-3). When Adam cursed mankind in the garden of Eden he died spiritually that day. God told him he would die the day he ate the fruit ( Gen 2:17), but Adam lived up to 930 years ( Gen 5:5), so either God lied and the Devil was telling the truth ( Gen 3:4) or a different type of death occurred than physical that being spiritual.
Rom 8:7-8 are powerful verses about the state of the carnal mind. Without God's gift of the Holy Spirit we can do nothing that is pleasing to God. Without the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, we only have the old man, the flesh, the carnal mind that hates God without the new man and spiritual mind that wants to please God.
Okay, back to the order of B's... 1 John 2:29 says "every one that doeth righteousness IS born of him" not shall be born of him. If a man does righteousness it is proof that the righteous spirit of God dwells in him and that he was born, quickened, and regenerated to have a spirit that loves God.
Additionally, John 1:12 mentions those who believe on him, but the verse does not end with a period. The rest of the thought is that they WERE born of God ( John 1:13).
As to your question you have received several answers, my understanding in the Bible baptism is done only by immersion as the word means. As Jesse said sprinkling did not start until the 1300s and it was for the reason it was so inconvenient. So, this was done just because of convenience's sake, nothing Biblical about it. I agree with Giannis, and we must believe as Jesus said in Mark 16:16.
All we do is to be done in our Lord Jesus's name, Colossians 3:16-17. Many use Matthew 28:19 but we also see in the rest of Scripture that a person who is baptized in Jesus' name is someone who believes in Jesus as Savior, the Messiah, the Son of God who for us died, was buried, and was resurrected we acknowledge this by being baptized in His name, Acts 2:38Acts 8:12Acts 8:16Acts 10:48Acts 19:5Acts 22:16Romans 6:3Galatians 3:27Colossians 2:12Ephesians 4:5.
Paul shows the importance of being baptized in the name of Jesus, Acts 19:1-6. God has placed Jesus and His name above all that is in heaven and earth, Matthew 28:18Philippians 2:9-11. Salvation only comes in His name Acts 4:12Romans 10:13. The name of Jesus is the source of power and authority for healing, miracles, and deliverance, Mark 16:17Luke 10:17Acts 4:7Acts 4:30Acts 16:18.
We are to give thanks in Jesus's name, Ephesians 5:20. Our faith is through Him and in His name, Acts 3:16. We must believe in Jesus, John 3:16John 6:47Acts 16:311 John 3:231 John 5:13. Whatever we ask for we are to ask in His name, John 14:13-14. We are to pray to the Father in His name, James 5:14. Jesus is our priest and the only mediator between God and men, 1 Timothy 2:5.
GOD is praised in us when we are set to glorify HIM as HE directs us. In the things we do in HIM and how we direct our material wealth and use it to worship the LORD CHRIST.
May our walk in HIM be precious as the tabernacle is shown to be. The outer covering not much to look at; but the inside is beautiful beyond compare. Our life be as Philip in Acts 8: 26 able to tell others of the gospel of the LORD JESUS.
Thank YOU FATHER for this day of worship and time of celebration
Luke 2:10 - 18
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Isaiah 9
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Many are saying we as believers should not be involved in this "pagan" ritual; however, we should use this as an opening to declare our SAVIOR GOD JESUS CHRIST who is no longer a babe.
Titus 2:
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Praying for the peace in Jerusalem and the Godly wisdom needed in DC and all levels and areas of our nation.
Ephesians 6:10-18 may we recognize..
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Merry Christmas everyone, and a prosperous New Year in 2024.
Well maybe David0921 I may have misunderstood you (which caused you to be puzzled). You did state, "God does not save anyone BECAUSE we Believe. But if and when God Saves an individual by His MERCY and GRACE alone, they will Believe. Our BELIEF, our REPENTANCE are good works that we do as a RESULT of our Salvation." When I read this statement, it appeared you're stating that Belief & Repentance are necessary (good works) but are the result (could read it as, products) of our Salvation. If something results from an activity, it is assumed that the activity takes place first. So, if Salvation comes first, then how does Belief & Repentance result from it?
As well, in this last comment from you, you write, "Repentance and Belief of someone whom God has saved or plans to savedoes NOT contribute in any way whatsoever TOWARDS their salvation. These are good works that we do because God has saved us or in the process of drawing us to salvation". So even here it seems that Repentance and Belief, though non-contributing to salvation (and I agree to this part), but are evidences post-Salvation or during Salvation. Maybe your thought of Repentance is the continual attitude of the believer in his day-to-day life/warfare, and not of an initial repentance required for salvation; or even, if someone is the Elect of God, he must be saved from the beginning even as a sinner, but only has to repent & believe when he realizes his state. So, I too remain perplexed for I too don't believe that Repentance & Belief can be added to God's Gift of Salvation or else they would be considered as Works; YET I know that Repentance & Belief are necessary to grant Salvation ( Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts 8:22; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9).
Hi F Major. 1 Peter 1:2 tells us, "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied."
The Apostle Peter wrote this letter to Christians, mainly of Jewish birth, who were scattered to other nations (mainly resulting from the great persecutions from the Jewish leaders/Saul: Acts 8:1). Peter calls them the Elect of God, i.e. those whom God has chosen to be His. And what criterion did God use to make this selection? The Word tells us that they, and us who believe, are chosen by Him because He knew beforehand (foreknowledge) all those who would hear the Gospel of Salvation through Christ & would respond in faith.
So yes, God has chosen each one of us who believes - He didn't force us to believe just so that we wouldn't nullify His wise choosing by Him making a mistake; but He knew who would respond & to these were granted the gift & privilege of being adopted into His family (see Ephesians 1:3-14 for a greater picture of this mighty Work of God on our behalf). Does this then mean that we don't need to share the Gospel with those trapped & lost in sin because God will save them anyway if they are called to be His elect? No, we must share the Gospel with all, because not only are we not privy to those who would be saved, but God has chosen to save some because when they hear the Gospel, they will believe by the convicting power of His Spirit, & they will call upon the Name of Jesus to save them from the awful penalty of sin & estrangement from a loving God.
"Unto you therefore which believe he is precious..." ( 1 Peter 2:7). If we truly belong to the LORD, Jesus is the most Precious One in our lives, for He has chosen us to be saved with so great & costly a salvation. Unbelievers might stomp on Jesus, curse & ridicule Him - but to us He is precious and our delight, & we can be ever thankful for being chosen to be His.
in his days pahraoh-nechoh, king of egypt went up against the king of assyria.....
- pharaoh necho of egypt went up to the euphrates river to help the king of assyria...
(again a totally different scenario)
acts 8:37
....i believe jesus christ is the son of god.
- omitted completely
(there are many more more. i don't know which niv version i am using on my computor with bible gateway, as there has been 3 versions so far of this book. it seems to them the holy ghost can't quite make up his mind exactly what he wants to say so he has to keep coming back to fix it. actually, i believe that it has to be changed every so often in order for them to keep their copywrite so they can sell it. i'm not sure what version this is and what changes they made but it really is a mute point, they are all wrong.)
god bless you all who understand the wrong of modern versions of these books.:)
Just a few things, I am sorry you feel you have been lied to, there are different interpretations out there. If we study Matt. 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 together it helps.
I have found when studying the Bible, we should not start with a preconceived idea, it is easy to see Scriptures that fit a picture we have painted in our mind rather than letting the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit reveal the true meaning.
First, Jesus's death and resurrection were hidden from them, Luke 18:31-34. Even after he was crucified, they were distraught and did not understand the fact that he was killed. John 16:16-20 and we have Luke 24:4-6. Not knowing Jesus was going to die would they be asking Jesus about His second coming?
Is all of Matthew 24 about the end time, many combined it with other prophecies to create a picture of the end time. Some of it is obviously about Jesus's second coming but much of it was to prepare them for what they were to endure up to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. False prophets we see there were many before 70 AD, Acts 21:36-38Acts 8:9 and others. If we look at history there were wars, earthquakes, and famine, Acts 7:11 and Acts 11:28.
Many put Matt. 24:15 and Mark 13:14 at the end time with an antichrist, should we not consider what Luke wrote about the same thing, Luke 21:20 that history has recorded?
One other thing why would Jesus say to pray their flee would not be on a Sabbath day? Today would not be a problem with the transportation we have. Back then the gates of Jerusalem would be locked and would be hard to get out and it would take days to get clear, with a pace of 2.5 mph.
I am with you, we sleep in the grave until resurrection the first of those who are chosen and faithful, Rev. 17:14 at Jesus's second coming and the second, the rest of the dead at the white throne judgment/the sheep and the goats and those whose names are not in the book of life is cast into the lake of fire, Rev. 20:15.
"9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
SO
It is not adequate just to believe in Jesus to get eternal life. One has to confess his faith. Where, when, to whom?
Acts 8:36-37,
"36 And as they(Philipp and the eunuch) went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. AND HE ANSWERED AND SAID, I BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD."
Nicene Creed, "...we acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins;"
I considered greatly whether to reply, I read and study the KJV, and I believe it is one of the best English translations. This is in love, and I am not looking to debate, I understand how high you hold the KJV and that should not be debated. I watched the video you listed, and I watched a couple more, do not know his name. You asked for other opinions on it and this is my opinion not to debate or insult but just my opinion.
My opinion is this is using numerology to prove an opinion. Do not know if you remember the Torah code it was years ago. It used a program that picked every fourth or seventh letter of the Torah to predict an event or a name in history and it did. Come to find out this can be done using any book that has many pages. The symbolic numbers found in the Bible are easily identified and plainly understood.
Numerology is a part of divination that we are told not to deal with. Why would someone spend so much time going through the Bible counting words trying to prove something that does not do anything but mystify and say Wow? Acts 8:9-11 not directed at you it is just the feelings I got from watching the videos.
I have read other Bibles and I choose the KJV, but we have to admit it is a translation and it is not perfect. I will not get into what manuscripts they used but whatever Bible we study the Spirit of Truth is our only teacher and only through the Spirit, we will have understanding.
I know my opinion may not be what yours is but think about this. The KJV is an English translation, in the world today 20 percent or less of people can speak English much less read it. If the KJV is the only true translation, what about the other 80 percent of the people in the world?
This is just my opinion you asked for, please do not reply to debate it.
If you have never read the KJV before I would recommend something like the The Defined King James Bible - LARGE PRINT available at The KJV Store. It has all the King's English words defined on every single page at the very bottom.
From the Preface of the Defined King James Bible:
As the Defined King James Bible has come to it's completion, we the publishers are overjoyed. We have long awaited the appearance of such a King James Bible that would easily inform the reader of meanings of words which, though excellent in 1611, have changed slightly through the years...
There are two portions of Scripture that come to mind concerning the understanding of the Words of God. The first portion is in Nehemiah. Nehemiah 8:8 states: "So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." This is what The Defined King James Bible has done. It will cause those who read the King James Bible to know "the sense" and "to understand the reading." They do not need to go to one of the modern versions which have inferior Hebrew and Greek texts, inferior translators, inferior translation techniques, and inferior technology.
A second portion of Scripture is found in Acts. Acts 8:30 states that Philip, when he met the Ethiopian Eunuch, "ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?" The Eunuch's reply in the next verse was: "How can I, except some man should guide me?" The footnotes in The Defined King James Bible will act as a "guide" so that you, too, might understand "what thou readest".
You will notice that there has been no change whatsoever in the Authorized King James Bible. It has been kept as the standard which has united English speaking people throughout the world. There have been only clarifying footnotes based upon sound English dictionaries and, where needed, the original Hebrew and Greek languages.
I've mention it earlier, but feel the need to reinstate this again, it's the writing of the Quakers specifically from 1646 to 1700, they arose in England during the later in of the Reformation.
Its very true in my experience what you stated, God open my understanding through their writing & biographies
The foundation of their teaching is the Light of God is in every human being John 1:9 & if given heed too, would lead them out of darkness into Light of Life. Once I was convince of this, by the Witness of Truth within, the Scriptures & sound reasoning, then in simplicity & sincerity of heart I started paying attention to His motions within me.
You mention the Ethiopian eunuch, in this story is a lovely example of the Spirit guidance, Philip was instructed to arise & go, he went by revelation not knowing at that moment what he was going for, Acts 8:29 Holy Spirit further open his understanding by revelation, then he preached to the eunuch by revelation. You can be sure that Philip pointed him to the Grace of God within him to be his teacher as he went back to his own country.
Peter, by revelation went to Cornelius house, not knowing what he would speak, but went as he was commanded by Holy Spirit, the Lord by revelation open up his understanding, extending His salvation to the Gentiles. & the Grace of God took over the work of salvation, in their everyday ordinary experiences in life. In conversation, past times activities, relationships etc, separating the precious from the vile in their heart.
Quoting You
There aren't any examples in the NT about an individuals revelation, the 12, the 7 etc. If not, how in the world did we get the NT, from cover to cover, its all the revelation of Jesus Christ
Friend, by the above references it appears you need to pay attention to what your reading. no offense given or taken.
1Cor 12:7; Will you allow God this liberty & right to His own Spirit of Grace within us, as well as to His gifts to the church?
John and the Twelve baptized because God commanded a covenant sign that prepared Israel for the nearness of the promised kingdom. John's mission was prophetic and God-sent: he came to make the Lord's paths straight ( Isa 40:3; Mal 3:1; Matt 3:3), and "He that sent me to baptize with water" defined his work ( John 1:33). His baptism was "of repentance for the remission of sins" ( Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3), publicly separating a believing remnant and manifesting the Messiah to Israel ( John 1:31). This fit Israel's priestly calling and cleansing types-washings consecrated service ( Exod 29:4; Lev 8:6), and prophets promised national purification ( Ezek 36:25; cf. Heb 9:10). Jesus then authorized the apostles to carry this forward in the kingdom gospel: "make disciplesbaptizing" ( Matt 28:19; Mark 16:15-16). At Pentecost Peter summoned Israel: "Repent, and be baptizedfor the remission of sins," with the gift of the Spirit and the hope of restoration ( Acts 2:38-41; 3:19-21). In Acts, water baptism identified penitents with the crucified and risen Christ, marked them off from unbelieving Israel, and was confirmed by signs, for "the Jews require a sign" ( Acts 8:12-17; 10:47-48; 22:16; 1 Cor 1:22; cf. Mark 16:17-18). With the later revelation of the Body of Christ, the saving baptism is the Spirit's work-placing believers into one Body apart from rites ( Eph 4:5; 1 Cor 12:13; Titus 3:5). Therefore Paul could say, "Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" ( 1 Cor 1:17). In sum, John and the apostles baptized in obedience within Israel's kingdom program-repentance, cleansing, identification, and Spirit-attested entry into the remnant-while today the "one baptism" that saves is the Spirit's, not water ( Eph 2:8-9). This preserves Israel's covenant logic with today's grace-salvation rests on Christ's cross-work by faith - not rites, while water witnessed repentance in Israel.
G&P
You may have misunderstood my comments, believing that I was denouncing works as the proper response to a genuine faith. Not at all, works that follow such a God-given faith must exist, or else it is no faith at all (and James deals with this quite well). So, it is not a work that results from faith that I refer to, but a work that must accompany faith to make our salvation real & effective.
The point I tried to make earlier, was that water baptism that accompanies repentance, belief, and faith, is a true baptism and not a work for it is part & parcel of one's testimony of a new life identified and received in Christ. And this is what I read in the Word by the many examples given ( Acts 2:38,41; Acts 8:12,13; Acts 8:36-38; Acts 9:17,18; Acts 10:21,44-48; Acts 16:14,15; Acts 16:30-33; Acts 18:8). All these folk were baptized immediately, or very soon after repenting and believing. Baptism here was not a 'work' added to salvation, but a very real part of one's witness before man & within oneself. In those days (as in some countries now), many would have suffered great loss or ostracization for turning to Christ, so baptism at that early stage was truly a bold declaration of love for the Savior & turning away from religion (& family) as a very real part of conversion.
Anything we do that adds to our salvation (even water baptism, if we deem it necessary to make our salvation real), is a work. And if that work, whether baptism, doing good deeds for others, attending to Jewish Law, etc., ensures our salvation, then our salvation is no longer of faith, but of works. For the salvation of God through His Son to be effective in our lives, it must be devoid of anything that attaches to that God-given faith; for that faith does save when it remains pure, free from all associations.
I appreciate your thoughts, and I agree with you that salvation has always been centered in Christ-"for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" ( Acts 4:12). Likewise, Paul rightly affirms that there is "one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" ( 1 Tim. 2:5). These truths are universal and unchanging.
However, dispensationalism recognizes that while the Person of salvation is the same, the message and audience differ according to God's progressive revelation. Peter and the Twelve ministered under the kingdom program, proclaiming Jesus as Israel's promised Messiah and King. Their call was "repent and be baptizedfor the remission of sins" ( Acts 2:38), looking for the restoration of Israel's kingdom on earth ( Acts 3:19-21).
Paul, in contrast, received from the risen, glorified Christ the "mystery" gospel-not revealed to the prophets nor known to the Twelve ( Eph. 3:1-9; Gal. 1:11-12). His commission was to the Gentiles, preaching "the gospel of the grace of God" ( Acts 20:24), centered in the finished cross-work of Christ and received apart from law or ordinances. While both messages rest on Christ, they represent different programs: Israel's prophetic hope versus the Body of Christ's heavenly calling.
Regarding Paul persecuting "the church" ( Acts 8:3), dispensationalists distinguish the kingdom church in Jerusalem from the Body of Christ later revealed to Paul. The prayers of those saints were answered when God, in His wisdom, raised up Paul for a new ministry-not to continue their message, but to unfold the revelation of grace.
So yes, Christ is the one Savior and mediator. Yet God's Word shows different stewardships: the gospel of the kingdom to Israel through the Twelve, and the gospel of grace to all nations through Paul. Recognizing these distinctions keeps us from blending programs and helps us "rightly divide the word of truth" ( 2 Tim. 2:15).
G&P
West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California
My COGIC WORSHIP: 1Corithians 15:3-4 KJV Intro: I Worship God with meaning, Book of Acts all to obey God -How we need to believe God. Verse 9 I Worship God eyes to see, word to believe in, living water of life freely, healing power and cure. II . I Worship God Gospel of Jesus Christ available to all people. Verse 14 I Worship God of truth for me tool receive from God with authority. Holy Spirit to approve and disapprove. Holy Ghost to do all things through Christ which strengtheneths me.
Unfortunately, some believers do make water baptism necessary for salvation (and this would certainly be works added to faith). Whereas, if baptism was done correctly, as per NT teaching & practise, then the Church today would not be in a questionable position. I always observe in the NT, that believing & baptism went hand-in-hand: if you believed and confessed Jesus, you were taken to the water for baptism there and then. We can even take the case of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch ( Acts 8:26-39) for an immediate baptism, for both should go together & not our lazy way today of baptising believers weeks, months & years after the event. Or, even as we often hear from the pulpit: 'there will be a baptism service in three weeks, so any considering this important step, please see me after today's service'. This to me is a great digression from what the Lord commanded & was practised in those early days.
So, I could never see baptism or even works following faith, as anything other than what is expected to be done as a result of turning to Christ & reception of the Holy Spirit. Again to state, this is exactly the same Gospel preached & practised by both Peter and Paul, and no doubt by the other apostles as they ventured into farther lands. GBU.
Acts 8:14 "Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:"
Acts 8:25 "And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans."
Acts 8:34 "And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?"
Acts 8:35 "Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus."
Acts 8:38 "And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him."
Acts 10:32 "Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee."
Acts 10:46 "For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,"
Acts 10:47 "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?"
Acts 11:20 "And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus."
Acts 11:21 "And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord."
Blessings
Yet I'm sure, there would be many instances over the ages where believers have met their fate as martyrs at the burning stake, or in horrible fires or crashes, where whatever remains existed were treated as such & burned off in totality. And of course, some, for financial reasons & their own perspective & belief from the Word, have elected cremation over burial; or even relatives of the deceased have decided not to abide by the departed one's wishes for burial, opting for cremation. So, we have all sorts of situations in this regard, which should lead one to decide for themselves on how their remains are dealt with, knowing that the body returns to the earth anyway (whether to dust or ash), but the spirit of the person can never die and God is well able to effect a resurrection with or without whatever remains in the earth.
Both my wife and I have decided for burial when that time eventuates, following the pattern of those gone on before & for giving due respect to the life lived; but if that shouldn't happen (because of unexpected events leading to our demise), then would we be held in contempt of the Word & God's Will? This then becomes a very personal matter & decision, which no one should oppose you on, as you affirm it in all good conscience before God & from His Word.
Matthew 17:21: "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."
Matthew 18:11: "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."
Matthew 23:14: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation."
Mark 7:16: "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."
Mark 9:44: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Mark 9:46: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Mark 11:26: "But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."
Mark 15:28: "And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors."
Luke 17:36: "Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left."
John 5:4: "For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had."
Acts 8:37: "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
Acts 15:34: "Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still."
Acts 24:7: "But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,"
Acts 28:29: "And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves."
Romans 16:24: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
I John 5:7: "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
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
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
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 .
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.
I wasn't addressing that toward you.
I said we've had others that use to come on the site "WITH VARIOUS NAMES" and toss those two scriptures out " Acts 8:37 and Acts 9:20" ect.
Some of us believe these various names is one person.
I believe sometimes these verses is used as clickbait to debate a topic.
However Ronald it seems you have went for it a few times.
Personally I pay attention to the delivery of the post and if it just comes out of nowhere with intensity I leave it alone even if I agree with them.
This person seems to be rolling their sleeves up.
I don't hold the view that we have to be open to everything however we should be willing to agree to disagree and move on.
I'm open to listen when one has brought something new to a past debate!
I'm not open to debate the same topic with the same verses over and over again.
I was just pointing out somethings that seems to be a bit repetitive.
Blessings
Jesus is titled the "Son of God!
We've had others that use to come on the site with various names and toss those two scriptures out " Acts 8:37 and Acts 9:20" along with various other verses as battle invitations for a battling debate on the deity of Christ which brings contention in the body of Christ.
Here's what's important.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Blessings.
Acts 8:39 - And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
In the Greek text, this phrase "caught away" is the word HARPADZO, same word for the rapture. God's Spirit snatched Philip away, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. Many believe that this was a miracle where Philip was just there, and he's gone. But that doesn't necessarily have to be the translation as we understand it.
God Spirit just grabbed him by force. This wasn't a casual goodbye. It's one of those "I got to go!" And the eunuch saw him no more: and he (the eunuch) went on his way rejoicing. History tells us that this eunuch was the one who started the church, the body of Christ, in Ethiopia. Interesting when he got home!
Acts 9:2 - And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
So, he went to the high priest and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of "the way," and please notice the literal translation.
It is not "of this way." It's actually a title. The Christians were called or said to be of "the way." It is the word for road. It is the word for way of life taken from John 14:6. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life."
So, they did not see it as a religion. They saw it as a way of life, these people who are of "the way." Of what way? Of Jesus. He is their way of life. It's interesting that if he found any of "THE WAY," whether they were men or women, so he didn't care who they were, that he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
The word "bound" is in the Perfect Tense showing condition. He wants to get as many as he can find, both men and women, and bind them, put chains or ropes around them, and bring them into Jerusalem in this condition.
Acts 8:2 - And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
Meanwhile back home, devout men, (that would be Jewish religious men), carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
That last little phrase "making great lamentation over him" was actually an expression of rebellion. You were not allowed to weep or make lamentation over criminals. So, they were weeping over him!
Acts 8:3 - As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
The word "havock" (or raging) in Greek means destruction. He was destroying the church, literally dismantling the church. And entering into every house, and dragging men and women, he committed them to prison. This is a house-to-house search for Christians throughout the city of Jerusalem. I'd say that he is pretty obsessed with finding Christians!
Acts 8:37 - And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
And Philip said, and I'm going to give you a literal translation here because the literal translation brings out so much more than the English does.
The English says, "If thou believest with all thine heart."
The Greek says, "If you are believing from out of your whole heart." Your whole heart! And if you are continuously believing from out of your whole heart, Christ has just taken over your whole heart, you may. And he answered and said, I am believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Again, the term "Son of God" is in reference to Messiah, and the anointing of God Himself. He's making confession!
Acts 7:51 - Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
That's not a great way to start out and win friends. Stiffnecked! All of us have actually experienced waking up some morning with a stiff neck. But that's not what it means. They called a person a "stiffneck person" when they refused to bow. And someone would come over to them and grab them by the back of the neck and try to make them bow and they would stiffen up and refuse to bow. A "stiffnecked" person is a person who refuses to bow to the lordship of Christ.
Acts 8:1 - And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And Saul was consenting unto his death. That is a specific Jewish term making reference to vote. He was consenting. He cast his vote to have Stephen put to death. And at that time, there was a great persecution against the church, which was at, or in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
The apostles didn't travel, at least at the beginning, and they stayed behind. But Paul wasn't finished. He wasn't satisfied with just the death of Stephen. This began a city-wide persecution of rounding up believers. And so, they scattered. And that is their official name, even to this day. They are the DIASPORA. That is the Greek word for scattered. DIASPORA are the scattered ones, the Jews who had been scattered outside their homeland of Israel.
I am not going to answer your questiond directly but I will give you some scripture which clarifies, I believe, everything about water baptism.
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 8:27-39, "27And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
28Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
29Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
30And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
31And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
32The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
33In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
34And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
35Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and PREACHED UNTO HIM JESUS.
36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See,HERE IS WATER; WHAT DOTH HINDER ME TO BE BAPTIZED?
37And Philip said, IF THOU BELIEVEST WITH ALL THINE HEART, THOU MAYEST. And he answered and said,I BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD.
38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
39And when they were COME UP OUT OF THE WATER the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, ..."
GBU
This is the order that I was taught and still believe to be true based on my own study.
Acts 8:36-37 are some of the greatest verses about Baptism. Philip gives the conditions for baptism: That the individual must believe with all their heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (this rules out babies being baptized). 1 Pet 3:21 states that it is a figure that is the answer of a good conscience toward God. Based on those two passages, I believe that Belief comes before Baptism.
Now to compare being Born again to Believing, but first, just to define terms, what does being born again mean? It is the same as quickening and regenerating ( Eph 2:1; Tit 3:5). It is a phase of our salvation when God revives us spiritually with His Holy Spirit. We are physically born dead in trespasses and sins ( Eph 2:1-3). When Adam cursed mankind in the garden of Eden he died spiritually that day. God told him he would die the day he ate the fruit ( Gen 2:17), but Adam lived up to 930 years ( Gen 5:5), so either God lied and the Devil was telling the truth ( Gen 3:4) or a different type of death occurred than physical that being spiritual.
Rom 8:7-8 are powerful verses about the state of the carnal mind. Without God's gift of the Holy Spirit we can do nothing that is pleasing to God. Without the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, we only have the old man, the flesh, the carnal mind that hates God without the new man and spiritual mind that wants to please God.
Okay, back to the order of B's... 1 John 2:29 says "every one that doeth righteousness IS born of him" not shall be born of him. If a man does righteousness it is proof that the righteous spirit of God dwells in him and that he was born, quickened, and regenerated to have a spirit that loves God.
Additionally, John 1:12 mentions those who believe on him, but the verse does not end with a period. The rest of the thought is that they WERE born of God ( John 1:13).
Born again, Believe, Baptism.
As to your question you have received several answers, my understanding in the Bible baptism is done only by immersion as the word means. As Jesse said sprinkling did not start until the 1300s and it was for the reason it was so inconvenient. So, this was done just because of convenience's sake, nothing Biblical about it. I agree with Giannis, and we must believe as Jesus said in Mark 16:16.
All we do is to be done in our Lord Jesus's name, Colossians 3:16-17. Many use Matthew 28:19 but we also see in the rest of Scripture that a person who is baptized in Jesus' name is someone who believes in Jesus as Savior, the Messiah, the Son of God who for us died, was buried, and was resurrected we acknowledge this by being baptized in His name, Acts 2:38 Acts 8:12 Acts 8:16 Acts 10:48 Acts 19:5 Acts 22:16 Romans 6:3 Galatians 3:27 Colossians 2:12 Ephesians 4:5.
Paul shows the importance of being baptized in the name of Jesus, Acts 19:1-6. God has placed Jesus and His name above all that is in heaven and earth, Matthew 28:18 Philippians 2:9-11. Salvation only comes in His name Acts 4:12 Romans 10:13. The name of Jesus is the source of power and authority for healing, miracles, and deliverance, Mark 16:17 Luke 10:17 Acts 4:7 Acts 4:30 Acts 16:18.
We are to give thanks in Jesus's name, Ephesians 5:20. Our faith is through Him and in His name, Acts 3:16. We must believe in Jesus, John 3:16 John 6:47 Acts 16:31 1 John 3:23 1 John 5:13. Whatever we ask for we are to ask in His name, John 14:13-14. We are to pray to the Father in His name, James 5:14. Jesus is our priest and the only mediator between God and men, 1 Timothy 2:5.
God bless,
RLW
May our walk in HIM be precious as the tabernacle is shown to be. The outer covering not much to look at; but the inside is beautiful beyond compare. Our life be as Philip in Acts 8: 26 able to tell others of the gospel of the LORD JESUS.
Thank YOU FATHER for this day of worship and time of celebration
Luke 2:10 - 18
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Isaiah 9
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Many are saying we as believers should not be involved in this "pagan" ritual; however, we should use this as an opening to declare our SAVIOR GOD JESUS CHRIST who is no longer a babe.
Titus 2:
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Praying for the peace in Jerusalem and the Godly wisdom needed in DC and all levels and areas of our nation.
Ephesians 6:10-18 may we recognize..
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Merry Christmas everyone, and a prosperous New Year in 2024.
December 25, 2023
As well, in this last comment from you, you write, "Repentance and Belief of someone whom God has saved or plans to savedoes NOT contribute in any way whatsoever TOWARDS their salvation. These are good works that we do because God has saved us or in the process of drawing us to salvation". So even here it seems that Repentance and Belief, though non-contributing to salvation (and I agree to this part), but are evidences post-Salvation or during Salvation. Maybe your thought of Repentance is the continual attitude of the believer in his day-to-day life/warfare, and not of an initial repentance required for salvation; or even, if someone is the Elect of God, he must be saved from the beginning even as a sinner, but only has to repent & believe when he realizes his state. So, I too remain perplexed for I too don't believe that Repentance & Belief can be added to God's Gift of Salvation or else they would be considered as Works; YET I know that Repentance & Belief are necessary to grant Salvation ( Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts 8:22; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9).
The Apostle Peter wrote this letter to Christians, mainly of Jewish birth, who were scattered to other nations (mainly resulting from the great persecutions from the Jewish leaders/Saul: Acts 8:1). Peter calls them the Elect of God, i.e. those whom God has chosen to be His. And what criterion did God use to make this selection? The Word tells us that they, and us who believe, are chosen by Him because He knew beforehand (foreknowledge) all those who would hear the Gospel of Salvation through Christ & would respond in faith.
So yes, God has chosen each one of us who believes - He didn't force us to believe just so that we wouldn't nullify His wise choosing by Him making a mistake; but He knew who would respond & to these were granted the gift & privilege of being adopted into His family (see Ephesians 1:3-14 for a greater picture of this mighty Work of God on our behalf). Does this then mean that we don't need to share the Gospel with those trapped & lost in sin because God will save them anyway if they are called to be His elect? No, we must share the Gospel with all, because not only are we not privy to those who would be saved, but God has chosen to save some because when they hear the Gospel, they will believe by the convicting power of His Spirit, & they will call upon the Name of Jesus to save them from the awful penalty of sin & estrangement from a loving God.
"Unto you therefore which believe he is precious..." ( 1 Peter 2:7). If we truly belong to the LORD, Jesus is the most Precious One in our lives, for He has chosen us to be saved with so great & costly a salvation. Unbelievers might stomp on Jesus, curse & ridicule Him - but to us He is precious and our delight, & we can be ever thankful for being chosen to be His.
are saved -
are being saved
8) 2 kings 23:29
in his days pahraoh-nechoh, king of egypt went up against the king of assyria.....
- pharaoh necho of egypt went up to the euphrates river to help the king of assyria...
(again a totally different scenario)
acts 8:37
....i believe jesus christ is the son of god.
- omitted completely
(there are many more more. i don't know which niv version i am using on my computor with bible gateway, as there has been 3 versions so far of this book. it seems to them the holy ghost can't quite make up his mind exactly what he wants to say so he has to keep coming back to fix it. actually, i believe that it has to be changed every so often in order for them to keep their copywrite so they can sell it. i'm not sure what version this is and what changes they made but it really is a mute point, they are all wrong.)
god bless you all who understand the wrong of modern versions of these books.:)
Just a few things, I am sorry you feel you have been lied to, there are different interpretations out there. If we study Matt. 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 together it helps.
I have found when studying the Bible, we should not start with a preconceived idea, it is easy to see Scriptures that fit a picture we have painted in our mind rather than letting the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit reveal the true meaning.
First, Jesus's death and resurrection were hidden from them, Luke 18:31-34. Even after he was crucified, they were distraught and did not understand the fact that he was killed. John 16:16-20 and we have Luke 24:4-6. Not knowing Jesus was going to die would they be asking Jesus about His second coming?
Is all of Matthew 24 about the end time, many combined it with other prophecies to create a picture of the end time. Some of it is obviously about Jesus's second coming but much of it was to prepare them for what they were to endure up to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. False prophets we see there were many before 70 AD, Acts 21:36-38 Acts 8:9 and others. If we look at history there were wars, earthquakes, and famine, Acts 7:11 and Acts 11:28.
Many put Matt. 24:15 and Mark 13:14 at the end time with an antichrist, should we not consider what Luke wrote about the same thing, Luke 21:20 that history has recorded?
One other thing why would Jesus say to pray their flee would not be on a Sabbath day? Today would not be a problem with the transportation we have. Back then the gates of Jerusalem would be locked and would be hard to get out and it would take days to get clear, with a pace of 2.5 mph.
I am with you, we sleep in the grave until resurrection the first of those who are chosen and faithful, Rev. 17:14 at Jesus's second coming and the second, the rest of the dead at the white throne judgment/the sheep and the goats and those whose names are not in the book of life is cast into the lake of fire, Rev. 20:15.
God bless,
RLW
"9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
SO
It is not adequate just to believe in Jesus to get eternal life. One has to confess his faith. Where, when, to whom?
Acts 8:36-37,
"36 And as they(Philipp and the eunuch) went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. AND HE ANSWERED AND SAID, I BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD."
Nicene Creed, "...we acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins;"
IN THE BAPTISM IN WATER.
I considered greatly whether to reply, I read and study the KJV, and I believe it is one of the best English translations. This is in love, and I am not looking to debate, I understand how high you hold the KJV and that should not be debated. I watched the video you listed, and I watched a couple more, do not know his name. You asked for other opinions on it and this is my opinion not to debate or insult but just my opinion.
My opinion is this is using numerology to prove an opinion. Do not know if you remember the Torah code it was years ago. It used a program that picked every fourth or seventh letter of the Torah to predict an event or a name in history and it did. Come to find out this can be done using any book that has many pages. The symbolic numbers found in the Bible are easily identified and plainly understood.
Numerology is a part of divination that we are told not to deal with. Why would someone spend so much time going through the Bible counting words trying to prove something that does not do anything but mystify and say Wow? Acts 8:9-11 not directed at you it is just the feelings I got from watching the videos.
I have read other Bibles and I choose the KJV, but we have to admit it is a translation and it is not perfect. I will not get into what manuscripts they used but whatever Bible we study the Spirit of Truth is our only teacher and only through the Spirit, we will have understanding.
I know my opinion may not be what yours is but think about this. The KJV is an English translation, in the world today 20 percent or less of people can speak English much less read it. If the KJV is the only true translation, what about the other 80 percent of the people in the world?
This is just my opinion you asked for, please do not reply to debate it.
God bless,
RLW
From the Preface of the Defined King James Bible:
As the Defined King James Bible has come to it's completion, we the publishers are overjoyed. We have long awaited the appearance of such a King James Bible that would easily inform the reader of meanings of words which, though excellent in 1611, have changed slightly through the years...
There are two portions of Scripture that come to mind concerning the understanding of the Words of God. The first portion is in Nehemiah. Nehemiah 8:8 states: "So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." This is what The Defined King James Bible has done. It will cause those who read the King James Bible to know "the sense" and "to understand the reading." They do not need to go to one of the modern versions which have inferior Hebrew and Greek texts, inferior translators, inferior translation techniques, and inferior technology.
A second portion of Scripture is found in Acts. Acts 8:30 states that Philip, when he met the Ethiopian Eunuch, "ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?" The Eunuch's reply in the next verse was: "How can I, except some man should guide me?" The footnotes in The Defined King James Bible will act as a "guide" so that you, too, might understand "what thou readest".
You will notice that there has been no change whatsoever in the Authorized King James Bible. It has been kept as the standard which has united English speaking people throughout the world. There have been only clarifying footnotes based upon sound English dictionaries and, where needed, the original Hebrew and Greek languages.
Luke 24:47,48 Jesus said!
Mark 16:16,17 Jesus said!
Acts 2:38,39 Peter preached what Jesus said!
Acts 4:12 No other name!
John 3:1-6 Must be born again of the water & Spirit!
1 Peter 3:21 Baptism saves us!
Acts 10:44-48 Can't be good enough without Jesus!
Acts 8:1-6 Ethiopian Eunic gets baptized in Jesus name and starts a 2000 plus year revival still going on today !
Acts 19:1-6 have you received the Holy Ghost since you been a believer?
Acts 5:32 gotta obey Him!
1 Corinthians 14:2,22,39 tongues are for a sign!
Acts 2:4 The Spirit gives the utterance!
Acts 1:8 Receive power !
John 21:15 Jesus loves you dearly!!!!!!!
Its very true in my experience what you stated, God open my understanding through their writing & biographies
The foundation of their teaching is the Light of God is in every human being John 1:9 & if given heed too, would lead them out of darkness into Light of Life. Once I was convince of this, by the Witness of Truth within, the Scriptures & sound reasoning, then in simplicity & sincerity of heart I started paying attention to His motions within me.
You mention the Ethiopian eunuch, in this story is a lovely example of the Spirit guidance, Philip was instructed to arise & go, he went by revelation not knowing at that moment what he was going for, Acts 8:29 Holy Spirit further open his understanding by revelation, then he preached to the eunuch by revelation. You can be sure that Philip pointed him to the Grace of God within him to be his teacher as he went back to his own country.
Peter, by revelation went to Cornelius house, not knowing what he would speak, but went as he was commanded by Holy Spirit, the Lord by revelation open up his understanding, extending His salvation to the Gentiles. & the Grace of God took over the work of salvation, in their everyday ordinary experiences in life. In conversation, past times activities, relationships etc, separating the precious from the vile in their heart.
Quoting You
There aren't any examples in the NT about an individuals revelation, the 12, the 7 etc. If not, how in the world did we get the NT, from cover to cover, its all the revelation of Jesus Christ
Friend, by the above references it appears you need to pay attention to what your reading. no offense given or taken.
1Cor 12:7; Will you allow God this liberty & right to His own Spirit of Grace within us, as well as to His gifts to the church?