Ephesians 2: Paul an Apostle of Jesus Christ, speaks to the Saints, and to the Faithful in Christ Jesus... (purification, Gospel)
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Ephesians 2: Paul an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the Saints which are at Ephesus, and to the Faithful in Christ Jesus...
by comparing what we were by nature, with what we are by grace:
1 And you [Saints...and the Faithful in Christ Jesus] hath He quickened who were [past tense...as in no longer] dead in tresspasses, and sins, 2 Wherein in times past ye walked [past tense] according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air [Satan], the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience, 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past, in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh, and of the mind, and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others: 4 But God who is rich in mercie, for His great love wherewith He loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins,hath quickened us[Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus] together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved) 6 And hath raised us[Saints...and the Faithful in Christ Jesus] up together, and made us [Saints...and the Faithful in Christ Jesus] sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come, He might show the exceeding riches of His grace, in His kindness towards us[Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus], through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye [Saints...the faithful in Christ Jesus] saved, through faith, and that not of your selves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we [Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus] are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordeined [prepared], that we [Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus] should walk in them.
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no desire for spiritual pleasures. When we look upon a corpse, it gives an awful feeling...there's nothing left but the ruins of a man. But if we viewed this in a different light, we should be far more affected by the thought of a dead soul, a lost, fallen spirit. A state of sin is a state of conformity to this world. Wicked men are slaves to Satan. Satan is the author of that proud, carnal disposition which there is in ungodly men; he rules in the hearts of men. From Scripture it is clear, that whether it is through sensual or spiritual wickedness, all men, being naturally children of disobedience, are also by nature children of wrath. What reason do sinners have, to seek earnestly for that grace which will make them, the children of wrath, children of God and heirs of glory! God's eternal love or good-will toward his creatures, is the fountain whence all his mercies flow to us; and that love of God is great love, and that mercy is rich mercy. And every converted sinner is a saved sinner; delivered from sin and wrath. The grace that saves is the free, undeserved goodness and favour of God; and he saves, not by the works of the law, but through faith in Christ Jesus. Grace in the soul is a new life in the soul. A regenerated sinner becomes a living soul; he lives a life of holiness, being born of God: he lives, being delivered from the guilt of sin, by pardoning and justifying grace. Sinners roll themselves in the dust; sanctified souls sit in heavenly places, are raised above this world, by Christ's grace. The goodness of God in converting and saving sinners encourages others in after-time, to hope in his grace and mercy. Our faith, our conversion, and our eternal salvation, are not of works, lest any man should boast. These things are not brought to pass by any thing done by us, therefore all boasting is shut out. All is the free gift of God, and the effect of being quickened by his power. It was his purpose, to which he prepared us, by blessing us with the knowledge of his will, and his Holy Spirit producing such a change in us, that we should glorify God by our good conversation, and perseverance in holiness.
No one can from Scripture abuse this doctrine, or accuse it of any tendency to evil. All who do so, are without excuse.
11 Wherefore remember that ye [Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus] being in times passed Gentiles in the flesh, who are called uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands, 12 That at that timeye [Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus] were without Christ, being aliens from the common wealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus, ye [Saints...the faithful in Christ Jesus] who sometimes were far off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Christ and his covenant are the foundation of all the Christian's hopes. A sad and terrible description is here...who can, without trembling, reflect upon the misery of a person, separated for ever from the people of God, cut off from the body of Christ, fallen from the covenant of promise, having no hope, no Savior, and without any God but a God of vengeance, to all eternity? To have no part in Christ...what true Christian can hear this without horror? Salvation is far from the wicked; but God is always near at hand to his people; and this is by receiving within themselves (by being a living sacrifice...free from the bondage of our fleshly desires) the sufferings and death of Christ.
14 For He isour [Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus] peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us [Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus]:
************ 15 Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the Law of Commandments contained in Ordiances [by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace], for to make Himself, of twain, one new man, so making peace.
...this verse (15) is not saying the Ten Commandments are no longer to be followed!...it is speaking of taking away the division between the Jews and the Gentiles...the circumcised and the uncircumcised...WHAT COUNTS IS THE NEW CREATION!...WHAT COUNTS IS THE CHANGE FROM THE OLD MAN TO THE NEW!...WHAT COUNTS IS BEING BORN-AGAIN!...CHANGED!...LIVING AS CHRIST LIVED!...BEING CHRISTLIKE!...OBEYING HIS TEN COMMANDMENTS......INCLUDING THE FOURTH ONE!...KEEPING THE SEVENTH DAY SABBATH HOLY UNTO HIM!...THE SEAL OF GOD MARKED UPON THEM THAT DO!...SAINTS!...THE FAITHFUL IN CHRIST JESUS!...
...here is proof tha verse 15 is not, in any way, shape or form speaking of taking away His command to keep His Ten Commandments!...(this is how you find His truth!...by comparing Scripture...line upon line...precept upon precept)...
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 6:15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,
Ephesians 2:16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
Colossians 1:21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.
Colossians 2:14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.
Colossians 2:20 Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules:
Colossians 3:10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator
Colossians 3:11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
************
16 And that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity [in Himself] thereby, 17 And came, and preached peace to you [Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus], which were [past tense...as in no longer] afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through Him we [the LORD and theSaints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus] both have an access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Jesus Christ made peace by the sacrifice of himself; in every sense Christ was their Peace, the author and substance of their being at peace with God, and of their union with the Jewish believers in one church. Through the person, sacrifice, and mediation of Christ, sinners are allowed to draw near to God as a Father, and are brought with acceptance into His presence, with their worship and services, under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, as one with the Father and the Son. Christ purchased leave for us to come to God; and the Spirit gives a heart to come, and strength to come, and then grace to serve God acceptably.
19 Now therefore ye [Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus] are no more strangers and foreigners; but fellow citizens with the Saints, and of the household of God, 20 And are built upon the foundations of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone, 21 In Whom all the building fitly framed together, groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord. 22 In Whom you [Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus] also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
The church is compared to a city, and every converted sinner is free of it. It is also compared to a house, and every converted sinner is one of the family; a servant, and a child in God's house. The church is also compared to a building, founded on the doctrine of Christ; delivered by the prophets of the Old Testament, and the apostles of the New.God dwells in all believers now; they become the temple of God through the working of the blessed Spirit. Let us then ask if our hopes are fixed on Christ, according to the doctrine of his word? Have we devoted ourselves as holy temples to God through him? Are we habitations of God by the Spirit, are we spiritually-minded, and do we bring forth the fruits of the Spirit? Let us take heed not to grieve the holy Comforter. Let us desire his gracious presence, and his influences upon our hearts. Let us seek to discharge the duties allotted to us, to the glory of God.
God Bless the reading of Your Holy Word. Amen.
In Christ's love...and prayerfully in His truth,
Verna.
Ephesians 2: Paul an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the Saints which are at Ephesus, and to the Faithful in Christ Jesus...
by comparing what we were by nature, with what we are by grace:
1 And you [Saints...and the Faithful in Christ Jesus] hath He quickened who were [past tense...as in no longer] dead in tresspasses, and sins, 2 Wherein in times past ye walked [past tense] according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air [Satan], the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience, 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past, in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh, and of the mind, and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others: 4 But God who is rich in mercie, for His great love wherewith He loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins,hath quickened us[Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus] together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved) 6 And hath raised us[Saints...and the Faithful in Christ Jesus] up together, and made us [Saints...and the Faithful in Christ Jesus] sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come, He might show the exceeding riches of His grace, in His kindness towards us[Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus], through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye [Saints...the faithful in Christ Jesus] saved, through faith, and that not of your selves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we [Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus] are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordeined [prepared], that we [Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus] should walk in them.
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no desire for spiritual pleasures. When we look upon a corpse, it gives an awful feeling...there's nothing left but the ruins of a man. But if we viewed this in a different light, we should be far more affected by the thought of a dead soul, a lost, fallen spirit. A state of sin is a state of conformity to this world. Wicked men are slaves to Satan. Satan is the author of that proud, carnal disposition which there is in ungodly men; he rules in the hearts of men. From Scripture it is clear, that whether it is through sensual or spiritual wickedness, all men, being naturally children of disobedience, are also by nature children of wrath. What reason do sinners have, to seek earnestly for that grace which will make them, the children of wrath, children of God and heirs of glory! God's eternal love or good-will toward his creatures, is the fountain whence all his mercies flow to us; and that love of God is great love, and that mercy is rich mercy. And every converted sinner is a saved sinner; delivered from sin and wrath. The grace that saves is the free, undeserved goodness and favour of God; and he saves, not by the works of the law, but through faith in Christ Jesus. Grace in the soul is a new life in the soul. A regenerated sinner becomes a living soul; he lives a life of holiness, being born of God: he lives, being delivered from the guilt of sin, by pardoning and justifying grace. Sinners roll themselves in the dust; sanctified souls sit in heavenly places, are raised above this world, by Christ's grace. The goodness of God in converting and saving sinners encourages others in after-time, to hope in his grace and mercy. Our faith, our conversion, and our eternal salvation, are not of works, lest any man should boast. These things are not brought to pass by any thing done by us, therefore all boasting is shut out. All is the free gift of God, and the effect of being quickened by his power. It was his purpose, to which he prepared us, by blessing us with the knowledge of his will, and his Holy Spirit producing such a change in us, that we should glorify God by our good conversation, and perseverance in holiness.
No one can from Scripture abuse this doctrine, or accuse it of any tendency to evil. All who do so, are without excuse.
11 Wherefore remember that ye [Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus] being in times passed Gentiles in the flesh, who are called uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands, 12 That at that timeye [Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus] were without Christ, being aliens from the common wealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus, ye [Saints...the faithful in Christ Jesus] who sometimes were far off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Christ and his covenant are the foundation of all the Christian's hopes. A sad and terrible description is here...who can, without trembling, reflect upon the misery of a person, separated for ever from the people of God, cut off from the body of Christ, fallen from the covenant of promise, having no hope, no Savior, and without any God but a God of vengeance, to all eternity? To have no part in Christ...what true Christian can hear this without horror? Salvation is far from the wicked; but God is always near at hand to his people; and this is by receiving within themselves (by being a living sacrifice...free from the bondage of our fleshly desires) the sufferings and death of Christ.
14 For He isour [Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus] peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us [Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus]:
************ 15 Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the Law of Commandments contained in Ordiances [by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace], for to make Himself, of twain, one new man, so making peace.
...this verse (15) is not saying the Ten Commandments are no longer to be followed!...it is speaking of taking away the division between the Jews and the Gentiles...the circumcised and the uncircumcised...WHAT COUNTS IS THE NEW CREATION!...WHAT COUNTS IS THE CHANGE FROM THE OLD MAN TO THE NEW!...WHAT COUNTS IS BEING BORN-AGAIN!...CHANGED!...LIVING AS CHRIST LIVED!...BEING CHRISTLIKE!...OBEYING HIS TEN COMMANDMENTS......INCLUDING THE FOURTH ONE!...KEEPING THE SEVENTH DAY SABBATH HOLY UNTO HIM!...THE SEAL OF GOD MARKED UPON THEM THAT DO!...SAINTS!...THE FAITHFUL IN CHRIST JESUS!...
...here is proof tha verse 15 is not, in any way, shape or form speaking of taking away His command to keep His Ten Commandments!...(this is how you find His truth!...by comparing Scripture...line upon line...precept upon precept)...
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 6:15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,
Ephesians 2:16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
Colossians 1:21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.
Colossians 2:14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.
Colossians 2:20 Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules:
Colossians 3:10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator
Colossians 3:11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
************
16 And that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity [in Himself] thereby, 17 And came, and preached peace to you [Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus], which were [past tense...as in no longer] afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through Him we [the LORD and theSaints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus] both have an access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Jesus Christ made peace by the sacrifice of himself; in every sense Christ was their Peace, the author and substance of their being at peace with God, and of their union with the Jewish believers in one church. Through the person, sacrifice, and mediation of Christ, sinners are allowed to draw near to God as a Father, and are brought with acceptance into His presence, with their worship and services, under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, as one with the Father and the Son. Christ purchased leave for us to come to God; and the Spirit gives a heart to come, and strength to come, and then grace to serve God acceptably.
19 Now therefore ye [Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus] are no more strangers and foreigners; but fellow citizens with the Saints, and of the household of God, 20 And are built upon the foundations of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone, 21 In Whom all the building fitly framed together, groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord. 22 In Whom you [Saints...the Faithful in Christ Jesus] also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
The church is compared to a city, and every converted sinner is free of it. It is also compared to a house, and every converted sinner is one of the family; a servant, and a child in God's house. The church is also compared to a building, founded on the doctrine of Christ; delivered by the prophets of the Old Testament, and the apostles of the New.God dwells in all believers now; they become the temple of God through the working of the blessed Spirit. Let us then ask if our hopes are fixed on Christ, according to the doctrine of his word? Have we devoted ourselves as holy temples to God through him? Are we habitations of God by the Spirit, are we spiritually-minded, and do we bring forth the fruits of the Spirit? Let us take heed not to grieve the holy Comforter. Let us desire his gracious presence, and his influences upon our hearts. Let us seek to discharge the duties allotted to us, to the glory of God.
God Bless the reading of Your Holy Word. Amen.
In Christ's love...and prayerfully in His truth,
Verna.
The Word of God is blessed.
Many do not understand that only certain people in the OT were allowed to come before God and they had to be cleansed and purified beforehand, whether they prayed for themselves or for the people. Now, God has made a way through His Son, Christ Jesus once and for each individual to recieve the purification of their body and souls through Christ and now can come freely and boldly before God.
Thank you Lord Jesus, now faith has come.
Thank you Verna,
God Bless,
Mercy
The Word of God is blessed.
Many do not understand that only certain people in the OT were allowed to come before God and they had to be cleansed and purified beforehand, whether they prayed for themselves or for the people. Now, God has made a way through His Son, Christ Jesus once and for each individual to recieve the purification of their body and souls through Christ and now can come freely and boldly before God.
Thank you Lord Jesus, now faith has come.
Thank you Verna,
God Bless,
Mercy
...yes mercy, His Word is so precious and blessed...indeed. Everyone...all...have been given the Opportunity...the Ability...The Source through which to receive...YES!...Faith has come! He's already come!...He's already given!...all that He had!...His job is finished!...now it is up to each individual, to choose whether or not they are going to press forward...to reach out and grasp and hold tightly onto the High Calling of God upon His peoples' lives...lives lived in holyness...faithfulness, and purity...keeping the Commandments of God, and not excluding the Seventh Day Sabbath...to keep it holy unto God...it IS! the fourth Commandment...and if you (in general) break one you've broken them all. Therefore, if you do not keep the Sabbath, you are a transgressor of the Law...a wilfull sinner...because you have heard the truth, and you refuse to acknowledge and accept it as His faithful WORD!
Scripture is written to believers...the anointed...the Saints...the faithful...the born again, who have within them the Spirit of Christ...the Holy Spirit which lights upon and reveals God's truth to them...it isn't talking to anyone who loves their sin more than they love Him, and chooses to continue to wilfully live in it...and then die in it...they will not enter the Kingdom of God.
God's Word speaks clearly...so very, very clearly to the heart who truly abides in Him...to the heart who truly knows Him...who keep His Commandments...He does NOT! abide anywhere around or close to sin, nor does He know the wilfull sinner.
The Word of God is blessed.
Many do not understand that only certain people in the OT were allowed to come before God and they had to be cleansed and purified beforehand, whether they prayed for themselves or for the people. Now, God has made a way through His Son, Christ Jesus once and for each individual to recieve the purification of their body and souls through Christ and now can come freely and boldly before God.
Thank you Lord Jesus, now faith has come.
Thank you Verna,
God Bless,
Mercy
RESPONSE:
Except Paul doesn't seem to have written Ephesians.
"Since the early nineteenth century, however, much of critical scholarship has considered the letter's style and use of words (especially when compared with Colossians), its concept of the church, and other points of doctrine put forward by the writer as grounds for serious doubt about authorship by Paul. The letter may then be the work of a secretary writing at the apostle's direction or of a later disciple who sought to develop Paul's ideas for a new situation around A.D. 80-100." (New American Bible, Introduction to Ephesians)
So this statement probably isn't true.
>>Ephesians 2: Paul an Apostle of Jesus Christ, speaks to the Saints, and to the Faithful in Christ Jesus...<<
Except Paul doesn't seem to have written Ephesians.
"Since the early nineteenth century, however, much of critical scholarship has considered the letter's style and use of words (especially when compared with Colossians), its concept of the church, and other points of doctrine put forward by the writer as grounds for serious doubt about authorship by Paul. The letter may then be the work of a secretary writing at the apostle's direction or of a later disciple who sought to develop Paul's ideas for a new situation around A.D. 80-100." (New American Bible, Introduction to Ephesians)
So this statement probably isn't true.
>>Ephesians 2: Paul an Apostle of Jesus Christ, speaks to the Saints, and to the Faithful in Christ Jesus...<<
Alllrrriiightyyy then...(I am not necessarily responding to you ancient worrior...that is not my reason for doing so...this is for those who seek the heart of God, and His truth...so, there's no need to respond back to me, because I am not going to debate a single, solitary thing with you)...just sayin'......so you can use your time more appropriately (for your mission at hand) attempting to prove Jesus is a liar...and nothing is true written in Scripture...carry on with what you do best......don't let me get in the way and get you off track!
To those who seek the heart of God and His truth...
Well, I wonder....could Paul have written these other books to the Saints of God...the beloved...the holy and faithful...the sanctified and set-apart...the true believer's...the children of God...the obedient...the true Church...real followers of Christ...?...hummmmm......let's look...shall we...?........
I'll begin with Acts; even though we know Paul did not write the Book of Acts...Luke did, but the events in Acts pertain to the descent of the Spirit, to the spread of the gospel, to the organization of the church, to the kind of preaching by which the church was to be collected and organized, and as the facts in the case constituted a full proof of the truth of the Christian religion, and the conduct of the apostles would be a model for ministers and the church in all future times, it was of great importance that a fair and full narrative of these things should be preserved.
Luke was the companion of Paul in his travels, and was an eye-witness of no small part of the transactions recorded in this book. See Acts 16:10..which states: "... And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us [Jesus' Apostles...not excluding precious, God loving, Paul] for to preach the gospel unto them."
...and let's look at Acts 16:17..."...The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation."
...and Acts 20: 1-6, which states: "...And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. These going before tarried for us at Troas. And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days."
...and all of Acts 27 and Acts 28 shows us of the dedication and love Paul had for His Lord...Jesus Christ...and his passion for spreading His gospel...and finding himself numerous times...stoned...jailed...dead and alive again...and finally murdered for His love of His Lord...Jesus Christ.
As an eye-witness, Luke was well qualified to make a record of the leading events of the primitive church. And as he was the companion of Paul, he had every opportunity of obtaining information about the great events of the gospel of Christ.
Our Lord told the disciples the work they were to do. The apostles met together at Jerusalem; Christ having ordered them not to depart, but to wait for the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. This would be a baptism by the Holy Ghost, giving them power to work miracles, and enlightening and sanctifying their souls. This confirms the Divine promise, and encourages us [the Saints...the faithful in Christ Jesus] to depend upon it, that we [Saints...the faithful in Christ Jesus] have heard it from Christ; for in Him all the promises of God are yea and amen.
************************************************
Now, let's look at to whom it is Paul is addessing in the Book of Romans, Chapter one:
1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
....hummmmmmm....
1 Corinthians, Chapter 0ne:
1Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 2To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours: 3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians, Chapter one:
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia: 2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians, Chapter one:
1Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2and all the brothers [faithful believer's...beloved of God...Saints] with me,
To the churches in Galatia: 3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
...now I know...ancient worrior says Paul didn't necessarily write the Book of Ephesians...so, according to him and I quote, "...this statement probably isn't true...
>>Ephesians 2: Paul an Apostle of Jesus Christ, speaks to the Saints, and to the Faithful in Christ Jesus...<<"...unquote.
...but what the heck...let's include it anyway!......
Ephesians, Chapter one:
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians, Chapter one:
1Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: 2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians, Chapter one:
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
1 Thessalonians, Chapter one:
1Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.
Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ Faith:
2We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3We continually remember before our God and Fatheryour work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4For we know, brothers loved by God, that he haschosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
2 Thessolonians, Chapter one:
1Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving and Prayer 3We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. 4Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. 5All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. 6God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power 10on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.
1 Timothy, Chapter one:
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Warning Against False Teachers of the Law
3As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer 4nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God’s work—which is by faith. 5The goal of this command islove, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. 7They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. 8We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.
2 Timothy, Chapter one:
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, 2To Timothy, my dear son:
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Encouragement to Be Faithful
3Ithank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 8So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 13What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
Titus, Chapter one:
1Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— 2a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior, 4To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
Philemon, Chapter one:
1Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, 2to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home: 3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving and Prayer 4I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. 7Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
...it is clear that what Paul had to say in Ephesians...or what "his secretary" heard him dictate to him/her was true.
...God Bless.
In Christ's love...and prayerfully in His truth,
Verna.
Perry posted:
>>Alllrrriiightyyy then...(I am not necessarily responding to you ancient worrior...that is not my reason for doing so...this is for those who seek the heart of God, and His truth...so, there's no need to respond back to me, because I am not going to debate a single, solitary thing with you)...just sayin'......so you can use your time more appropriately (for your mission at hand) attempting to prove Jesus is a liar...and nothing is true written in Scripture...carry on with what you do best......don't let me get in the way and get you off track!
RESPONSE
That's prudent if your information is faulty, isn't it?
But I guess we should allow people to to remain in error it it makes them happy, shouldn't we?
>>Jesus is a liar<<
Not necessarily. But the synoptics writting 40 or 50 years after his death were clearly in error on many points, as has been demonstrated.
Perry posted:
>>Alllrrriiightyyy then...(I am not necessarily responding to you ancient worrior...that is not my reason for doing so...this is for those who seek the heart of God, and His truth...so, there's no need to respond back to me, because I am not going to debate a single, solitary thing with you)...just sayin'......so you can use your time more appropriately (for your mission at hand) attempting to prove Jesus is a liar...and nothing is true written in Scripture...carry on with what you do best......don't let me get in the way and get you off track!
RESPONSE
That's prudent if your information is faulty, isn't it?
But I guess we should allow people to to remain in error it it makes them happy, shouldn't we?
>>Jesus is a liar<<
Not necessarily. But the synoptics writting 40 or 50 years after his death were clearly in error on many points, as has been demonstrated.
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...so you can use your time more appropriately (for your mission at hand) attempting to prove Jesus is a liar...and nothing is true written in Scripture...carry on with what you do best...
...don't let me get in the way and get you off track!
...let's look...shall we...?........
...
