Saturday, January 19, 2008
Daily Reading
I hope and pray that this blog has been helpful to some one to come to a better understanding of God's Word. The material I am useing is some of the best because it is from the Bible and is not from man. When we let God's Word lead us and not what we want it to be, we can come to a better understanding of what we are to do and how to act. My prayer is that the material will bring you to be nearer to God. In Christian Love
Daily Reading
QUESTION: Some say that the one hundred and twenty disciples (Acts 1:15) were baptized in the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Is this true?
ANSWER: No! It is not true. Notice in the latter part of the first chapter of Acts that the discussion involves the apostles, specifically about a replacement for Judas Iscariot. In verse twenty-six we read, “and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” In chapter two, verse one, Luke says, “and when the day of Pentecost was fully come “they” were all in one accord in one place; “they” were sitting in the house (vs.2) and cloven tongues like as of fire sat upon each of “them.” Who are the “they” and the “them” in these verses? These words refer directly to the eleven plus Matthias in the last verse of Chapter one! Can we be sure? Yes! In chapter 1:2-8, to whom was the promiseof baptism in the Holy Ghost made? Was it to the hundred and twenty? No!
Clearly, in these verses, commandment (vs.2, 5) and promise (vs.4, 5, 8) was made to the apostles only! The same is true in John 14:16-17,26; John 15:26; and John 16:7,13. In each instance, the Holy Ghost in baptismal measure was promised only to the apostles! Note also, in verse fourteen, that after the baptism of the Holy Ghost (chapter 2:1-4), Peter stood up with the eleven (not the hundred and twenty) and preached. Those who put the hundred and twenty disciples into the commandment, promise, baptism of the Holy Ghost, and preaching in these chapters, do so without scriptural basis. They have wrested God’s Word to support their own doctrines!
For Further Information Contact:Truth For The World P.O. Box 5048Duluth, GA 30096-0065
ANSWER: No! It is not true. Notice in the latter part of the first chapter of Acts that the discussion involves the apostles, specifically about a replacement for Judas Iscariot. In verse twenty-six we read, “and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” In chapter two, verse one, Luke says, “and when the day of Pentecost was fully come “they” were all in one accord in one place; “they” were sitting in the house (vs.2) and cloven tongues like as of fire sat upon each of “them.” Who are the “they” and the “them” in these verses? These words refer directly to the eleven plus Matthias in the last verse of Chapter one! Can we be sure? Yes! In chapter 1:2-8, to whom was the promiseof baptism in the Holy Ghost made? Was it to the hundred and twenty? No!
Clearly, in these verses, commandment (vs.2, 5) and promise (vs.4, 5, 8) was made to the apostles only! The same is true in John 14:16-17,26; John 15:26; and John 16:7,13. In each instance, the Holy Ghost in baptismal measure was promised only to the apostles! Note also, in verse fourteen, that after the baptism of the Holy Ghost (chapter 2:1-4), Peter stood up with the eleven (not the hundred and twenty) and preached. Those who put the hundred and twenty disciples into the commandment, promise, baptism of the Holy Ghost, and preaching in these chapters, do so without scriptural basis. They have wrested God’s Word to support their own doctrines!
For Further Information Contact:Truth For The World P.O. Box 5048Duluth, GA 30096-0065
Friday, January 18, 2008
Daily Reading
QUESTION: Does Mark 16:17-20 teach that gifts of the Holy Spirit are meant for us today?
ANSWER: No! Note carefully in verse seventeen that the gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be done in the name of (by the authority of) Christ. By His authority, the gifts were to be used to confirm the word (verse twenty). Also, by His authority, the gifts were to be done away upon confirmation of that word or “when that which is perfect (complete/mature) is come” (I Corinthians 13:8-11). The “perfect” refers to the complete/perfect law of liberty (James 1:25). Spiritual gifts in their fullness, then, were authorized only during the period between the baptism of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:1-4 and the completion of the perfect law of liberty, i.e., the New Testament! Since the New Testament has already been confirmed with “signs” (once confirmed, always confirmed), it is clear that there is no reason for “gifts” today and, further, that those who pretend to practice “gifts” today are violating God’s Word, because they do not have the authority of Christ for their practices!
For Further Information Contact:Truth For The World P.O. Box 5048Duluth, GA 30096-0065e-mail: info@tftw.org
ANSWER: No! Note carefully in verse seventeen that the gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be done in the name of (by the authority of) Christ. By His authority, the gifts were to be used to confirm the word (verse twenty). Also, by His authority, the gifts were to be done away upon confirmation of that word or “when that which is perfect (complete/mature) is come” (I Corinthians 13:8-11). The “perfect” refers to the complete/perfect law of liberty (James 1:25). Spiritual gifts in their fullness, then, were authorized only during the period between the baptism of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:1-4 and the completion of the perfect law of liberty, i.e., the New Testament! Since the New Testament has already been confirmed with “signs” (once confirmed, always confirmed), it is clear that there is no reason for “gifts” today and, further, that those who pretend to practice “gifts” today are violating God’s Word, because they do not have the authority of Christ for their practices!
For Further Information Contact:Truth For The World P.O. Box 5048Duluth, GA 30096-0065e-mail: info@tftw.org
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Daily Reading
QUESTION: The purpose of Holy Spirit baptism is to give special abilities. You explained that the Holy Spirit indwells only through the word. Since you have the Holy Spirit dwelling in you, but you have no special ability, how is it that you can teach the Bible? Where did you get the ability?
ANSWER: Certainly, none (including myself) are endowed miraculously today. Those who are able to teach the Bible can do so only after having been obedient to such passages as shown in the response immediately above. The reason for so many different denominations and false doctrines today is that some who claim to be ministers of God’s word have not done been obedient to these scriptures, but rather they have immersed themselves in their own imaginations (claiming to be so led by the Holy Spirit) and/or man-made denominational by-laws and directives (Matthew 15:9). Many of these so-called Spirit-led folks believe and practice different, contradictory things. Why? Is the Holy Spirit divided? Clearly, where there is contradiction, truth is an impossibility! Which of these folks is telling the truth? Which one is really being led by the Holy Spirit? Which one can we trust? Evidently, we cannot trust in what man says (Matthew 15:9); neither can we trust in what we might imagine to be Holy Spirit directives (Isaiah 55:8; Jeremiah 10:23). We must trust only in His words, for “they are spirit and they are life” (John 6:63). They, and they alone, will judge us in that day (John 12:48)!
For Further Information Contact:Truth For The World P.O. Box 5048Duluth, GA 30096-0065e-mail: info@tftw.org
ANSWER: Certainly, none (including myself) are endowed miraculously today. Those who are able to teach the Bible can do so only after having been obedient to such passages as shown in the response immediately above. The reason for so many different denominations and false doctrines today is that some who claim to be ministers of God’s word have not done been obedient to these scriptures, but rather they have immersed themselves in their own imaginations (claiming to be so led by the Holy Spirit) and/or man-made denominational by-laws and directives (Matthew 15:9). Many of these so-called Spirit-led folks believe and practice different, contradictory things. Why? Is the Holy Spirit divided? Clearly, where there is contradiction, truth is an impossibility! Which of these folks is telling the truth? Which one is really being led by the Holy Spirit? Which one can we trust? Evidently, we cannot trust in what man says (Matthew 15:9); neither can we trust in what we might imagine to be Holy Spirit directives (Isaiah 55:8; Jeremiah 10:23). We must trust only in His words, for “they are spirit and they are life” (John 6:63). They, and they alone, will judge us in that day (John 12:48)!
For Further Information Contact:Truth For The World P.O. Box 5048Duluth, GA 30096-0065e-mail: info@tftw.org
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Daily Reading
Jesus Fulfilling the Law
Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. (Mat_5:17)
The standard of the law of God is infinitely high and lofty: "be holy, be loving, be perfect." This is because the law reflects the very character of God. In light of this we may wonder if there is any way that the law can be fulfilled. How could the righteous demands of the law ever be met in our lives? The answer to this vital question is contained in the truth that Jesus came to "to fulfill" the law.
Consider how comprehensive was Jesus' fulfillment of the law. He fulfilled the law in His life, becoming our example. As Jesus lived, He showed us what life would look like if one could always, in every way, live up to the heavenly standards of God. Jesus' testimony was "I always do those things that please Him" (Joh_8:29).
Further, He fulfilled the law in His death, becoming our substitutionary sacrifice. The law included a penalty for violation, and that penalty was death. "The soul who sins shall die" (Eze_18:4). "For the wages of sin is death" (Rom_6:23). Jesus lovingly died in our place to pay that penalty which we owed. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom_5:8).
Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. (Mat_5:17)
The standard of the law of God is infinitely high and lofty: "be holy, be loving, be perfect." This is because the law reflects the very character of God. In light of this we may wonder if there is any way that the law can be fulfilled. How could the righteous demands of the law ever be met in our lives? The answer to this vital question is contained in the truth that Jesus came to "to fulfill" the law.
Consider how comprehensive was Jesus' fulfillment of the law. He fulfilled the law in His life, becoming our example. As Jesus lived, He showed us what life would look like if one could always, in every way, live up to the heavenly standards of God. Jesus' testimony was "I always do those things that please Him" (Joh_8:29).
Further, He fulfilled the law in His death, becoming our substitutionary sacrifice. The law included a penalty for violation, and that penalty was death. "The soul who sins shall die" (Eze_18:4). "For the wages of sin is death" (Rom_6:23). Jesus lovingly died in our place to pay that penalty which we owed. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom_5:8).
Daily Reading
QUESTION: For what purpose did the apostles impart gifts to others?
ANSWER: To confirm the word (Mark 16:20; Acts 14:3). The word had not yet come in its fullness. It was necessary, in order for the gospel to be proclaimed in all the world (Colossians 1:6) to every creature (Colossians 1:23), that others beside the apostles be involved in it’s proclamation! We see an example of this in Acts the eighth chapter when the disciples were scattered abroad and went everywhere preaching the word. Philip at that time went down to Samaria and preached Christ unto them, and the people gave heed unto those things which he spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did (vss. 5-6)! As an aside, it is also interesting to note that since Philip was not an apostle he could not impart gifts that he performed to the Samaritans. It was necessary that Peter and John be sent to do so (vss.14-17). It is clear then that only the apostles had this ability, which should raise some questions as follows: Why did God not send the Holy Spirit directly to the Samaritans, as some claim is sent to them today? What happened when the last apostle died, if only they could impart spiritual gifts? What happened when the last person died upon whom an apostle had laid his hands? The answers are obvious! Since the purposes for Holy Spirit baptism were totally fulfilled and the apostles no longer live, it is quite evident that there can be no gifts today. These means of conveyance to man no longer exists by the will of God! Neither is there a reason for gifts today, since the word has already been confirmed!
For Further Information Contact:Truth For The World P.O. Box 5048Duluth, GA 30096-0065e-mail: info@tftw.org
ANSWER: To confirm the word (Mark 16:20; Acts 14:3). The word had not yet come in its fullness. It was necessary, in order for the gospel to be proclaimed in all the world (Colossians 1:6) to every creature (Colossians 1:23), that others beside the apostles be involved in it’s proclamation! We see an example of this in Acts the eighth chapter when the disciples were scattered abroad and went everywhere preaching the word. Philip at that time went down to Samaria and preached Christ unto them, and the people gave heed unto those things which he spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did (vss. 5-6)! As an aside, it is also interesting to note that since Philip was not an apostle he could not impart gifts that he performed to the Samaritans. It was necessary that Peter and John be sent to do so (vss.14-17). It is clear then that only the apostles had this ability, which should raise some questions as follows: Why did God not send the Holy Spirit directly to the Samaritans, as some claim is sent to them today? What happened when the last apostle died, if only they could impart spiritual gifts? What happened when the last person died upon whom an apostle had laid his hands? The answers are obvious! Since the purposes for Holy Spirit baptism were totally fulfilled and the apostles no longer live, it is quite evident that there can be no gifts today. These means of conveyance to man no longer exists by the will of God! Neither is there a reason for gifts today, since the word has already been confirmed!
For Further Information Contact:Truth For The World P.O. Box 5048Duluth, GA 30096-0065e-mail: info@tftw.org
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Daily Reading
THINGS TO BE LEFT BEHIND
"Lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus."-- Heb_12:1-2.
LEAVE BEHIND your past sins. They have been many and great, more than you can count. But if you have confessed and forsaken them, they have been put away, "as far as the east is from the west.'" Nothing could be more explicit than 1Jo_1:9. It is useless to brood over the past. God has buried it in the grave of Christ. Go and sin no more!
"Lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus."-- Heb_12:1-2.
LEAVE BEHIND your past sins. They have been many and great, more than you can count. But if you have confessed and forsaken them, they have been put away, "as far as the east is from the west.'" Nothing could be more explicit than 1Jo_1:9. It is useless to brood over the past. God has buried it in the grave of Christ. Go and sin no more!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Daily Reading
QUESTION: Did Paul see the Lord only in a vision?
ANSWER: The details surrounding our Lord’s appearance to Paul are not specified. However, that He was seen of Paul cannot be denied: Acts 9:17, Jesus “appeared” unto him; Acts 26:16, Jesus “appeared” and was to “appear;” I Corinthians 9:1 & 15:8, Paul said he had “seen” the Lord. To deny that “seeing” the resurrected Christ was a requirement for being an apostle is, with bias, to ignore the plain teaching of Acts 1:22. Those who reject this verse are usually falsely holding to the misconception of modern apostles and “gift” usage today.
For Further Information Contact:Truth For The World P.O. Box 5048Duluth, GA 30096-0065e-mail: info@tftw.org
ANSWER: The details surrounding our Lord’s appearance to Paul are not specified. However, that He was seen of Paul cannot be denied: Acts 9:17, Jesus “appeared” unto him; Acts 26:16, Jesus “appeared” and was to “appear;” I Corinthians 9:1 & 15:8, Paul said he had “seen” the Lord. To deny that “seeing” the resurrected Christ was a requirement for being an apostle is, with bias, to ignore the plain teaching of Acts 1:22. Those who reject this verse are usually falsely holding to the misconception of modern apostles and “gift” usage today.
For Further Information Contact:Truth For The World P.O. Box 5048Duluth, GA 30096-0065e-mail: info@tftw.org
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Dail Reading
Sunday, the first day of week. The Lords Day. What are we going to do with it? Is it for our pleasure or is it to worship our God. We all have the same amount of time, it will be up to each of us to decide how to use it. Make your choice. Have a great day.
Daily Reading
QUESTION: Can one be qualified to be an apostle today?
ANSWER: No! To be qualified to be an apostle, one must be an eyewitness of the resurrected Christ (Acts 1:22) as were the twelve (Acts 1:21) and the apostle Paul (Acts 26:13-18). None living today have seen the resurrected Christ! Therefore, none today can be qualified to be an apostle! We can be sure that those who claim apostleship today do not represent the church of the New Testament!
For Further Information Contact:Truth For The World P.O. Box 5048Duluth, GA 30096-0065e-mail: info@tftw.org
ANSWER: No! To be qualified to be an apostle, one must be an eyewitness of the resurrected Christ (Acts 1:22) as were the twelve (Acts 1:21) and the apostle Paul (Acts 26:13-18). None living today have seen the resurrected Christ! Therefore, none today can be qualified to be an apostle! We can be sure that those who claim apostleship today do not represent the church of the New Testament!
For Further Information Contact:Truth For The World P.O. Box 5048Duluth, GA 30096-0065e-mail: info@tftw.org