Why do the heathen rage?
Thursday, October 08, 2009
I face east. I face west. I face north. I face south. I am a passive activist, a night watchman, watching the world on my television set, like watching a cartoon in two dimensions. The characters are scripted, their behavior predictable, and the outcome is all but certain.
I return south, to meditate within, in continuing my study in Acts 4 and ask: Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing? (4:25). Just the mere mention of the name of Jesus Christ sends the heathens into a rage.
It began during the reign of the Roman Emperor Tiberius Julius Caesar Augustus (November 16, 42 BC – March 16, 37 AD) and continues today. The heathen back then were, prominently, Herod, and Pontius Pilate (Acts 4:27; Luke 3:1); and the high priests Annas and Caiaphas (Acts 4:6; Luke 3:2).
It was rage that caused the heathers to stone Stephen to death (Acts 7:54-60). This is how the scriptures describe it: “they were cut to the heart and the gnashed on him with their teeth” (7:54). “They cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord” (7:57). “They cast him out of the city, and stoned him” (7:58).
This is the reaction of people who cannot bear to hear the true Word of God. They stop their ears and attack the preacher or teacher, not realizing they fight against the Word, and hence they fight against God. This was the admission of Gamaliel, who sat upon the council, with the high priest (Acts 5:34-36).
Heathen characteristics: (1) Refusing to hear by stopping one’s ears; (2) Blind rage and violence; and (3) Fighting against God and God’s anointed and the saints.
Psalm 2:1-4 -Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
I made a New Friend
By Eddie Griffin
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
I am sad to reflect that I may loose a friend because of my religious belief, and sadder still that I may loose more… so much for a tolerant society that forces a man to silence his religious beliefs but be force to listen to others. I got religious advice from a friend but was forbidden to respond in kind. If I try to convert him to true Christianity, he threatens to terminate our friendship.
It motives me even more, to preach the word, and let chips fall where they may. I have nothing to loose, and everything to gain, and maybe even gain a friend.
A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)
On Sunday, I made a new friend.
I arrived at church early Sunday morning, before 8:00 am, to copy and fold the church bulletins, and write the scriptures on the board that I would use in Sunday school class. I had just finished the bulletin with about 30 minutes to spare, when suddenly a visitor showed up, long before the rest of the congregants arrived.
He wanted to know more about the church. I told him that he had come to the right place at the right time. So, we talked, and we talked, and we talked so long that I barely got one scripture written on the board by service time at 9 o’clock. Here I had 9 pages of notes, a two-page handout on Acts, and a two-page outline of the book.
I note that this was our guest’s fourth consecutive visit. He had sat in church and Sunday school the previous week, and even acknowledged him before the class. He was eager to come back. He wanted to know about The Church.
He quoted scripture: Jesus said, “Upon this Rock, I will build My Church.” (Matthew 16:18). This was the very text I was planning to use in class. In fact, the same scripture appeared in the minister’s sermon.
“My church” is the church that Jesus prophesied about. In our study of the Book of Acts, we verified that this prophecy was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:47), and 3,000 souls were baptized. So, the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Therefore, the church is not manmade, and only the Lord adds to it. What was troubling our visitor was “This going on in this church, that going on in that church, and this church teaching this and that church teaching that.”
Many members of my class do a continual annual reading of the bible from Genesis to Revelation, and many have completed it 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 times. When elders, teachers, and leaders in the church have not acquainted themselves with the whole Word of God, the people will become scattered in their theologies by the imaginations of their heart.
SUMMARY OF OUR STUDY
Our study of the Book of Acts particularly focuses upon the history of the church, from its beginning. I also included a page from the Latin Twelve Caesars (De vita Caesarum) from Roman times to collaborate and confirm the reign of Tiberius Caesar (Luke 3:1), at the time when Jesus Christ was crucified by Pontus Pilate. The high priests mentioned in the next verse (3:2) were the same Annas and Caiaphas who conspired with Judas to put Jesus to death.
Caiaphas is the high priest who said that it was “expedient” that one man should die for a nation (John 11:50), and it was “From that day on, they plotted to put Him to death” (John 11:53). Satan enters into Judas (Luke 22:3) and Judas goes and communes with the chief priests how he might betray him (22:4).
Additional Text
John 18:19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. 20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. 21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. 22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? 23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? 24 Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. 25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself.
But the grave could not hold Jesus. It was not possible (Acts 2:24).
Lesson published at:
http://eddiegriffinbiblestudy.blogspot.com/2009/09/part-2-gates-of-hell-shall-not-prevail.html
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
I am sad to reflect that I may loose a friend because of my religious belief, and sadder still that I may loose more… so much for a tolerant society that forces a man to silence his religious beliefs but be force to listen to others. I got religious advice from a friend but was forbidden to respond in kind. If I try to convert him to true Christianity, he threatens to terminate our friendship.
It motives me even more, to preach the word, and let chips fall where they may. I have nothing to loose, and everything to gain, and maybe even gain a friend.
A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)
On Sunday, I made a new friend.
I arrived at church early Sunday morning, before 8:00 am, to copy and fold the church bulletins, and write the scriptures on the board that I would use in Sunday school class. I had just finished the bulletin with about 30 minutes to spare, when suddenly a visitor showed up, long before the rest of the congregants arrived.
He wanted to know more about the church. I told him that he had come to the right place at the right time. So, we talked, and we talked, and we talked so long that I barely got one scripture written on the board by service time at 9 o’clock. Here I had 9 pages of notes, a two-page handout on Acts, and a two-page outline of the book.
I note that this was our guest’s fourth consecutive visit. He had sat in church and Sunday school the previous week, and even acknowledged him before the class. He was eager to come back. He wanted to know about The Church.
He quoted scripture: Jesus said, “Upon this Rock, I will build My Church.” (Matthew 16:18). This was the very text I was planning to use in class. In fact, the same scripture appeared in the minister’s sermon.
“My church” is the church that Jesus prophesied about. In our study of the Book of Acts, we verified that this prophecy was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:47), and 3,000 souls were baptized. So, the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Therefore, the church is not manmade, and only the Lord adds to it. What was troubling our visitor was “This going on in this church, that going on in that church, and this church teaching this and that church teaching that.”
Many members of my class do a continual annual reading of the bible from Genesis to Revelation, and many have completed it 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 times. When elders, teachers, and leaders in the church have not acquainted themselves with the whole Word of God, the people will become scattered in their theologies by the imaginations of their heart.
SUMMARY OF OUR STUDY
Our study of the Book of Acts particularly focuses upon the history of the church, from its beginning. I also included a page from the Latin Twelve Caesars (De vita Caesarum) from Roman times to collaborate and confirm the reign of Tiberius Caesar (Luke 3:1), at the time when Jesus Christ was crucified by Pontus Pilate. The high priests mentioned in the next verse (3:2) were the same Annas and Caiaphas who conspired with Judas to put Jesus to death.
Caiaphas is the high priest who said that it was “expedient” that one man should die for a nation (John 11:50), and it was “From that day on, they plotted to put Him to death” (John 11:53). Satan enters into Judas (Luke 22:3) and Judas goes and communes with the chief priests how he might betray him (22:4).
Additional Text
John 18:19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. 20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. 21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. 22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? 23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? 24 Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. 25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself.
But the grave could not hold Jesus. It was not possible (Acts 2:24).
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
(Revelation 1:18)Lesson published at:
http://eddiegriffinbiblestudy.blogspot.com/2009/09/part-2-gates-of-hell-shall-not-prevail.html
Friday, September 25, 2009
Am I about to loose a friend?
A friend wrote:
Eddie, I just decided to send you a brief straight message. First, your suggesting I am one of your "best friends" is very moving and appreciated. I tend to be a pretty shitty friend, though, so think it likely doesn't speak to well of some of your other friends...
Regarding the conversion ambitions, should you press too hard you will lose my friendship, and make no progress toward your objective. It is not required that I believe what you believe for your belief to be validated. You cannot successfully share that which I've already experienced and rejected. As they say, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. I have been to the well, swam, waded and drank from it. Indeed, I was raised in the very water you find so refreshing, and I'm glad you find it refreshing and fulfilling. I bequeath my portion to you.
I will not cast aspersions on that which you've chosen to make part of your life, nor attempt to convert you to my spiritual philosophy. As a friend, I would ask that you show me the same respect …
[From 2nd Message] I won't under any circumstance consider conversion. God and I are very comfortable with our relationship, and have a rock solid agreement to not allow man to adversely affect it. But if converting souls to true Christianity is one of your life missions, I would suggest that the absolute best route is to follow as precisely as you can the words of Christ, particularly regarding service to the poor, the sick, the needy, those in prison, strangers, foreigners, sinners, etc. And remember, Christ never met Paul or anyone who wrote anything following his death, resurrection and ascension. Tear those pages out of your Bible and toss them on the fire, and you will find yourself a much more effective missionary...
M
FRIENDSHIP ON THE LINE?
Has my preaching and teaching the gospel put our friendship on the line? This has never happened to me before. What shall I do? And, considering the fact that I will be teaching Sunday school, how can I keep my focus upon Acts 4, and deal with this challenges?
My friend gave me some advice. Listen:
… if converting souls to true Christianity is one of your life missions, I would suggest that the absolute best route is to follow as precisely as you can the words of Christ, particularly regarding service to the poor, the sick, the needy, those in prison, strangers, foreigners, sinners, etc. And remember, Christ never met Paul or anyone who wrote anything following his death, resurrection and ascension. Tear those pages out of your Bible and toss them on the fire, and you will find yourself a much more effective missionary...
Does this suggest that my teaching from the Book of Acts would be invalidated by my friend’s proscription? “Follow as precisely as you can the words of Christ… And remember Christ never met Paul or anyone who wrote anything following his death, resurrection and ascension.”
I cannot “tear those pages out” of my Bible. IT IS WRITTEN:
All scripture is given by inspiration of God (2Timothy 3:16).
Therefore, I cannot tear those pages from the Bible.
Those who wrote after the death, resurrection and ascension: Luke, Mark, John [Books of John, 1st/2nd/3rd John, and Revelation], James [Book of James], and Peter [Books of 1st and 2nd Peter], among others disciples, besides Paul, an Apostle “born out of due season” [1 Corinthians 15:7]
NEVERTHELESS, I accept the challenge to follow the words of Jesus, from the red letter edition of the King James Version of the Bible, recognizing:
There are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. (John 21:25)
WHAT DID JESUS SAY ABOUT THE SCRIPTURES?
And he said unto them,
Shall I reject the Books of Moses, the Books of Psalms, and the Books of the Prophets? He said:
Shall I reject Paul, as an Apostle? And, what of his companions, Luke and Mark? Paul, writing to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:11, mentions: Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (Mark 16:19-20)
EDDIE GRIFFIN RESPONSE:
Clearly, the story does not end with the ascension of Jesus Christ. The apostles went forth and preached the gospel. This brings me back to our study of the Book of Acts, and the establishment of the Church which had been prophesied about throughout the ages.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 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 2:37-38)
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls… And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:41,47)
As for our friendship, I am reminded of Acts 4:19: But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
You judge.
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)
This leads to a study in Acts 5.
Eddie, I just decided to send you a brief straight message. First, your suggesting I am one of your "best friends" is very moving and appreciated. I tend to be a pretty shitty friend, though, so think it likely doesn't speak to well of some of your other friends...
Regarding the conversion ambitions, should you press too hard you will lose my friendship, and make no progress toward your objective. It is not required that I believe what you believe for your belief to be validated. You cannot successfully share that which I've already experienced and rejected. As they say, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. I have been to the well, swam, waded and drank from it. Indeed, I was raised in the very water you find so refreshing, and I'm glad you find it refreshing and fulfilling. I bequeath my portion to you.
I will not cast aspersions on that which you've chosen to make part of your life, nor attempt to convert you to my spiritual philosophy. As a friend, I would ask that you show me the same respect …
[From 2nd Message] I won't under any circumstance consider conversion. God and I are very comfortable with our relationship, and have a rock solid agreement to not allow man to adversely affect it. But if converting souls to true Christianity is one of your life missions, I would suggest that the absolute best route is to follow as precisely as you can the words of Christ, particularly regarding service to the poor, the sick, the needy, those in prison, strangers, foreigners, sinners, etc. And remember, Christ never met Paul or anyone who wrote anything following his death, resurrection and ascension. Tear those pages out of your Bible and toss them on the fire, and you will find yourself a much more effective missionary...
M
FRIENDSHIP ON THE LINE?
Has my preaching and teaching the gospel put our friendship on the line? This has never happened to me before. What shall I do? And, considering the fact that I will be teaching Sunday school, how can I keep my focus upon Acts 4, and deal with this challenges?
My friend gave me some advice. Listen:
… if converting souls to true Christianity is one of your life missions, I would suggest that the absolute best route is to follow as precisely as you can the words of Christ, particularly regarding service to the poor, the sick, the needy, those in prison, strangers, foreigners, sinners, etc. And remember, Christ never met Paul or anyone who wrote anything following his death, resurrection and ascension. Tear those pages out of your Bible and toss them on the fire, and you will find yourself a much more effective missionary...
Does this suggest that my teaching from the Book of Acts would be invalidated by my friend’s proscription? “Follow as precisely as you can the words of Christ… And remember Christ never met Paul or anyone who wrote anything following his death, resurrection and ascension.”
I cannot “tear those pages out” of my Bible. IT IS WRITTEN:
All scripture is given by inspiration of God (2Timothy 3:16).
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
(Revelation 22:18-19)Therefore, I cannot tear those pages from the Bible.
Those who wrote after the death, resurrection and ascension: Luke, Mark, John [Books of John, 1st/2nd/3rd John, and Revelation], James [Book of James], and Peter [Books of 1st and 2nd Peter], among others disciples, besides Paul, an Apostle “born out of due season” [1 Corinthians 15:7]
NEVERTHELESS, I accept the challenge to follow the words of Jesus, from the red letter edition of the King James Version of the Bible, recognizing:
There are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. (John 21:25)
WHAT DID JESUS SAY ABOUT THE SCRIPTURES?
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
(John 5:39)And he said unto them,
These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures… (Luke 24:44-45)Shall I reject the Books of Moses, the Books of Psalms, and the Books of the Prophets? He said:
"They are they which testify of me."
Shall I reject Paul, as an Apostle? And, what of his companions, Luke and Mark? Paul, writing to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:11, mentions: Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
(Matthew 16:18)Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
(Matthew 28:19)So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (Mark 16:19-20)
EDDIE GRIFFIN RESPONSE:
Clearly, the story does not end with the ascension of Jesus Christ. The apostles went forth and preached the gospel. This brings me back to our study of the Book of Acts, and the establishment of the Church which had been prophesied about throughout the ages.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 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 2:37-38)
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls… And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:41,47)
As for our friendship, I am reminded of Acts 4:19: But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
You judge.
Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)
This leads to a study in Acts 5.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Part 2: The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail
Jesus said: “Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Mt 16:18
Part 1: Upon this rock I will build my church
We have seen how that Church was established upon the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). Then in Acts 3, we see where Peter heals a lame man at the Miracle at the Gate called “Beautiful”.
Acts 3:11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. 12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? 13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. 14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
Part 2: The gates of hell shall not prevail against it
Acts 4 begins the persecution of the church. The persecutors are the same religious leaders that crucified Jesus: Annas and Caiaphas (Acts 4:6)
Luke 3:1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
John 11:47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, "What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 48 If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation." 49 And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish." 51 Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. 53 Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death.
Luke 22:1:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. 3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. 4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. (John 15:18)
ACTS 4 KJV
1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. 4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, 6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
Part 1: Upon this rock I will build my church
We have seen how that Church was established upon the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). Then in Acts 3, we see where Peter heals a lame man at the Miracle at the Gate called “Beautiful”.
Acts 3:11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. 12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? 13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. 14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
Part 2: The gates of hell shall not prevail against it
Acts 4 begins the persecution of the church. The persecutors are the same religious leaders that crucified Jesus: Annas and Caiaphas (Acts 4:6)
Luke 3:1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
John 11:47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, "What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 48 If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation." 49 And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish." 51 Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. 53 Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death.
Luke 22:1:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. 3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. 4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. (John 15:18)
ACTS 4 KJV
1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. 4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, 6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Obama & The Antichrist
Dear Mr. E. R. Bill
As shocking and demoralizing as your article in the Star-Telegram, I am even more troubled by this passage:
Many of my son’s classmates said Obama is the Antichrist, vaguely alluding to passages from the book of Revelation. I was shocked and wondered which local church fostered such inanity.
My heart and my prayers go out to you, your wife, and especially to your children, for having to endure this type of bigotry. Many people in the North, East, and West are literally shocked that these cavemen, irreligious, racial attitudes still existing in the South, and this doomsday hysteria.
Too many people have been watching Hollywood horror movies, and listening to their own delusions about antichrist. In the King James Version of the Holy Bible, there are only four passages of scripture referring to the antichrist, and none from the Book of Revelation:
Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. (1Jo 2:18)
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1Jo 4:3)
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. (2Jo 1:7)
Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. (1Jo 2:22)
WHAT REVELATIONS DOES SAY
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:9)
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10)
I AM Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. (Revelation 22:13-15)
As shocking and demoralizing as your article in the Star-Telegram, I am even more troubled by this passage:
Many of my son’s classmates said Obama is the Antichrist, vaguely alluding to passages from the book of Revelation. I was shocked and wondered which local church fostered such inanity.
My heart and my prayers go out to you, your wife, and especially to your children, for having to endure this type of bigotry. Many people in the North, East, and West are literally shocked that these cavemen, irreligious, racial attitudes still existing in the South, and this doomsday hysteria.
Too many people have been watching Hollywood horror movies, and listening to their own delusions about antichrist. In the King James Version of the Holy Bible, there are only four passages of scripture referring to the antichrist, and none from the Book of Revelation:
Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. (1Jo 2:18)
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1Jo 4:3)
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. (2Jo 1:7)
Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. (1Jo 2:22)
WHAT REVELATIONS DOES SAY
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:9)
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10)
I AM Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. (Revelation 22:13-15)
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Introduction to Acts 3
Review
Jesus told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for “the promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4). “Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence”. (1:5) “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (1:8)
The Promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost (2:2-4), when the room was filled with a sound like a rushing mighty wind from heaven, and cloven tongues like fire sat upon each of them, and they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak in other tongues, “as the Spirit gave them utterance”.
Peter, having been foreordained, preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the first time. (2:14-36).
The Commission of Peter
Matthew 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Upon this rock I will build my church
When Peter confessed that Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of the living God”, that confession became the Rock upon which the church was established.
Peter was not The Rock spoken of in Matthew 16:18.
For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? (2 Samuel 22:32; Psalm 18:31)
Moreover, brethren, I would not that that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual Rock that accompanied them, and that Rock was Christ. (1 Cointhians 10:4)
Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious; but unto them which be disobedient, the Stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. (1 Peter 2:6-8)
Peter and the other apostles were given the power “to bind” and “to loose”. Jesus said in Matthew 18:18-20: Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
What does it mean To Bind and To Loose? [Read: Luke 13:10-17]
The woman healed by Jesus had been bound by Satan for 18 years. What loosed her from this bond? When Jesus gave his apostles special powers, by way of the Holy Ghost, he said:
In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:17-18)
Clearly, the power “to loose” meant the power to lay hands on the sick and heal them. In the Miracle at the Gate called Beautiful, Peter looses a man from his infirmity for which he had been bound from birth (Acts 3:2)
Jesus told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for “the promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4). “Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence”. (1:5) “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (1:8)
The Promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost (2:2-4), when the room was filled with a sound like a rushing mighty wind from heaven, and cloven tongues like fire sat upon each of them, and they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak in other tongues, “as the Spirit gave them utterance”.
Peter, having been foreordained, preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the first time. (2:14-36).
The Commission of Peter
Matthew 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Upon this rock I will build my church
When Peter confessed that Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of the living God”, that confession became the Rock upon which the church was established.
Peter was not The Rock spoken of in Matthew 16:18.
For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? (2 Samuel 22:32; Psalm 18:31)
Moreover, brethren, I would not that that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual Rock that accompanied them, and that Rock was Christ. (1 Cointhians 10:4)
Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious; but unto them which be disobedient, the Stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. (1 Peter 2:6-8)
Peter and the other apostles were given the power “to bind” and “to loose”. Jesus said in Matthew 18:18-20: Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
What does it mean To Bind and To Loose? [Read: Luke 13:10-17]
The woman healed by Jesus had been bound by Satan for 18 years. What loosed her from this bond? When Jesus gave his apostles special powers, by way of the Holy Ghost, he said:
In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:17-18)
Clearly, the power “to loose” meant the power to lay hands on the sick and heal them. In the Miracle at the Gate called Beautiful, Peter looses a man from his infirmity for which he had been bound from birth (Acts 3:2)
Monday, August 17, 2009
Be Wise as Serpents
By Eddie Griffin
http://eddiegriffinbiblestudy.blogspot.com/
Monday, August 17, 2009
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. (Matthew 10:16)
Being a sheep in the midst of wolves takes the wisdom of serpents, yet remaining harmless as doves. This is what I call the “protective custody” of God’s children, sent out to preach the gospel.
A woman walks out to her car on a parking lot, on a dark night, and a strange man following closely behind, should set off an alarm in her head… not panic, but caution. After all, something bad can happen to a woman on a dark parking. BE WISE AS SERPENTS.
Her first reaction is denial. She knows that the man is not following her, so she dismisses him from her mind.
When Jesus sent us into the world to preach the gospel, he realized that He was sending defenseless sheep into the midst of wolves. But who are the “wolves”? It’s a guessing game. But there is a precaution: BE WISE AS SERPENTS.
http://eddiegriffinbiblestudy.blogspot.com/
Monday, August 17, 2009
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. (Matthew 10:16)
Being a sheep in the midst of wolves takes the wisdom of serpents, yet remaining harmless as doves. This is what I call the “protective custody” of God’s children, sent out to preach the gospel.
A woman walks out to her car on a parking lot, on a dark night, and a strange man following closely behind, should set off an alarm in her head… not panic, but caution. After all, something bad can happen to a woman on a dark parking. BE WISE AS SERPENTS.
Her first reaction is denial. She knows that the man is not following her, so she dismisses him from her mind.
When Jesus sent us into the world to preach the gospel, he realized that He was sending defenseless sheep into the midst of wolves. But who are the “wolves”? It’s a guessing game. But there is a precaution: BE WISE AS SERPENTS.
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