What do the names Onesimus and Philemon mean?

Looking at the Greek word for Philemon which means friendly which the Greek meaning for the word Onesimos is profitable. Paul told us that in the pass Onesimos was unprofitable or useless to Philemon in verse 11. Does that mean that when Onesimos was with Philemon, he had no use for Christianity and ran away from being a slave. How and when he was really converted would be an very interesting story. After his conversion, he became a very good help to Paul in service. Philemon must have been someone of means since he has slaves and guest rooms for Paul to stay at, but in his way of life as a Christian, he was friendly or someone who is kind. I believe this is one of the reason why requested that Philemon forgive Onesimos for what he had done to him. So, the Apostle us the meaning of their names in his letter to Philemon.  Blessing

Stephen

5371. Philemon, fil-ay'-mone; from G5368; friendly; Philemon, a Chr.:--Philemon.

3682. Onesimos, on-ay'-sim-os; from G3685; profitable; Onesimus, a Chr.:--Onesimus.

(Phile 1:11 NIV) Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

Unprofitable: 890. achrestos, akh'-race-tos; from G1 (as a neg. particle) and G5543; inefficient, i.e. (by impl.) detrimental:--unprofitable.

Is cremation a Biblical alternative to burial?

Yes, there is no direct command regarding burial or prohibition of cremation for a Christian.  What we have are examples throughout the scriptures on burial.  First, is it a sin again God that we are cremated, I say the answer is NO.  The word buried is in the Bible 112 times in 110 verses. Burial is the pattern I see used in the Scriptures. Therefore, the following are my views of this discussion about cremation vs. burial. 

Burial is an example Jesus gave us - Mat 27:59-60 - Joseph took the body (Jesus), wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, {60} and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away -

Burial that we were taken from dust and to dust we will return - Gen 3:19 - By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."

Burial proclaims the Gospel - 1 Cor 15:3-5 - For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance : that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.

Burial Symbolizes the Hope of Resurrection - 1 Cor 15:42-44 -  So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; {43} it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; {44} it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

Burial is a process of grief relief and say our good byes to the dead / family - John 11:32-35 -  When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." {33} When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. {34} "Where have you laid him?" he asked. "Come and see, Lord," they replied. {35} Jesus wept.

Buried Ananias - Acts 5:6 - Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.

Buried Sapphira - Acts 5:10 - At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

Buried Stephen - Acts 8:2 - Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him.

Buried David - Acts 2:29 - Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.

Buried John the Baptist - Mat 14:12 - John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.

 

Buried foreigners - Mat 27:7 - So they decided to use the money to buy the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners.

Buried my family Members - (Exo 20:12 NIV)  "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”  How do we honor our parents and grandparents after they did, go out to the cemetery of love where they are and put flowers on the graves and think about them.  It keeps their memory alive. 

Discuss the significance of the cities of refuge. In what way(s) is Jesus our city of refuge?

When Jesus gave the land allotment to the Nation of Israel, the tribe of Levi did not inherit any land.  What the Levi tribe did receive was 48 cities through the Nation with a small section outside the cities.  Then 6 of the 48 cities were designated as cities of refuge.  A place of safety where someone could go in case there what could be considered manslaughter.  They could find sanctuary in this city and could not leave until the death of the High Priest.  Jesus is our sanctuary and High Priest today and we know it will be for all time since Jesus cannot die. 

Jesus:

·      is my refuge in life

·      covers me a sinner from the penalty of death

·      knows my infirmities

·      knows how I have been tempted in my life

·      I can come before the throne of grace and obtain mercy

·      intercede for me to the Father

·      is the light that leads me as I follow His Way of Life

·      is faithful and just and will forgive me

·      make me righteous before our Father

·      sent the comforter that gives me comfort

·      will bring all things to my remembrance.

Blessing

Stephen

(Heb 6:18 KJV) That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

(Heb 4:14-16 KJV) Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. {15} For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. {16} Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

(Heb 7:24-25 NIV) but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. {25} Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

(1 John 1:7-9 NIV) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. {8} If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. {9} If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

(John 14:26 KJV) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Doctrine is the difference between life and death; eternally.

I do not agree with the premise of this question except what is considered major and minor doctrines. We all have our own opinions what is major and minor. The first major doctrine that Jesus gave to mankind was the Ten commandments given in Ex 20. The commands of Jesus given throughout the NT and OT, are these considered major or minor doctrine. If the Creator God of all things and tells us something to do, is it important to him and only minor to us. As we know the scriptures tells us that the only way we can show love to God is by obeying His commands. When someone thinks in their minds that this is a major doctrine, I should follow it and think this is a minor doctrine, then we can or may not do it, there is a problem and I feel Satan influence has creep into the teaching from the pulpits.  All doctrine is what Jesus teaches that mankind should follow in His Way of Life, not what we think but what the scriptures teaches.  Blessing

Stephen

(2 Tim 3:16-17 NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, {17} so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

(2 Tim 4:1-4 NIV) In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, … correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. {3} For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. {4} They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

(1 Cor 15:2-5 NIV) By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. {3} For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance : that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, {4} that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, {5} and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.

(John 14:15 NIV)  "If you love me, you will obey what I command.

(John 14:23-24 KJV)  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. {24} He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

(John 15:10 NIV)  If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.

I was asked: With the condition of the church today, do you think that there can be one last revival or do you think that we are to far gone.

This is how I feel about what you asked.

It depends on you, me, and anyone who are an ambassador of our High Creator God and our Father if our country goes down or not.   Jesus tells us from 2 Chr 7, if my people (True Believers / Christians), who are called by my name (are we called by His name?), will humble themselves (have we fasted for this – when was the last time we fasted – humble means fasting), and seek my face (are we following the Way of Life that Jesus taught and lived), and turn from our wicked ways (are we doing this and turn from our wicked ways – for sin is the transgression of the law), then (only then will Jesus hear and see) from heaven (is Jesus and the Father discussing this) and will forgive our sin (true grace) and will heal our land (Satan way of death - sickness across the nation).  So it all depends on us if our nation makes it or does not make it, are we doing this for what Jesus tells us? 

Blessing

Stephen

(2 Chr 7:14 NIV)  if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

(Psa 81:11-14 NIV)  "But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me. {12} So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices. {13} "If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways, {14} how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!

(1 John 3:4 KJV)  Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

What did Paul mean as the “blessed hope.” (Titus 2:13)

Looking at Tit 2:13, this verse by Paul shows others how I feel inside my heart that I am looking forward to the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God, Lord, Messiah, Jesus, our elder brother.  The Greek word for blessed is makarios which means supremely blest, happy.  The Greek word for hope is elpis which means anticipate, expectation or confidence, faith.  I looked forward to the day when our Lord, Jesus returns to this earth and sets up His physical Kingdom and rule all the world for a 1000 years.  We will be changed, at the twinkling of an eye and we shall be changed. For our corruptible body must put on incorruption, and our mortal body must put on immortality.  We will be the most blessed and holy because we will be part of the first resurrection and shall be kings and priest of God and of Jesus and shall reign with him for a thousand years.  Yes, we will rule on the earth until all things are restored and we have untold blessing waiting for us in the future and in store for us the crown of righteousness.  Blessing to each of you.

Stephen

Titus 2:13 - Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Blessed:  3107. makarios, supremely blest; fortunate, well off:--blessed, happy

Hope:  1680. elpis, to anticipate, usually with pleasure; expectation or confidence:--faith, hope.

Rev 20:4 - And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Rev 5:10 - And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.  

Rev 20:6 - Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

1 Cor 15:52-53 - In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. {53} For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

2 Tim 4:8 NIV - Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Was the "Last Supper" a Seder?

This is how I understand it.  Towards the end of the 13^th day part, right before sunset, that start of the 14^th of Nisan, is when the lamb was killed at the Temple for Jesus and the disciples to observe the Passover (Seder) meal.  We know the Israelites had to be in their homes before sunset or start of the 14^th or the death angel will come to them, then the lamb had to be killed right before sunset on the 13th.  We know that the Passover meal or Seder is the same thing.  Let’s look at two basic facts.  Paul tells us “Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread” and then wine and said “it is not the Lord's Supper you eat.”  During the Seder or last supper meal, Jesus instituted and commands three new service for the church today, a footwashing service and the bread and wine service during the Seder.  This was the 3^rd cup, redemption /  blessing cup.  The 4^th cup will not be had until the Marriage Supper.  John tells us that supper being ended, Judas then betray Jesus.  Remember, when Jesus sets up His Kingdom during the millennium, all people will then celebrate the Passover on the evening of the 14^th according to Ezekiel. Blessing

Stephen

John 13:2 - And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;

John 13:4-5 - so he (Jesus) got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.  After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

John 13:14-15- Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

Luke 22:19- And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."

1 Cor 11:20-23 - When you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper you eat, for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk. Don't you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not! For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread,

Ezek 45:21-  "'In the first month on the fourteenth day you are to observe the Passover, a feast lasting seven days, during which you shall eat bread made without yeast.

The use of bread and wine in the Scriptures

When we look at bread and wine in a religious service that was first conducted by Melchizedek, king of Salem, gave bread and wine to Abram in Gen 14:18.  Jesus at His Passover Seder mean added a new religious service to Passover.  Jesus gave new meaning to the bread and wine for the Body of Christ to celebrate until His return to the earth on each Passover on Nisan 14. The meaning of the Bread has not been very clear.  The bread represents Jesus broken body (we break the bread) and by his stripes we are healed.  We know that the wine represents His blood of the New Testament, which was poured out for us for the remission of sins.  Blessing

Stephen

Gen 14:18 - And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

Mark 14:22-24 - And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.  And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.  And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.

Mark 14:25 - Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

Mat 26:28-29 - For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.  But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.

Luke 22:19-20 - And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." {20} In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

1 Cor 11:24-25 - And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. {25} After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

1 Pet 2:24 - Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Isa 53:5 - But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Who told Luke what Stephen told to the Sanhedrin?

All right, I started to think who told Luke what Stephen told to the Sanhedrin.  I could be wrong but I kind of think that just not anybody could have gone into the Sanhedrin while they were in session.  They had their guards, they told people to leave and to come in.  Keep this trial in house.  I rather figure that none of the disciples or apostles where there and they would not be allowed to attend.  Their lives might have gone the way of Stephen.  Anyway, where were the Apostles when Stephen was taken and in trial for his life?  Now, we know there was a man, named Saul that was there and he had to hear every word that Stephen said.  We know that Saul gave his approval to Stephen death.  We know the personality of Paul from his writings that when he did something, he did it with all his might.  Saul then began to destroy the church.  He had to have some power to be able to this.  Saul hated the disciples and then receives letters from the high priest to take them to Jerusalem to have them killed.  We know that Luke traveled with Paul and Paul really never forgave himself for what he did to the Body of Christ and to many individuals.  Paul through the Holy Spirit had to be the one to give Luke the information on what Stephen said, done and how he died.  I believe we have some inside information on this event in church history from Paul through Luke.  Just a thought.

Blessing.

Stephen

(Acts 8:1 NIV)  And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

(Acts 8:3 NIV)  But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.

(Acts 9:1-2 NIV)  Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest {2} and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

What about false witnesses and slanderers within the Church Body today?

When I think of false witnesses and slanderers within the Church Body today I think of what our Lord Jesus, the Apostle Paul, Peter and the Book of Proverbs tells us that there are these individuals among our Body today.  Isaiah clearly explains what they tells us is that “call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter.”  Paul tells us they have a form of godliness, but denying the power.  Peter tells us that they “shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them.”  Paul then tells us that “it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness.” Some examples that are taught and done by these individuals; that women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones, Men committed indecent acts with other men, teach that Jesus was not raise from the dead, digs up evil, spreads strife, separates intimate friends, makes a mockery of justice, spreads iniquity, reveals secrets, gossiping, backbiting tongue and many more things.  Blessing

Stephen

Mat 24:11 - And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

2 Cor 11:13-15 - For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

2 Pet 2:1 - But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2 Tim 3:5 - Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Isa 5:20 - Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Rom 1:24-27 - Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--…Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, …

1 Cor 15:12 - But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?

In the scriptures there are five major ‘crowns’ mentioned. What are they?

The scriptures points out that there are 5 crowns mention.  Looking at David crown in 1 Chr 20, it weight a talent of gold and were precious stones in it. Will the crown we receive be of pure gold as in Psa 21?

·      The first one mention was the crown of life and was listed in Jam 1 and Rev 2 and the Greek word is Zoe and means life. 
·      The second crown is Righteousness which is listed in 2 Tm 4 and the Greek word is dikaiosune, which means justification. 
·      The third is the crown of Glory listed in 1 Pet 5 and Pro 4 and the Greek word is  doxa and means honor, praise or worship. 
·      Crown which is Incorruptible is the fourth one listed and the Greek word is  aphthartos which means immortal. 
·      The last crown is Rejoicing and the Greek word is kauchesis which means glorifying found in 1 Th 2.

Blessing  

Stephen  

1 Chr 20:2 - And David took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious stones in it; and it was set upon David's head: and he brought also exceeding much spoil out of the city.
Psa 21:3 - For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head.
Prov 4:9 - She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory (honour, majesty) shall she deliver to thee.
1 Th 2:19 - For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing (glorifying)? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
2 Tim 4:8 - Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness (justification), which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
James 1:12 - Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
1 Pet 5:4 - And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory (honour, praise, worship) that fadeth not away.
Rev 2:10 - Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
1 Cor 9:25 - And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Did the Sadducees ask the wrong question?

The Sadducees ask the question, We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name."  Would any common sense person ask this question because of what happen to the apostles?  That would not be my question.  We know from Act 5 that the Sadducees were filled with jealousy because of the miraculous signs and wonders the Apostles were doing among the people.  The Sadducees arrested the apostles and put them public jail.  When the Sadducees required the apostles to be brought before the high priest and all his associates and found that the apostles were not in jail.  They found them in the Temple Court telling the people the full message of this new life.  The apostles were brought before the Sadducees, the High priest, and all his associates. 

So, now the Sadducees ask the question “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name.”  That is not my question I would ask.  My question would be:

“Uh, how did you get out of jail when it was securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors???”

Am I the only one wonder about this?  Maybe the Sadducees did not want to know how they got out of jail because they would be told of the miracle that was done for them to leave the jail (Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out) and they would have to praise the Lord and Creator, Jesus.   

Blessing

Stephen

(Acts 5:27-29 NIV)  Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. {28} "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood." {29} Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!

(Acts 5:12 NIV)  The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade.

(Acts 5:17-18 NIV)  Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. {18} They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.

(Acts 5:22-23 NIV)  But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, {23} "We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside."

(Acts 5:20 NIV)  "Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life."
(Acts 5:19 NIV)  But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.

What lessons do you learn from the widow's mite?

When I look at the lesson of the widow’s mite in Luke 21, she gave all she had to give.  It becomes a matter of attitude or heart on how we are to give.  I think about what Paul said in 2 Cor 9 “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  This is not like what the rich were doing, they were doing it because they had to, while the widow gave all she had to God.  This widow was doing what Jesus said from the Apostle Paul in, It is more blessed to give than to receive.  The bottom line, if you feel you have to give, then do not do it until you can give with the right heart, why because we have a deeper concern about our relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus.  I believe Paul explains about the widow’s mite from 1 Tim 5, she “puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.”   

Blessing

Stephen

(Luke 21:1 NIV)  As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.

(Luke 21:2-4 NIV)  He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. {3} "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. {4} All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

 (Acts 20:35 NIV)  In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

(2 Cor 9:7 NIV)  Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

(1 Tim 5:5-6 NIV)  The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. {6} But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.

Siege of Jerusalem

I found it interesting when the discussion about the Christians in Jerusalem fleeing before the siege from Jerusalem going to the mountains in Pella by following Jesus instructions.  Jesus told the Believers in Luke 21:20-21, that when Jerusalem was surrounded by armies, to flee the city for safety.  The source that was discussed was in the writing of Eusebius, Book III, 5.1  page 86.  I just had to look it up and see what it said.  This is what I found.  Eusebius gives another reason why Jerusalem was destroyed at that time.  He said that the Jews were going to kill the apostles but the war came first and saved the apostles and Christian’s lives.  God does work in many ways.

Blessing

Stephen

Vespasian commits the care of the war against the Jews into the hands of Titus.   He says “after the ascension of our Savior, the Jews, in addition to their wickedness against him (Jesus), were now incessantly plotting mischief against his Apostles.  The rest of the apostles who were harassed in numerable ways,  with the view to destroy them, and driven from the land of Judea, had gone forth to preach the gospel to all nations.”  “The whole body, however, of the church at Jerusalem, having been commanded by a divine revelation, given to men of approved piety there before the war, removed from the city, and dwelt at a certain town beyond the Jordan, called Pella.  Here, those that believed in Christ, having removed from Jerusalem, as if holy men had entirely abandoned the royal city itself, and the whole land of Judea, the divine justice, for their crimes against Christ and his apostles, finally overtook them, destroying the whole generation of these evildoers from the earth. 

(Luke 21:20-21 NIV)  "When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. {21} Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city.

Paul talks very clearly to Timothy about “rightly dividing the Word of Truth”. What does it mean?

When I look up the meaning of the terms “rightly dividing the Word of Truth” the Greek word for dividing is orthotomeo, which means to make a straight cut, to dissect (expound) correctly (the divine message).  The Greek word for Truth is aletheia, means truth, true, verity.  We know that the Word of Truth is our Lord and Messiah, Jesus.  Jesus taught us a Way of Life to live and that includes how He lived, what He did, what is written about him and what His teaching were.   To really divide and understand Jesus, we are to do these things.  The Holy Spirit that lives in us will lead us in all things and we will be able to rightly learn about Jesus.  Paul teaches us what are the true doctrines of the church are in Heb 6 which are 7.    The Word of Jesus (Truth – Holy Scriptures) explains all the things about Jesus.  

Blessing  

Stephen  

(2 Tim 2:15)  Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Dividing: 3718. orthotomeo, or-thot-om-eh'-o; to make a straight cut, i.e. (fig.) to dissect (expound) correctly (the divine message):--rightly divide.

Truth:  225. aletheia, al-ay'-thi-a; truth:--true, X truly, truth, verity.

(John 14:6)  Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

(1 John 5:6)  This is the one who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.

(2 John 1:3)  Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love.

(John 17:17)  Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

(Col 1:5)  the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel

(John 4:24)  God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

(John 14:17)  the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

(John 16:13)  But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.

(Heb 6:1-2)  Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, {2} instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

Explain how the implications of the “Cities of Refuge” apply to believers today.

How I look at the “City of Refuge” to me, a believer.  As I grow older in this temporary body, I realize how much I need our Lord, Jesus to be my refuge in life. He covers me a sinner from the penalty of death. Jesus, the Son of God is my High Priest and he knows my infirmities and how I have been tempted in my life. I can come before the throne of grace and obtain mercy. We can go to God through Jesus and he does intercede for me. Jesus is the light that leads me as I follow His Way of Life that He teaches. When I confess my sins, Jesus is faithful and just and will forgive me and make me righteous before our Father. Jesus told me through His word, that He sent the comforter that gives me comfort and will bring all things to my remembrance. God is good. Blessing to all.

Stephen

 

(Heb 6:18 KJV) That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

(Heb 4:14-16 KJV) Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. {15} For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. {16} Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

(Heb 7:24-25 NIV) but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. {25} Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

(1 John 1:7-9 NIV) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. {8} If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. {9} If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

(John 14:26 KJV) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
  
(John 16:7 KJV) Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send