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While listening to our preacher's lesson this evening, it suddenly dawned on me, that one reason there is so much confusion about what is written in the Epistles, is because many do not understand who they were written to. A thorough reading of the Book of Acts will clarify that the members of the churches that were written to were those who had been taught and obeyed the gospel during the time of the book of Acts.
A reading of who the Epistles were addressed to will show that it is the saints, the disciples of Christ, the members of Christ's body, who are being written to.
This is the main reason that they are not being told to be baptized, because they were all already baptized ! Even so, some of the Epistles explain to them why they were baptized. Apparently, even then, some did not fully understand it.
If a person reading the Epistles has not obeyed the gospel..(i.e., the 6th chapter of Romans)...they easily may misunderstand what the writers of the Epistles are talking about. Let us compare it to being a citizen of the USA. If a person is a citizen, they do not need to be told how to become a citizen.
I hope this is of some benefit to those who are seeking God's will. The Book of Acts can also be called the Book of Conversions. It tells how the Jews and the Gentiles became Christians, disciples of Christ.
The Epistles are instructions to those who are already disciples of Christ.
While listening to our preacher's lesson this evening, it suddenly dawned on me, that one reason there is so much confusion about what is written in the Epistles, is because many do not understand who they were written to. A thorough reading of the Book of Acts will clarify that the members of the churches that were written to were those who had been taught and obeyed the gospel during the time of the book of Acts.
A reading of who the Epistles were addressed to will show that it is the saints, the disciples of Christ, the members of Christ's body, who are being written to.
This is the main reason that they are not being told to be baptized, because they were all already baptized ! Even so, some of the Epistles explain to them why they were baptized. Apparently, even then, some did not fully understand it.
If a person reading the Epistles has not obeyed the gospel..(i.e., the 6th chapter of Romans)...they easily may misunderstand what the writers of the Epistles are talking about. Let us compare it to being a citizen of the USA. If a person is a citizen, they do not need to be told how to become a citizen.
I hope this is of some benefit to those who are seeking God's will. The Book of Acts can also be called the Book of Conversions. It tells how the Jews and the Gentiles became Christians, disciples of Christ.
The Epistles are instructions to those who are already disciples of Christ.
So we should remove the Epistles when we're giving a Bible to a non-believer?
I mean, if it's not for them, then we wouldn't want to confuse them, right?
See post #2.
Also, does the CofC ever preach on anything else besides Baptism and the fact that they believe they are the only ones who have it 'right'?
That's true about the Epistles. Not that there aren't good things there for everyone. But they were addressed to "the saints" or "the church at..." or to individuals who were already saved.
While listening to our preacher's lesson this evening, it suddenly dawned on me, that one reason there is so much confusion about what is written in the Epistles, is because many do not understand who they were written to. A thorough reading of the Book of Acts will clarify that the members of the churches that were written to were those who had been taught and obeyed the gospel during the time of the book of Acts.
A reading of who the Epistles were addressed to will show that it is the saints, the disciples of Christ, the members of Christ's body, who are being written to.
This is the main reason that they are not being told to be baptized, because they were all already baptized ! Even so, some of the Epistles explain to them why they were baptized. Apparently, even then, some did not fully understand it.
If a person reading the Epistles has not obeyed the gospel..(i.e., the 6th chapter of Romans)...they easily may misunderstand what the writers of the Epistles are talking about. Let us compare it to being a citizen of the USA. If a person is a citizen, they do not need to be told how to become a citizen.
I hope this is of some benefit to those who are seeking God's will. The Book of Acts can also be called the Book of Conversions. It tells how the Jews and the Gentiles became Christians, disciples of Christ.
The Epistles are instructions to those who are already disciples of Christ.
I am in the midst of deliverance via Neil Anderson's steps to freedom, I think he pretty much said the same thing about the gospel (6 chapter of Romans). Also can I add that the book of Acts is almost (IMO) like a part two to the book of Luke. Same writter and all. God Bless~Mandy
I am in the midst of deliverance via Neil Anderson's steps to freedom, I think he pretty much said the same thing about the gospel (6 chapter of Romans). Also can I add that the book of Acts is almost (IMO) like a part two to the book of Luke. Same writter and all. God Bless~Mandy
Neil Anderson has many great books.
Stomping out the Darkness is really really good.
The Bondage Breaker is another....what are you reading?
The Bondage Breaker is another....what are you reading?
Victory over Darkness and Bondage Breaker on video as well as the Steps to Freedom in Christ. I must say, I am feeling very..... I dont even know how to describe it. Not that I don't have faith in Christ, just that I understand that this is a test and that I need to strengthen my faith and thats probably why he hasn't provided me with a job, but in the same breath, the 11th hour is advancing very quickly and my kids are starting school and they need school supplies. they go to uniform schools and need unforms (for 3), my food stamps are cut off my rent is due...... I know He will provide for us but wouldn't it just be easier and less stressfull if He just opened a door so that I could be employed! i don't understand this, I have never been with out a job while looking for this long. I don't even know what to pray anymore when it comes to these struggles. I have asked, he has heard, i have waited, i have been patient, i think satan is excited to see me so stressed. i am dealing with some doubt now that God will provide, and thats a mockery so then feel guilty for mocking God, which turns into shame for mocking God. Totally off the thread but I really needed to vent. God Bless~ Mandy
While listening to our preacher's lesson this evening, it suddenly dawned on me, that one reason there is so much confusion about what is written in the Epistles, is because many do not understand who they were written to. A thorough reading of the Book of Acts will clarify that the members of the churches that were written to were those who had been taught and obeyed the gospel during the time of the book of Acts.
A reading of who the Epistles were addressed to will show that it is the saints, the disciples of Christ, the members of Christ's body, who are being written to.
This is the main reason that they are not being told to be baptized, because they were all already baptized ! Even so, some of the Epistles explain to them why they were baptized. Apparently, even then, some did not fully understand it.
If a person reading the Epistles has not obeyed the gospel..(i.e., the 6th chapter of Romans)...they easily may misunderstand what the writers of the Epistles are talking about. Let us compare it to being a citizen of the USA. If a person is a citizen, they do not need to be told how to become a citizen.
I hope this is of some benefit to those who are seeking God's will. The Book of Acts can also be called the Book of Conversions. It tells how the Jews and the Gentiles became Christians, disciples of Christ.
The Epistles are instructions to those who are already disciples of Christ.
Beautiful truth you are sharing.
I'll add that a disciple is one who is disciplined in Christs teachings, in that they keep and live His word.
godspeed,
freedom
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