Signs And Wonders!

Mark 14:14-20

"Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen."

The truth contained in these scriptures are absolute, Jesus spoke them and I believe what He said. The ministry of Jesus included many signs, wonders, and miracles as God bore witness to His Christ and the words He spoke.

Jesus never emphasized the signs and miracles that the Father worked through Him, but God used the signs, wonders, and miracles to show that Jesus was approved and sent by Him into the world to preach the good news of the kingdom and to reconcile the world back to Himself.

John 3:1

"There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him."


Acts 2:22-24

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it."

Acts 10:36-38

"The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.


When John sent his disciples to ask Jesus if He was the Messiah, Jesus answered by telling them all the works that God was doing through Him

Matthew 11:1-6

"Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities. And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

The earthly ministry of Jesus was all inclusive, not only did He meet the physical needs of people but also the spiritual. He preached the gospel and showed people the pathway that would lead them to the salvation of their souls, He cast out demons from those who were oppressed, He opened the eyes of the blind, the cripple were made to walk, those who had diseases were cured, the dead were raised up, and the hungry were fed. There was not one need of the people that Jesus didn't meet in His ministry.

Likewise, those who are called by the Lord and sanctified for His use will do the same ministry works that Jesus did and the Lord Himself will confirm His ministers and believers with signs, wonders, and miracles following.


John 14:12-14

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."

The same works that Jesus did, His apostles did too.


Matthew 10:5-8

"These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give."

The ministry works of Jesus include all the above. Preaching, healing, cleansing, raising the dead, and casting out demons. These are the signs, wonders, and miracles that will follow those who believe in Jesus.

In the book of Acts we read of how the Lord worked through His ministers and the believers in the 1st century church as they preached the gospel and witnessed about His crucifixion and resurrection from the dead.


Acts 2:40-43

"And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles."

When the early believers prayed after Peter and John were released from the rulers in Jerusalem, they asked the Lord to give them boldness to speak His word and that signs and wonders be done through the name of Jesus.

Now this is a powerful prayer to the Lord!


Acts 4:23-31

"And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the LORD and against His Christ.’ “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness."


Acts 5:12-16

"And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed."

Stephen and Philip were not called to be apostles, but they were believers of Jesus Christ, men of good reputation, full of faith and the Holy Spirit. (Philip was an Evangelist)


Acts 6:8


"And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people."


Acts 8:4-8

"Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city."

Yes, signs and wonders will follow those who believe in Jesus as they preach His word, minister to His people, and bear witness to His kingdom, to His death, and to His resurrection!

In Jesus Name,
Tyrone

Did You Receive The Holy Spirit When You Believed?

Matthew 3:11,13-17

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

John 3:1-8

"There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

John 14:15-18

“If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you."

Luke 24:44-49

"Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and thePsalms concerning Me.” And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

Acts 1:4-8

"And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 2:1-4

"When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

Acts 2:14-19

"But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy."

Acts 2:29-33

“Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear. 

Acts 2:36-39

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

Acts 8:9-25

"But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done."

Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans."

Acts 9:10-19

"Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus."

Acts 10:24-43

"Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days."

Acts 11:1-18

"Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!” But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’ But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven. At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’ And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

Acts 15:6-17

"Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.” Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me: Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: ‘After this I will return And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up; So that the rest of mankind may seek the LORD, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the LORD who does all these things.’"

Acts 19:1-7

"And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Now the men were about twelve in all."

In Jesus Name,
Tyrone D Palmer

Parto Espiritual

14 de Agosto de 2010

Escrito por: Cynthia R. Palmer

This message is also written in English in our blog on Aug 14th,2010

Paz e Graca seja sobre todos os Santos de Deus,

Eu gostaria de dividir algumas experiencias que eu tive recentemente me tornando mae. Eu estava meditando sobre gravidez ate o parto. É realmente uma jornada muito longa, para algumas mulheres é uma jornada bem dolorida e para outras menos dolorida. Algumas mulheres tem seus bebes prematuros, outras passam da data determinada e algumas perdem seus bebes os quais morrem durante a gestacao. Mas o que estou tentando dizer é que da concepcao ate o parto há um periodo de tempo necessario para o desenvolvimento do bebe e tambem para a preparacao da mae e do pai para receberem o bebe!

Medite sobre concepcao de uma maneira spiritual e tambem em ter uma crianca, pois isso envolve dores na carne, e para Cristo ser formado em nós tambem há muita dor que devemos passar para sermos como Ele.

Galatas 4:19 - Meus filhinhos, por quem de novo sinto as dores de parto, até que Cristo seja formado em vós.

Joao 16:21 – A mulher, quando está para dar a luz, sente tristeza porque é chegada a sua hora; mas, depois de ter dado a luz a criança, já não se lembra da aflição, pelo gozo de haver um homem nascido ao mundo. (Jesus esta tentando dizer aos Seus discipulos que Ele morreria e todos eles sofreriam com Sua morte, mas depois eles recozijariam porque Ele ressuscitaria dentre os mortos e estaria com eles todo o tempo atraves do Espirito Santo).

Entao, o que estou tentando expressar aqui é que SEM  sofrimento nao há VIDA em Cristo. Muitos dizem que quando voce seguir a Cristo tudo sera absolutamente perfeito na sua vida e que todos os seus problemas serao resolvidos. ISSO NAO E VERDADE! Seguir a Cristo vem acompanhado de sofrimento, Cristo sofreu e muito, e se quisermos realmente ser Seus discipulos temos que seguir as suas pisadas. 

1 Pedro 2:21 - Porque para isso fostes chamados, porquanto também Cristo padeceu (sofreu) por vós, deixando-vos exemplo, para que sigais as suas pisadas.

Filipenses 1:29-30 - pois vos foi concedido, por amor de Cristo, não somente o crer nele, mas também o padecer (sofrer) por ele, tendo o mesmo combate que já em mim tendes visto e agora ouvis que está em mim.

1 Pedro 4:13-14 - mas regozijai-vos por serdes participantes das aflições de Cristo; para que também na revelação da Sua glória vos regozijeis e exulteis. Se pelo nome de Cristo sois vituperados (censurados, criticados com muita dureza) , bem-aventurados sois, porque sobre vós repousa o Espírito da glória, o Espírito de Deus.

Como voce pode ver pelas Escrituras há dor para poder conceber uma crianca e espiritualmente também há dores para que Cristo seja formado em voce. Não é uma experiencia que vira somente com alegria e risos, mas também trará muito dor interior e exterior, mas isso se voce realmente quiser viver a vida que Cristo espera de voce como uma testemunha Dele na terra.

Eu oro que esta mensagem curtinha possa te edificar na fe em Jesus Cristo,

Com amor,
Cynthia R. Palmer

Once Saved Always Saved?

Scripture quotes taken from the Greek-English Interlinear Bible, Apostolic Polyglot Bible, and, NKJV

Matthew 24:13

"But the one enduring to the end, this one will be saved." (GEIB)

"But the one remaining unto the end, this one shall be delivered." (APB)

For me these words of Jesus are all that's needed to refute the false teaching of 'once saved always saved', but I'll use a few more scriptures to explain how we must continue in our faith and obedience to God until we die, or until the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2:12-13

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."

Now we can clearly see in these scriptures that if a believer didn't have to do anything else after they were converted to Christ then Paul would not have written what he did in this letter!

Paul admonished the Ephesian saints to continue to obey the gospel of God not only while he was with them, but after he left they were to work out their salvation with fear and trembling!

Hebrews 10:26-31

"For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The LORD will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

If a truly born of God saint willfully sins after they have received the knowledge of the truth, there will be no more sacrifice for sins for that person, but they can expect certain judgment from the Lord.

Hebrews 10:36-39

"For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: “For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul."

The writer of Hebrews tells us that we are in need of endurance so that AFTER we have done the will of God we may receive the promise.

Look at what Paul said about himself in 1st Corinthians 9:26-27

"So I run accordingly, not as uncertainly; so I fight, as not beating air; but I buffet my body and lead it captive, that proclaiming to others I myself might not be rejected" (GEIB)

Paul is telling us that he was running the race of salvation to win an imperishable crown, and he controlled his body and disciplined it so that after he preached to others he himself wouldn't be rejected.

Paul also told Timothy before he died that he had finished his course, he kept the faith and he knew that he had endured until the end of his life and there was a crown that Jesus would give him. Paul never thought that once he was converted to Christ he didn't have to 'do' anything or that he didn't have to 'obey' the commands of Jesus, he knew for a truth that if he didn't he would not inherit eternal life.

2nd Timothy 4:6-8

"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing."

For those who quote Ephesians 2:8-9 as proof text of faith alone and grace alone and you think you don't have to do anything else because Christ did all the work on the cross, I pray that you will repent and understand that if you continue to believe this you are rejecting what Jesus Himself said and what the rest of the apostles wrote and taught the believers in the first century church.

There are two things we need to understand about Ephesians 2:8-9, and I will quote three translations of it.


1) The KJV translation and many others contradicts the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:13

2) Paul wrote his epistle to the Ephesian saints in the first century who had already been born of water and Spirit. (See Acts 19:1-7)

Ephesians 2:8-9 

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (KJV)

"For by grace you are being saved, through faith, and this not of you; it is the gift of God; not of works, lest anyone should boast." (GEIB)

"For by favor you are being preserved through the belief; and this is not of you of God gift; not of works, lest any should boast." (APB)

The last two translations from the original Greek give us a better understanding of what Paul really said to the Ephesians and that one word 'being' changes the whole meaning of the scripture! When we understand that it's by the daily grace or favor of God that our souls are being saved through faith in Jesus Christ, we press on for the prize of the high calling of God! We go on to work out our salvation with fear and trembling!

The Greek translations are in agreement with the words of Jesus and the apostles.

If we didn't have to do anything after we are converted to Christ then we would NOT have scriptures like these.

Revelation 20:11-12

"Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books."

Revelation 22:10

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work."

Once saved always saved is in direct opposition to the written words of Jesus and the apostles, and it's leading many away from the true grace of God and the life of Jesus Christ. I pray that this message has enlightened you and convicted your heart to study out the scriptures for yourself and to believe what they say.

In Jesus Name,

Tyrone

The Gospel Of Jesus (Good News For Your Soul) Part 3

Listen in to part three as I continue the message of the good news of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom Of God!

In His Service,
Tyrone

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/tyroneandcynthiapalmer/2012/01/08/the-gospel-of-jesus-good-news-for-your-soul-part-3

The Gospel Of Jesus (Good News For Your Soul) Part 2

Listen in to part two as I continue to preach the good news of Jesus Christ, and talk about the operation of God through Jesus to reconcile the world to Himself.

Cynthia and I would also like to thank every soul who prayed for us in 2011 and we ask that you continue to lift up our names to the Father in 2012. He has heard those of you who interceded on our behalf in the Spirit and has poured out His abundant grace and mercy upon us.

We would also like to thank every one who has read the messages the Lord has given us for edification, warning, instruction, and the building up of the body of Christ. We pray that 2012 will be a year that those who know Him will increase in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, and that those who do not know God or obey His gospel will repent and believe the good news while there is still time.

In Jesus Name,
Tyrone & Cynthia

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/tyroneandcynthiapalmer/2012/01/01/the-gospel-of-jesus-good-news-for-your-soul-part-2

The Gospel Of Jesus (Good News For Your Soul) Part 1

Listen in as I preach the gospel of Jesus and speak about what He did for us on the cross of Calvary. I will also be outlining God's plan of salvation for the soul!

In His Love,
Tyrone

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/tyroneandcynthiapalmer/2011/12/26/the-gospel-of-jesus-good-news-for-your-soul-part-1