Alan

Brethren,
I have kept out of this thread on purpose for a couple of reasons and will continue to do so after I say one thing about the , "Year of the Goat," by Chinese astrologers meaning there will be great financial disasters.
I love the Chinese people and am fairly used to their culture. But, all astrology, which is a part of witchcraft, and necromancy, in any fashion, for any reason, is condemned by God in the scriptures: both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament.

Titus 1:3 and 4
Verse 3 and 4, “But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
“... manifested his word through preaching...”
The message of salvation, eternal life through Christ, is wonderful news! God has firmly decided that it would be through the lips of the redeemed to spread this good news to fallen man. It is called preaching. The preacher is anointed of God to spread the good news of eternal salvation around the world and throughout the ages. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. ... For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. ... That no flesh should glory in his presence.” 1 Corinthians 1:18, 21 & 29
God manifests His word, the written word of God, through preaching. The textbook for the man of God is the Bible, (“Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught,” verse 9).
In the English language, the preserved word of God is the Authorized Version of 1611, commonly called the King James Version. The Authorized Version of 1611 is the only honest and faithful version of the Bible that we have today.
“... according to the commandment of God our Saviour;”
When a man of God is called to preach the gospel of Christ it is committed to him through the commandment of God, not of some man or religious denomination. The man of God obtains his instructions from God, not the denominational head of some church. This is one of the reasons why all of the churches in the New Testament are independent from each other with no denominational heads at all. The leader of a real local church is Christ, not the pope, or a bishop, or apostle, or some other man in a denomination.
In a sermon entitled, “The Biblical Doctrine of the Church,” by Paul R. Jackson, in the book, The Biblical Faith of Baptists, states:
There is a delightful blending of authority within the church. Our Lord Jesus is the undisputed Head. He has never relinquished that authority to anyone or to any group. No man, no hierarchy, no denominational headquarters, has any jurisdiction over a local church…The Lord exercises His authority through the Word of God.[1]
God is Lord of all things, including the local church. Therefore, a calling, yea, a commandment, from Him to preach is the highest calling a man can receive.
“... God our Saviour;”
And, in verse 3 Paul stated that this preaching was a commandment from, “...God our Saviour.” But, when Paul received the call to preach, (Acts 9:1-16 & 26:13-18); it was from a personal call from Christ Himself. Paul uses God and Christ interchangeably. Why? Because Jesus Christ was not only man, but also was, in essence, God in the flesh.
“... and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.”
Again, verse 4 also bears witness to the Trinity. Instead of saying, “...God our Saviour,” Paul says, “...the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.” God and Christ are one and the same, but, both have seperate offices.
The Warmth of Paul
“To Titus, mine own son after the common faith:”
Paul was a man who deeply loved those who were close to him. His relationship with Titus was akin to the relationship that he had with Timothy. I personally believe that Paul was very close to a lot of people. Titus was one of those folks.
Most likely through the personal preaching, or soul-winning efforts, of Paul the Apostle he was able to win Titus to the Lord. Titus was with Paul on several of his missionary endeavors, 2 Corinthians 2:12 & 13; 7:6; 12:18 and Galatians 2:1-3. Now, Titus is the bishop, or pastor, of the church at Cretia, on the island of Crete.
The relationship between Paul and Titus was one of mutual respect. Paul treated Titus as a father to a son. In all likelihood Paul had led Titus to Christ and is now giving him advice as to a convert.
It is like the relationship between many Godly men in the faith and their converts. One such example is between missionary David Hill, (1840-1896), and his Chinese convert, Hsi sheng-mo, (1835-1896). David Hill was a missionary with the famed China Inland Missions, (founded in June 27, 1865 by J. Hudson Taylor). Before he was converted, Hsi was a dedicated Confucian scholar. At that turbulent time in China, the Chinese publicly called missionaries “Foreign Devils.” It was with great reluctance that Mr. Hsi first met with David Hill.
After witnessing to Mr. Hsi, David Hill was able to lead him to Christ in 1879.[2] From the time of his conversion, to the end of his life, Brother Hsi served the Lord with fervor and respect from the local Chinese. The relationship between missionary Hill and convert Hsi was like Paul and Titus.
Grace, Mercy and Peace
Paul, in his greeting to Titus, lists three aspects of the Christian life that should be very close to the heart of every saint. The grace of God, the mercy of God and the peace of God. All of these are characteristics of God and were exhibited by the life of the Lord Jesus Christ. And, it behooves every saint to have these characteristics also.
In most of his epistles Paul mentioned these three characteristics numerous times in one form or another: Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2 &3; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2 and Philemon 3.
Please take note that when Paul wrote these salutations to the various churches and individuals that they were not just passing greetings, but they were an integral part of the heart of Paul. We are saved through the mercy and grace of God. And, we have peace with God. There is no salvation, no church, no fellowship, and no hope of eternal life in heaven without the grace and mercy of God. There will be no mercy, no grace nor any peace in hell. Hell must truly be a terrible place.
Grace, mercy and peace come, “...from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.” Heaven must truly be a wonderful place. Paul recognized Jesus Christ as Lord.
Again, as one studies these new versions he finds out that, on occasion, they delete the word Lord in reference to the Lord Jesus. For example. In the Revised Standard Version of 1946 they say, “To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace [they also delete “mercy” from this verse] from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.”
Therefore, the man of God who truly desires to be a servant of God, and not of man, should not use any Bible version starting from the Revised Version of 1881 in spiritual matters, preaching nor Bible studies.
 
  [1] Fundamental Baptist Congress of North America. The Biblical Faith of Baptists. (Detroit, Michigan: Fundamental Baptist Congress of North America, 1964) Page 40 & 41.
[2] Taylor, Mrs. Howard Pastor Hsi Confucian Scholar and Christian. (Newington Green, N, England: Morgan & Scott, 1900) Page 169 & 170.

Well I'm sorry and I didn't mean to hijack the thread, so I ask forgiveness from Alan. I'll take this back to the "free will" thread

I did a quick look and this is what I've gleaned so far.  Just in the beginning stages:
Grace
Thayer definition:
2) good will, loving-kindness, favour
2a) of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues
1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2 are almost identical with Titus 1:4, but addressed to Timothy
I did a word search for "grace" and the first occurances I found were in reference to Christ --
Luk_2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
Joh_1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Joh_1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
Joh_1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
These were the only occurrences I found in the gospels. The rest start in Acts.
Mercy
Thayer Definition:
1) mercy: kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them
1a) of men towards men: to exercise the virtue of mercy, show one’s self merciful
1b) of God towards men: in general providence; the mercy and clemency of God in providing and offering to men salvation by Christ
1c) the mercy of Christ, whereby at his return to judgment he will bless true Christians with eternal life
i also did a word search for "mercy" it is first mentioed in the Beatitudes, and interestingly there is no mention in Revelation.
Peace
Thayer Definition:
1) a state of national tranquillity
1a) exemption from the rage and havoc of war
2) peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord
3) security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous)
4) of the Messiah’s peace
4a) the way that leads to peace (salvation)
5) of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is
6) the blessed state of devout and upright men after death
Peace seems to be evenly spread through the New Testament, with only two occurrences in Revelation, in chapters 1 and 6
(as clarification, I only searched in the NT, perhaps shortsighted of me....)

May God bless you and your mother. We will be praying.

"I think we should look a little closer at grace, mercy and peace"
That would be a good idea especially since all three these days are often misrepresented by various preachers and churches. Many Christians have their view of these points installed by the media more than by Scripture. Thus they have warped views.
As mentioned above, men tend to go to extremes by over-focusing and over-emphasizing certain aspects of God while limiting or leaving out others.
The biblical meaning of these three is what's important, and what people need to know and understand.

Covenanter said, "We know of Peter, James & John, & possibly Philip. It is likely that, like Paul they went first to synagogues wherever they went, where they existed. An obvious line to follow would be the Jews of the dispersion who came from the countries recorded in Acts 2, to instruct these new Christians, & spread out from there. There are stories/accounts of their lives & ministry in church history, but how reliable are they."
I thoroughly agree with your conclusion. Excellent observation.
Also, you observation of Acts 1:8 in relation to the apostles is also very noteworthy and helpful to the discussion.
Thank you very much for your observations and comments.
Alan

beammeup
Thank you for your comments and frank discussion. The following is my response.
 
Revelation 21:14, and Matthew 19:28, is very clear that there are only 12 apostles. To say that Matthias is the apostle for the nation of Israel and that Paul was just the apostle to the Gentiles is a private interpretation. Is Paul the 13th Apostle as some folks say? If so, than Revelation 21:14 and Matthew 19:28 is not true. Yes, Paul was called the apostle to the Gentiles but they does in absolutely no way, in any manner, mean that there was going to be a new man called to the Jews and one to the Gentiles.
Paul was indeed chosen personally by the Lord Jesus Christ both in presence and by voice on the road to Damascus. Matthias was not chosen by the Lord Jesus: Matthias was chosen by the casting of lots.
Psalm 109:8, “Let his days be few; and let another take his office.” The 12th. apostle to replace the office, or Apostleship, of Judas Iscariot, was only one office. There is no, may I repeat, no, scripture references in the Old Testament that there would be a 13th Apostle, nor any scripture prophesying that there would be an office to the Jews and one to the Gentiles. To differentiate between the office to the Jews and one to the Gentiles is a private interpretation, (hyper-dispensation), and not scriptural truth.
The Lord Jesus plainly stated concerning the 12 apostles, and then to the individual who replaced Judas Iscariot, “And Jesus said unto them, verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the son of Man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Matthew 19:28 If there are 13 apostles, where is the 13th tribe of Israel in the Millennial kingdom?
The mixing of the gospel of the Kingdom and the gospel of grace smacks of hyper-dispensationalism and not scriptual truth. The only way of salvation before the Law, during the Law, during the presence of the Lord Jesus on the earth, during the Church Age, during the 7-Tribulation period, and during the 1000 Year Reign of Christ is the same: By grace through faith, in the mercy of God.
To qualify as an apostle the Lord Jesus had to call "chose," the individual by name: Matthew 10:1 & 2; Mark 3:13 & 14 “And he[Jesus] goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.” "Paul, and apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.") Galatians 1:1 The Lord Jesus called Paul He did not call Matthias. Matthias was called by "man." Paul was chosen by the Lord Jesus, when the Lord Jesus gave the vision to Ananias in Acts 9: 10-18 we hear these very carefully selected words by the Lord Jesus Himself, "But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he [Paul] is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel."
           Paul was not only chosen by the Lord Jesus Himself, Jesus said Paul was "chosen," Furthermore, the Lord Jesus said that Paul was, "...to bear
          my name before the Gentiles,and kings, and the children of Israel." The Lord Jesus said, "... and the children of Israel." To say that Paul was just chosen as an apostle to the Gentiles is a disregard for the carefully selection of the words of the Lord Jesus.
       6. You said, “"mixing" the Gospel of the Kingdom with the Gospel of Grace is what the Catholic Church did at its inception (and still does).
Brother, that thought and belief, in my personal estimation, is an unjust comparison.
beammeup,
I do hope that the above response to my position, and some clarification, will be of a help to you. It is my hope that we can remain friendly and frank in our discussions.
Alan

the problem we face here is that we as mankind take things to extremes.  for man it has to be one way or another.  in our fallibility we cannot find true balance.  God is a God of Wrath, but he is also a God of Love.  to man, that makes no sense whatsoever.  that is why most men capitalize on God's love and say a loving God won't send someone to hell.  We do not understand how two things that in our fallen nature are direct opposites can be in one being.  God is also a God of justice but also a God of mercy.  We can see in our human courts that those two things rarely work together.  God is a God of balance.  All his attributes work together in harmony.  The argument I hear for "election" -- for God picking and choosing on his whim -- is because God is sovereign.  For man to have free will, it limits God's sovereignty and makes him at the mercy of fallen man.  But God is not limited by man, he is still working his plan, laid out from before the foundation of the world, because of his foreknowledge.  God has chosen to work through man.  He has also chosen to work through men who are willing to serve him.  Man does not limit God, God has chosen to limit himself in what he does and how he does it in order to carry out his plans through willing men.  That is the balance in his nature.  Because God is who He is, only he can operate in perfect balance attributes that man finds contradictory.  In the end we are accountable to God for what we believe and when it is all said and done that is between you and God.
I think we should look a little closer at grace, mercy and peace

That's something I wish some of the prophetic preachers would consider before they quote these sort of things to try and add weight to what they say is their biblical position. It doesn't help an argument that's supposed to be based on Scripture to point to devilish practices that seem to agree.
One preacher used to constantly point to various false religions of American Indians and claim they supported his biblical interpretation of Scripture.
That's even worse than those Baptist pastors who positively quote people like Mother Teresa to back some aspect of their sermon.
Leave the false religions and devilish practices out...and for some, stop looking at what the world or the devil is proclaiming and then trying to make it fit your prophetic calendar.

Amen and Amen bro. Alan.

Brethren,
I have kept out of this thread on purpose for a couple of reasons and will continue to do so after I say one thing about the , "Year of the Goat," by Chinese astrologers meaning there will be great financial disasters.
I love the Chinese people and am fairly used to their culture. But, all astrology, which is a part of witchcraft, and necromancy, in any fashion, for any reason, is condemned by God in the scriptures: both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament.

aha!  okay, glad I wasn't missing something
yes, God did choose, based on his foreknowledge of what each would do.  He knew that Esau would despise his birthright and so chose to use Jacob to continue the line and fulfill his promise.

53 years! Amen!
"Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would be utterly contemned." Song of Solomon 8:7
God has blessed both of you.
Alan 

The discrepancy is a scribal discrepency; and I am the scribe. I will correct it.
Alan
tapperhoney and Standing Firm in Christ,
I could not have explained predestination better. I think we need to thank both of you very much for your posting.  
Leonard Sylvia,
Thank you for bringing out Romans 9:11-13, Galatins 1:15 and Proverbs 16:9
Galatians 1;15, "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace."
Proverbs 16:9, "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps." 
Alan
 

God has really been working.

God has really been working.

thank you very much Pastor Scott ,I'll be in prayer that my post may not lead to contentions but to the edifying of our Lord Jesus Christ that others my learn and Glorify His Name.
In prayer that the Rss feeds will be repaired.
God bless

The crowds have been huge for the tent revival. This area is so small three counties are involved in the revival. So far about 60 people have been saved. One night there was over 1400 and another night there was 1600. For such a small area that is unheard of. It takes lost people to attend to get numbers that high because we are very rural counties.
Ken

Exactly!  Those who are saved WILL be conformed to the image of Christ.  That is predestination.  Sadly, many do twist it to mean predestined to Salvation.
 

"predestination" is a sticky topic in IFB circles, and frequently avoided.  the problem, as I see it, is that some people have taken this doctrine, which is clearly in scripture, and twisted to suit their own theology.  God predestined that those who choose to accept Christ as their savior will be conformed to the image of His Son.  Not that they were predestined to get saved.
God himself is truth, and the source of all truth.  Without God there is no truth.  In order to know truth we must seek God.  This can only be done through Christ.
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Joh 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

According to Josephus Salome was the daughter of Herod II, not Herod Antipas which Salome dance for.
He also indicates Herodias violated the law by divorcing herself from Herod II. This is why there was the claim she was actually still Herod II's wife even after she married Herod Antipas, who himself was also divorced.
Their lives sound like many today involved in serial marriage, divorce and remarriage.

Covenanter said, "We know of Peter, James & John, & possibly Philip. It is likely that, like Paul they went first to synagogues wherever they went, where they existed. An obvious line to follow would be the Jews of the dispersion who came from the countries recorded in Acts 2, to instruct these new Christians, & spread out from there. There are stories/accounts of their lives & ministry in church history, but how reliable are they."
I thoroughly agree with your conclusion. Excellent observation.
Also, you observation of Acts 1:8 in relation to the apostles is also very noteworthy and helpful to the discussion.
Thank you very much for your observations and comments.
Alan

Pastor Markle,
As EKSmith mentioned that he downloaded the PDF I deceided to do the same from your website.

We will expound and discuss the second part of your question: Godliness.
Godliness
"But godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6 
Godliness is an attribute that is an inherent attibute of God himself. It is a great gain to every Christian to have godliness in his life. God is Holy and in both the Old and New Testaments God wants His holiness, His godliness, to be a living part of our lives. The apostle Peter quotes Leviticus 19:2 in 1 Peter 1:15 and 16, "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." God wants us to partake of His divine nature of holiness as a characteristic in our own lives after salvation.
"In all manner of conversation," is not only in our speech, but in our daily living. How we converse with others is a matter of holiness. Holiness is the ultimate characteristic that every Christian should stive to obtain in his character, walk in life, and personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. 
The apostle Peter builds upon the subject of holiness, (with examples of characterisitcs leading up to godliness), in his Second Epistle.
2 Peter 1:3 - 7, "According as his divine power hath given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that ye might be partakes of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity."
Throughout eternity we will be reminded of the holiness of God: the essence of His godliness. Revelation 4:8, "And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying,  Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."