Gospel Confusion...

[hornetguy]

“Yes.... this appears to have been a very special occasion... a "one-off" kind of thing. “

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:19-20‬ ‭

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;

but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭16:15-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,

and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:38‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭8:12, 25‬ ‭KJV‬‬


“Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭8:35-39‬ ‭

“Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭10:47-48‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭19:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭22:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Yes....
I was referring to Cornelius family receiving the Spirit along with the proof sign of tongue speaking...before being baptized...I don't think there is any other example of this happening in scripture. It's usually the other way around... be baptized, then receive the Spirit, just as Peter taught at Pentecost.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Yes....
I was referring to Cornelius family receiving the Spirit along with the proof sign of tongue speaking...before being baptized...I don't think there is any other example of this happening in scripture. It's usually the other way around... be baptized, then receive the Spirit, just as Peter taught at Pentecost.

Yea I agree I think it shows us that receiving the Holy Ghost isn’t a product of being baptized but is a product of hearing and believing the word of the gospel.

but in the same way receiving the promise of the holy ghost is never said to remit sins , baptism is given that distinction , based on faith in Christ Jesus death for our sins and resurrection.

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The spirit comes to us who believe the gospel , because it’s a promise in the gospel to believers.

Baptism is in the doctrine for remission of sins in his name for those who believe .

 

[mailmandan]

Whatever the truth is in this matter, it must be decided by SCRIPTURE, not “feelings”, “ideas” or personal opinions. So, I’m hoping that everyone will respond by giving book, chapter, and verse for their convictions.

Here is my answer: Acts 15 verse 7. Peter reminds them that God chose him to teach “the word of THE GOSPEL to the gentiles.” (Referring to the events in Acts 10) Notice he is talking about THE gospel—one, not two. “THE” is definitive. There is only one. Verse 8- then he says that God “MADE NO DISTINCTION between us ( Jews) and them ( gentiles), Go on to verse 11,

“But we believe, that through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, WE SHALL BE SAVED IN THE SAME MANNER AS THEY.

This seems very clear to me that there are NOT two different gospels. The gentiles we’re taught THE gospel—there is only ONE, and they (which includes US) and the Jews are and will be saved in the same way, by the one gospel of Christ.

For an example, Paul was a JEW How do the SCRIPTURES say that Paul was saved? He BELIEVED on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) and he was BAPTIZED. 3 days later. (Acts 22:16).

The Philippian jailer was a GENTILE. How was HE saved? He BELIEVED when Paul “spoke the word of the Lord to him and he was BAPTIZED. the same hour of the night.

How are their conversions different???
The Samaritans (Jews) “BELIEVED AND WERE BAPTIZED” Acts 8:12
The Corinthians ( gentiles) BELIEVED AND WERE BAPTIZED Acts 18:8
There IS no difference in the gospel they heard and no difference in how they were saved.

As a side note, they ALL, Jew and gentiles alike obeyed What Jesus said to do in Mark 16:16 -“He that believes and is baptized shall be saved.”

The gospel is the "good news" of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that BELIEVES.. (Romans 1:16) To "believe" the gospel is to trust in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of our salvation . The gospel is a message of grace that is to be received through faith. The gospel is not a set of rituals to perform, a code of laws to be obeyed or a check list of good works (including water baptism) to accomplish as a prerequisite for salvation. Water baptism is not a part of the gospel. (1 Corinthians 1:17) Water baptism "follows" believing in Jesus unto salvation. (Acts 10:43-47)

In regard to Paul, he did believe on the road to Damascus and was saved BEFORE water baptism 3 days later.
In regard to Acts 22:16, Jamison, Fausset, and Brown Commentary makes not of the importance of the Greek in Ananias' statement. When Ananias tells Paul to "arise, be baptized, wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord," the tense of the last command is literally "having called" (aorist middle participle). "Calling on [epikalesamenos] --- 'having (that is, after having) called on,' referring the confession of Christ which preceded baptism." [Jamison, Fausset, and Brown Commentary, vol. 3 pg. 160]. Kenneth Wuest picks up on this Greek nuance and translates the verse as follows: "And now, why are you delaying? Having arisen, be baptized and wash away your sins, having previously called upon His Name." (Acts 22:16, Wuest's Expanded NT).

Paul had already believed in Christ when Ananias came to pray for him to receive his sight. (Acts 9:17) Jamison, Fausset, and Brown Commentary makes note of the importance of the Greek in Ananias' statement. When Ananias tells Paul to "arise, be baptized, wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord," the tense of the last command is literally "having called" (aorist middle participle). "Calling on [epikalesamenos] --- 'having (that is, after having) called on,' referring the confession of Christ which preceded baptism."

[Jamison, Fausset, and Brown Commentary, vol. 3 pg. 160]. Kenneth Wuest picks up on this Greek nuance and translates the verse as follows: "And now, why are you delaying? Having arisen, be baptized and wash away your sins, having previously called upon His Name." (Acts 22:16, Wuest's Expanded NT).

It's interesting that when Paul recounted this event again later in Acts (Acts 26:12-18), he did not mention Ananias or what Ananias said to him at all. Verse 18 again would confirm the idea that Paul received Christ as Savior on the road to Damascus since here Christ is telling Paul he will be a messenger for Him concerning forgiveness of sins for Gentiles as they have faith in Him. It would seem highly unlikely that Christ would commission Paul if Paul had not yet believed in Him and was not saved.

There is no difference in the gospel they heard and no difference in how they were saved. Acts 15:7 - 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. 8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. (not baptism)

Excellent article on Acts 22:16 - https://kentbrandenburg.blogspot.com/2015/03/acts-2216-baptism-essential-for.html

 

[Inquisitor]

The gospel is the "good news" of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that BELIEVES.. (Romans 1:16) To "believe" the gospel is to trust in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of our salvation . The gospel is a message of grace that is to be received through faith. The gospel is not a set of rituals to perform, a code of laws to be obeyed or a check list of good works (including water baptism) to accomplish as a prerequisite for salvation. Water baptism is not a part of the gospel. (1 Corinthians 1:17) Water baptism "follows" believing in Jesus unto salvation. (Acts 10:43-47)

In regard to Paul, he did believe on the road to Damascus and was saved BEFORE water baptism 3 days later.
In regard to Acts 22:16, Jamison, Fausset, and Brown Commentary makes not of the importance of the Greek in Ananias' statement. When Ananias tells Paul to "arise, be baptized, wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord," the tense of the last command is literally "having called" (aorist middle participle). "Calling on [epikalesamenos] --- 'having (that is, after having) called on,' referring the confession of Christ which preceded baptism." [Jamison, Fausset, and Brown Commentary, vol. 3 pg. 160]. Kenneth Wuest picks up on this Greek nuance and translates the verse as follows: "And now, why are you delaying? Having arisen, be baptized and wash away your sins, having previously called upon His Name." (Acts 22:16, Wuest's Expanded NT).

Paul had already believed in Christ when Ananias came to pray for him to receive his sight. (Acts 9:17) Jamison, Fausset, and Brown Commentary makes note of the importance of the Greek in Ananias' statement. When Ananias tells Paul to "arise, be baptized, wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord," the tense of the last command is literally "having called" (aorist middle participle). "Calling on [epikalesamenos] --- 'having (that is, after having) called on,' referring the confession of Christ which preceded baptism."

[Jamison, Fausset, and Brown Commentary, vol. 3 pg. 160]. Kenneth Wuest picks up on this Greek nuance and translates the verse as follows: "And now, why are you delaying? Having arisen, be baptized and wash away your sins, having previously called upon His Name." (Acts 22:16, Wuest's Expanded NT).

It's interesting that when Paul recounted this event again later in Acts (Acts 26:12-18), he did not mention Ananias or what Ananias said to him at all. Verse 18 again would confirm the idea that Paul received Christ as Savior on the road to Damascus since here Christ is telling Paul he will be a messenger for Him concerning forgiveness of sins for Gentiles as they have faith in Him. It would seem highly unlikely that Christ would commission Paul if Paul had not yet believed in Him and was not saved.

There is no difference in the gospel they heard and no difference in how they were saved. Acts 15:7 - 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. 8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. (not baptism)

Excellent article on Acts 22:16 - https://kentbrandenburg.blogspot.com/2015/03/acts-2216-baptism-essential-for.html

I don't disagree with what you wrote mailmandan.

You have outlined the only way to be saved accurately.

But there is the resulting Christian walk that we all undertake.

1 John 2:6
Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

John 13:34
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you,
you also are to love one another.

1 John 2:4
Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Does a Christian need to obey the commandment of Christ or not?

Believing in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundational doctrine of Christianity.

Yet, if you do not obey the commandment Jesus gave us then you do not have the truth.

How do you understand the simple gospel and it's application in every day life?

 

[mailmandan]

I don't disagree with what you wrote mailmandan.

You have outlined the only way to be saved accurately.

But there is the resulting Christian walk that we all undertake.

1 John 2:6
Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

John 13:34
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you,
you also are to love one another.

1 John 2:4
Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Does a Christian need to obey the commandment of Christ or not?

Believing in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundational doctrine of Christianity.

Yet, if you do not obey the commandment Jesus gave us then you do not have the truth.

How do you understand the simple gospel and it's application in every day life?

1 John 2:3 - By this we know that we have come to know Him, (demonstrative evidence) if we keep His commandments

1 John 3:10 - In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.

1 John 4:7 - Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

 

[Inquisitor]

1 John 2:3 - By this we know that we have come to know Him, (demonstrative evidence) if we keep His commandments

1 John 3:10 - In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.

1 John 4:7 - Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

The question remains mailmandan.

Is a Christian by definition one who just believes or one who believes and obeys?

 

[mailmandan]

The question remains mailmandan.

Is a Christian by definition one who just believes or one who believes and obeys?

As you can see a child of God keeps His commandments, practices righteousness and loves his brother. Believers are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and have been made alive together with Christ by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:5-8) We have been changed. Praise God! A Christian who just believes and never obeys is an oxymoron and obedience is also not forced or legalistic for those who are born of God. There are genuine Christians, and there are "nominal" Christians.

 

[Inquisitor]

As you can see a child of God keeps His commandments, practices righteousness and loves his brother. Believers are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and have been made alive together with Christ by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:5-8) We have been changed. Praise God! A Christian who just believes and never obeys is an oxymoron and obedience is also not forced or legalistic for those who are born of God. There are genuine Christians, and there are "nominal" Christians.

Would you call a 'nominal Christian' a lukewarm Christian?

Revelation 3:16
So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.

I know in Paul's letters when a church is not bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

That Paul repeats the gospel hoping that the gospel takes root ( 1 Corinthians 15).

Here is how AI describes faith, love, and the gospel.

ChatGPT said:
That’s a very good observation. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul reminds them of the gospel “of first importance” because the Corinthian church is divided, immature, and not producing the fruit of faith and love (1 Cor 1–3, 11–13).
If we widen the lens across Paul’s letters, here’s what we see:


1. Corinth (1 & 2 Corinthians)

• Problem: Division, pride, immorality, lack of love.
• Paul’s response: He re-centers them on the gospel (1 Cor 1:17–18, 15:1–4), insists that faith, hope, and love are the true marks of maturity (1 Cor 13:13), and calls them to imitate his example in Christ (1 Cor 11:1).

2. Galatia (Galatians)

• Problem: They were turning to a “different gospel” by adopting law-keeping.
• Paul’s response: He repeats the gospel in its clearest terms (Gal 1:6–9; 2:15–21; 3:1–14). Then he drives home that what matters is “faith working through love” (Gal 5:6) and the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22–23).

3. Thessalonica (1 & 2 Thessalonians)

• Problem: Some were shaken about the Lord’s return, others were idle.
• Paul’s response: He reminds them of the gospel’s power (1 Thess 1:4–10) and thanks God that their faith and love are growing (2 Thess 1:3). Because they are bearing fruit, Paul doesn’t rebuke but encourages and corrects gently.

4. Rome (Romans)

• Problem: Jew–Gentile tensions, misunderstanding of the law and righteousness.
• Paul’s response: He unfolds the gospel in full, from sin to justification to life in the Spirit (Rom 1–8), and then shows how this produces love (Rom 13:8–10; 14–15). The whole letter is a systematic reminder of the gospel because the church risked disunity.

5. Colossae (Colossians) & Ephesus (Ephesians)

• Problem: Colossians faced false philosophy; Ephesians were strong but needed rooting.
• Paul’s response: He re-centers them on Christ’s supremacy (Col 1:15–23) and prays that they be rooted in faith and love (Eph 1:15; Col 1:4–5).

Pattern:
Whenever a church is drifting—either toward sin (Corinth), law (Galatia), false teaching (Colossae), or fear/confusion (Thessalonica)—Paul repeats the gospel as the foundation.
And his measure of their health is always:

• Faith in Christ
• Love for one another (cf. 1 Thess 1:3; Gal 5:6; Col 1:4; Eph 1:15).

So yes—Paul consistently repeats the gospel to churches that are not bearing the fruit of faith and love. His letters themselves are living proof of this pattern.

 

[Ouch]

Would you call a 'nominal Christian' a lukewarm Christian?

Revelation 3:16
So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.

I know in Paul's letters when a church is not bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

That Paul repeats the gospel hoping that the gospel takes root ( 1 Corinthians 15).

Here is how AI describes faith, love, and the gospel.

ChatGPT said:
That’s a very good observation. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul reminds them of the gospel “of first importance” because the Corinthian church is divided, immature, and not producing the fruit of faith and love (1 Cor 1–3, 11–13).
If we widen the lens across Paul’s letters, here’s what we see:


1. Corinth (1 & 2 Corinthians)

• Problem: Division, pride, immorality, lack of love.
• Paul’s response: He re-centers them on the gospel (1 Cor 1:17–18, 15:1–4), insists that faith, hope, and love are the true marks of maturity (1 Cor 13:13), and calls them to imitate his example in Christ (1 Cor 11:1).

2. Galatia (Galatians)

• Problem: They were turning to a “different gospel” by adopting law-keeping.
• Paul’s response: He repeats the gospel in its clearest terms (Gal 1:6–9; 2:15–21; 3:1–14). Then he drives home that what matters is “faith working through love” (Gal 5:6) and the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22–23).

3. Thessalonica (1 & 2 Thessalonians)

• Problem: Some were shaken about the Lord’s return, others were idle.
• Paul’s response: He reminds them of the gospel’s power (1 Thess 1:4–10) and thanks God that their faith and love are growing (2 Thess 1:3). Because they are bearing fruit, Paul doesn’t rebuke but encourages and corrects gently.

4. Rome (Romans)

• Problem: Jew–Gentile tensions, misunderstanding of the law and righteousness.
• Paul’s response: He unfolds the gospel in full, from sin to justification to life in the Spirit (Rom 1–8), and then shows how this produces love (Rom 13:8–10; 14–15). The whole letter is a systematic reminder of the gospel because the church risked disunity.

5. Colossae (Colossians) & Ephesus (Ephesians)

• Problem: Colossians faced false philosophy; Ephesians were strong but needed rooting.
• Paul’s response: He re-centers them on Christ’s supremacy (Col 1:15–23) and prays that they be rooted in faith and love (Eph 1:15; Col 1:4–5).

Pattern:
Whenever a church is drifting—either toward sin (Corinth), law (Galatia), false teaching (Colossae), or fear/confusion (Thessalonica)—Paul repeats the gospel as the foundation.
And his measure of their health is always:

• Faith in Christ
• Love for one another (cf. 1 Thess 1:3; Gal 5:6; Col 1:4; Eph 1:15).

So yes—Paul consistently repeats the gospel to churches that are not bearing the fruit of faith and love. His letters themselves are living proof of this pattern.

AMEN, Mailman thinks all you need to do is believe PERIOD.

But those in Matthew 7:21-23 didn't believe enough as JESUS NEVER knew them, so there is different levels of belief.

Then he brings in men's opinion's like Jamison, Fausset, and Brown Commentary and Kenneth Wuest like minded people who believed the same thing to support him.

When they alter GODS word it make him feel good.

The verse he don't like he twists the words around because GOD need them to be harmonized by him so we can understand them.

The verse he like we are to read the way they are.

Please plant those seeds, I dusted my feet it's a never ending road BUT he's alive so there is hope.

 

[Ouch]

Some common sayings among many believers are:

“There's only one gospel throughout all the Bible, and so everyone is saved in the exact same way.”
“Jesus, along with His 12 apostles, and along with Paul, all preached the same gospel message.”
“All that happened was Paul came along later and continued Peter's ministry gospel and ministry, but to the Gentiles.”

Those claims sound very biblical to many, but are the assumptions behind these claims correct?

1. To whom did Jesus and His 12 disciples preach?
2. What was their gospel message?
3. Paul was the apostle to....whom?
4. What was Paul's gospel that he preached?

Please share your thoughts on these questions.

MM

Not my thoughts, BUT HIS WORD.

1. To the ALL nation, Matthew 28:19
2. Death burial and resurrection. Believe, repent, get baptized in JESUS name for remission of sins and pray for JESUS to fill you with the Holy Ghost.

3 and 4.

Paul was sent to the Gentiles BUT not just the Gentiles he spoke to ALL.

GOD told Ananias.
Acts 9
13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Paul preached the same message, 20 YEARS after the day of Pentecost.
Acts 19: And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

After he baptized and land hands on the Ephesus he did this.
10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

There is ONLY ONE GOSPEL and your right all 12 preached the same message.

JESUS told HIS DISCIPLES,
Acts 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

They waited and this happened.
Acts 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The first message to be preached.
Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Peter, the FIRST message.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Three thousand souls were added using that message.

 

[Ouch]

I’ll add to your challenge for those claiming only one gospel. Compare the following and answer the question, has the end of the world come? Why not?

Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

vs

Colossians 1:5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

Matthew, Mark, luke and John JESUS walked with us.

Acts the building of the church the foundation of salvation.

All books after that were letters to churches with the foundation of the book of Acts.

So Colossians was the same gospel.

Romans preached the same gospel, the mystery that was keep secret was to ALL NATIONS not just the Jews.

Acts 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

The years when the letters were wrote.
Acts 19 app year 57 AD
Colossians app year 62 AD
Romans app year 57-58 AD

 

[mailmandan]

Would you call a 'nominal Christian' a lukewarm Christian?

Revelation 3:16
So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.

I know in Paul's letters when a church is not bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

That Paul repeats the gospel hoping that the gospel takes root ( 1 Corinthians 15).

Here is how AI describes faith, love, and the gospel.

ChatGPT said:
That’s a very good observation. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul reminds them of the gospel “of first importance” because the Corinthian church is divided, immature, and not producing the fruit of faith and love (1 Cor 1–3, 11–13).
If we widen the lens across Paul’s letters, here’s what we see:


1. Corinth (1 & 2 Corinthians)

• Problem: Division, pride, immorality, lack of love.
• Paul’s response: He re-centers them on the gospel (1 Cor 1:17–18, 15:1–4), insists that faith, hope, and love are the true marks of maturity (1 Cor 13:13), and calls them to imitate his example in Christ (1 Cor 11:1).

2. Galatia (Galatians)

• Problem: They were turning to a “different gospel” by adopting law-keeping.
• Paul’s response: He repeats the gospel in its clearest terms (Gal 1:6–9; 2:15–21; 3:1–14). Then he drives home that what matters is “faith working through love” (Gal 5:6) and the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22–23).

3. Thessalonica (1 & 2 Thessalonians)

• Problem: Some were shaken about the Lord’s return, others were idle.
• Paul’s response: He reminds them of the gospel’s power (1 Thess 1:4–10) and thanks God that their faith and love are growing (2 Thess 1:3). Because they are bearing fruit, Paul doesn’t rebuke but encourages and corrects gently.

4. Rome (Romans)

• Problem: Jew–Gentile tensions, misunderstanding of the law and righteousness.
• Paul’s response: He unfolds the gospel in full, from sin to justification to life in the Spirit (Rom 1–8), and then shows how this produces love (Rom 13:8–10; 14–15). The whole letter is a systematic reminder of the gospel because the church risked disunity.

5. Colossae (Colossians) & Ephesus (Ephesians)

• Problem: Colossians faced false philosophy; Ephesians were strong but needed rooting.
• Paul’s response: He re-centers them on Christ’s supremacy (Col 1:15–23) and prays that they be rooted in faith and love (Eph 1:15; Col 1:4–5).

Pattern:
Whenever a church is drifting—either toward sin (Corinth), law (Galatia), false teaching (Colossae), or fear/confusion (Thessalonica)—Paul repeats the gospel as the foundation.
And his measure of their health is always:

• Faith in Christ
• Love for one another (cf. 1 Thess 1:3; Gal 5:6; Col 1:4; Eph 1:15).

So yes—Paul consistently repeats the gospel to churches that are not bearing the fruit of faith and love. His letters themselves are living proof of this pattern.

These churches are being addressed as a whole. Again, there are genuine Christians, and there are "nominal" Christians. There are genuine believers and there are make believers and it's not hard to find them mixed together in various churches throughout scripture, in various churches today and on various Christian forum sites.

 

[mailmandan]

Would you call a 'nominal Christian' a lukewarm Christian?

Revelation 3:16
So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.

In regard to the church of the Laodiceans. Revelation 3:15 - "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. (this church makes Jesus sick) 17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. We overcome by faith. (1 John 5:4)

Keep in mind that in various churches, it's not hard to find "nominal" Christians mixed in with genuine Christians and Jesus is addressing these churches as a whole. Like the lifeless state of the church in Sardis in Revelation 3:1-4 - "you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead." This church may have had a name of being alive, but they were spiritually lifeless. In other words, the church was filled with unsaved people going through the motions of religion who needed to wake up and repent IN CONTRAST with a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Jesus in white.

 

[GWH]

In regard to the church of the Laodiceans. Revelation 3:15 - "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. (this church makes Jesus sick) 17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. We overcome by faith. (1 John 5:4)

Keep in mind that in various churches, it's not hard to find "nominal" Christians mixed in with genuine Christians and Jesus is addressing these churches as a whole. Like the lifeless state of the church in Sardis in Revelation 3:1-4 - "you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead." This church may have had a name of being alive, but they were spiritually lifeless. In other words, the church was filled with unsaved people going through the motions of religion who needed to wake up and repent IN CONTRAST with a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Jesus in white.

Good points. Yes, in Rev. 3:15-21 Jesus rebukes lukewarmness (cheap grace) and counsels good/golden/godly works,
so that believers will not just barely get through heaven's gate (1Cor. 3:12-15).

 

[mailmandan]

Would you call a 'nominal Christian' a lukewarm Christian?

Revelation 3:16
So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.

I know in Paul's letters when a church is not bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

That Paul repeats the gospel hoping that the gospel takes root ( 1 Corinthians 15).

Here is how AI describes faith, love, and the gospel.

ChatGPT said:
That’s a very good observation. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul reminds them of the gospel “of first importance” because the Corinthian church is divided, immature, and not producing the fruit of faith and love (1 Cor 1–3, 11–13).
If we widen the lens across Paul’s letters, here’s what we see:


1. Corinth (1 & 2 Corinthians)

• Problem: Division, pride, immorality, lack of love.
• Paul’s response: He re-centers them on the gospel (1 Cor 1:17–18, 15:1–4), insists that faith, hope, and love are the true marks of maturity (1 Cor 13:13), and calls them to imitate his example in Christ (1 Cor 11:1).

2. Galatia (Galatians)

• Problem: They were turning to a “different gospel” by adopting law-keeping.
• Paul’s response: He repeats the gospel in its clearest terms (Gal 1:6–9; 2:15–21; 3:1–14). Then he drives home that what matters is “faith working through love” (Gal 5:6) and the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22–23).

3. Thessalonica (1 & 2 Thessalonians)

• Problem: Some were shaken about the Lord’s return, others were idle.
• Paul’s response: He reminds them of the gospel’s power (1 Thess 1:4–10) and thanks God that their faith and love are growing (2 Thess 1:3). Because they are bearing fruit, Paul doesn’t rebuke but encourages and corrects gently.

4. Rome (Romans)

• Problem: Jew–Gentile tensions, misunderstanding of the law and righteousness.
• Paul’s response: He unfolds the gospel in full, from sin to justification to life in the Spirit (Rom 1–8), and then shows how this produces love (Rom 13:8–10; 14–15). The whole letter is a systematic reminder of the gospel because the church risked disunity.

5. Colossae (Colossians) & Ephesus (Ephesians)

• Problem: Colossians faced false philosophy; Ephesians were strong but needed rooting.
• Paul’s response: He re-centers them on Christ’s supremacy (Col 1:15–23) and prays that they be rooted in faith and love (Eph 1:15; Col 1:4–5).

Pattern:
Whenever a church is drifting—either toward sin (Corinth), law (Galatia), false teaching (Colossae), or fear/confusion (Thessalonica)—Paul repeats the gospel as the foundation.
And his measure of their health is always:

• Faith in Christ
• Love for one another (cf. 1 Thess 1:3; Gal 5:6; Col 1:4; Eph 1:15).

So yes—Paul consistently repeats the gospel to churches that are not bearing the fruit of faith and love. His letters themselves are living proof of this pattern.

Never mind Ouch. He mocks salvation through BELIEVING in Jesus (John 3:15,16,18; 6:40,47; 11:25,26: Acts 10:43; 13:38-39; 15:7-9 16:31; Romans 1:16; 3:22-26; 4:5-6; 1 Corinthians 1:21; 1 John 5:13 etc..) and he believes that we MUST also be water baptized "in Jesus' name" ONLY evidenced by speaking in tongues or else we won't be saved and he also DENIES the Trinity. His church, along with the Oneness Pentecostal church promote these heretical doctrines. According to Ouch, baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is an invalid formula for salvation and he has already indirectly condemned me multiple times for not embracing his false gospel. Beware of the leaven of Ouch! I planted seeds, shook the dust off my shoes and moved on with him. Ouch also does not understand that these many people in Matthew 7:22-23 were not genuine believers but "nominal" Christians. They failed to do the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21) by looking to the Son and believing in Him to receive eternal life. (John 6:40) Instead, they were trusting in their works for salvation and not in Jesus Christ alone. (Matthew 7:22) Jesus never knew these many people which means they were never saved. (Matthew 7:23)

 

[homwardbound]

The gospel is the "good news" of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that BELIEVES.. (Romans 1:16) To "believe" the gospel is to trust in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ as the ALL-sufficient means of our salvation . The gospel is a message of grace that is to be received through faith. The gospel is not a set of rituals to perform, a code of laws to be obeyed or a check list of good works (including water baptism) to accomplish as a prerequisite for salvation. Water baptism is not a part of the gospel. (1 Corinthians 1:17) Water baptism "follows" believing in Jesus unto salvation. (Acts 10:43-47)

In regard to Paul, he did believe on the road to Damascus and was saved BEFORE water baptism 3 days later.
In regard to Acts 22:16, Jamison, Fausset, and Brown Commentary makes not of the importance of the Greek in Ananias' statement. When Ananias tells Paul to "arise, be baptized, wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord," the tense of the last command is literally "having called" (aorist middle participle). "Calling on [epikalesamenos] --- 'having (that is, after having) called on,' referring the confession of Christ which preceded baptism." [Jamison, Fausset, and Brown Commentary, vol. 3 pg. 160]. Kenneth Wuest picks up on this Greek nuance and translates the verse as follows: "And now, why are you delaying? Having arisen, be baptized and wash away your sins, having previously called upon His Name." (Acts 22:16, Wuest's Expanded NT).

Paul had already believed in Christ when Ananias came to pray for him to receive his sight. (Acts 9:17) Jamison, Fausset, and Brown Commentary makes note of the importance of the Greek in Ananias' statement. When Ananias tells Paul to "arise, be baptized, wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord," the tense of the last command is literally "having called" (aorist middle participle). "Calling on [epikalesamenos] --- 'having (that is, after having) called on,' referring the confession of Christ which preceded baptism."

[Jamison, Fausset, and Brown Commentary, vol. 3 pg. 160]. Kenneth Wuest picks up on this Greek nuance and translates the verse as follows: "And now, why are you delaying? Having arisen, be baptized and wash away your sins, having previously called upon His Name." (Acts 22:16, Wuest's Expanded NT).

It's interesting that when Paul recounted this event again later in Acts (Acts 26:12-18), he did not mention Ananias or what Ananias said to him at all. Verse 18 again would confirm the idea that Paul received Christ as Savior on the road to Damascus since here Christ is telling Paul he will be a messenger for Him concerning forgiveness of sins for Gentiles as they have faith in Him. It would seem highly unlikely that Christ would commission Paul if Paul had not yet believed in Him and was not saved.

There is no difference in the gospel they heard and no difference in how they were saved. Acts 15:7 - 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. 8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. (not baptism)

Excellent article on Acts 22:16 - https://kentbrandenburg.blogspot.com/2015/03/acts-2216-baptism-essential-for.html

You know, when Christ was on that cross and the two thieves, one repented
they right then had to stop the crucifixion, because this new believer in Son Christ for them had to be taken down and water Baptized first.
Wow, woe is me, thank you Father and Son for loving us all first, proven in son as risen. Your will, not mine, I believe. you just love us all
Thank you, my trust, all of me is in you

 

[Ouch]

You know, when Christ was on that cross and the two thieves, one repented
they right then had to stop the crucifixion, because this new believer in Son Christ for them had to be taken down and water Baptized first.
Wow, woe is me, thank you Father and Son for loving us all first, proven in son as risen. Your will, not mine, I believe. you just love us all
Thank you, my trust, all of me is in you

If your interested in why the thief didn't need to be baptized.

We need to righty divide the word.

When the thief on the cross died, he died OT laws. Where people had to take a sacrifice to the high priests ones a year to have their sins forgiven GOD RULES.

JESUS is our high priest and he became our sacrifice our lamb.
When JESUS was on this earth and forgave sins as he wished like the thief.

JESUS preach app 3 years, died on the cross, buried and rose again. Then he ascended to Heaven to put his blood on the mercy seat.

Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

He then returned to earth and was here app 40 days and ascended again commanding his disciples to wait because they will be filled with the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:3-4

He ascended the second time and this was the first message of how to be reborn.
Acts 2:38-39
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Since then until he returns again, we live in NT laws and how to be saved we need to repent, get baptized in JESUS name to get rid of our sins and receive the Holy Ghost like JESUS gave his disciples in Acts 2:4.

 

[homwardbound]

If your interested in why the thief didn't need to be baptized.

We need to righty divide the word.

When the thief on the cross died, he died OT laws. Where people had to take a sacrifice to the high priests ones a year to have their sins forgiven GOD RULES.

JESUS is our high priest and he became our sacrifice our lamb.
When JESUS was on this earth and forgave sins as he wished like the thief.

JESUS preach app 3 years, died on the cross, buried and rose again. Then he ascended to Heaven to put his blood on the mercy seat.

Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

He then returned to earth and was here app 40 days and ascended again commanding his disciples to wait because they will be filled with the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:3-4

He ascended the second time and this was the first message of how to be reborn.
Acts 2:38-39
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Since then until he returns again, we live in NT laws and how to be saved we need to repent, get baptized in JESUS name to get rid of our sins and receive the Holy Ghost like JESUS gave his disciples in Acts 2:4.

Baptism here spoken of is not water Baptism
It is Spirit God Father's Spirit the Holy Spirit Baptism given to anyone Father decides righteously to give it to, knowing who is sincere, thank you.
Water Baptism does not remove sin. The shed blood of Jesus did that once for everyone as reconciled, the message given to us all, by the disciples 2 Cor 5:16-20. Water Baptism is not the washing away of sin(s) rather doing this is a good conscience between God and you personally, for saving you personally, where you have received the new life in God;s Spirit and Truth to lead you, you being willing, not forced to or manipulated to do it. It is a public testimony that you believe God in risen Son for you to love all in mercy and truth from God given you in risen Son for you. It is not to be liked, cared for by others, and be anyone better than others that do not or have not done it as religion teaches to do, it is a lie from the pits of Hell, to control people, when God came to free us in love and mercy to do the same for all.
Thanks and believe as you want to believe, I see to not live like a refugee, and if you aren't great hallelujah for you. If you still are in bondage, which I suspect you are and suspect you want to be a leader, and tell others how to behave or else you not in, that I suspect you are doing here. I trust God no matter what in the love and mercy of Son given me to be humbly confident in Love and I am a nobody, God Father and Son are my everything, whether one gets water baptized or not. God leads not me, you or anyone else, only God Father of Son for me at least
Love to you, even though many add to the done work of Son for them as if are a Luke 18:9-14 not seeing being forgiven by God is the key that opens the door to Heaven for them too. Thank you
Matthew 18:24-35 you are forgiven, reconciled by God through Son presently and forever, go forth and harm no one else no more. I assuredly do not care to be taken back to the King and get any of my deserved punishing I deserve, that God Father in Son took away for me, anyone else?
Thank you Lord, I am thankful, and seek to learn from you over self, or any other flesh people Phil 3:1-20

 

[Ouch]

Baptism here spoken of is not water Baptism
It is Spirit God Father's Spirit the Holy Spirit Baptism given to anyone Father decides righteously to give it to, knowing who is sincere, thank you.
Water Baptism does not remove sin. The shed blood of Jesus did that once for everyone as reconciled, the message given to us all, by the disciples 2 Cor 5:16-20. Water Baptism is not the washing away of sin(s) rather doing this is a good conscience between God and you personally, for saving you personally, where you have received the new life in God;s Spirit and Truth to lead you, you being willing, not forced to or manipulated to do it. It is a public testimony that you believe God in risen Son for you to love all in mercy and truth from God given you in risen Son for you. It is not to be liked, cared for by others, and be anyone better than others that do not or have not done it as religion teaches to do, it is a lie from the pits of Hell, to control people, when God came to free us in love and mercy to do the same for all.
Thanks and believe as you want to believe, I see to not live like a refugee, and if you aren't great hallelujah for you. If you still are in bondage, which I suspect you are and suspect you want to be a leader, and tell others how to behave or else you not in, that I suspect you are doing here. I trust God no matter what in the love and mercy of Son given me to be humbly confident in Love and I am a nobody, God Father and Son are my everything, whether one gets water baptized or not. God leads not me, you or anyone else, only God Father of Son for me at least
Love to you, even though many add to the done work of Son for them as if are a Luke 18:9-14 not seeing being forgiven by God is the key that opens the door to Heaven for them too. Thank you
Matthew 18:24-35 you are forgiven, reconciled by God through Son presently and forever, go forth and harm no one else no more. I assuredly do not care to be taken back to the King and get any of my deserved punishing I deserve, that God Father in Son took away for me, anyone else?
Thank you Lord, I am thankful, and seek to learn from you over self, or any other flesh people Phil 3:1-20

I was just sharing why the thief didn't need to be baptized and what we have to do today to be reborn.

I'm sorry, I don't have much tack, I also don't share my thoughts just HIS word, I let it do the talking since it's all about JESUS.

So here is the problem,

"It is Spirit God Father's Spirit the Holy Spirit Baptism given to anyone Father decides righteously to give it to, knowing who is sincere, thank you."

I agree with you, JESUS will in fact give it to anyone HE chose's.

JESUS for sure will pour out HIS SPIRIT before their sins have been removed.
Acts 2, before being baptized in JESUS name.
Acts 8, days later maybe weeks?
Acts 10 before being baptized in JESUS name.
Acts 19, right after being baptized in JESUS name.

"Water Baptism does not remove sin"

Here are two verses that say that baptism DOES remove sins.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

"It is a public testimony that you believe God in risen Son for you to love all in mercy and truth from God given you in risen Son for you."

Sorry this is NOT IN HIS WORD, or can you show me?

"it is a lie from the pits of Hell"

I think you going to need to explain what exactly is a lie from the pits of Hell?

The other problem is when JESUS died on the cross HE was NOT DONE HIS mission he was on. As I shared with you he went to Hell to get the keys back.

Revelation 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Many people died on the cross what made him special was HE ROSE AGAIN.

John 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

So Acts 2:38, 22:16 and Romans 6 prove's It NOT a public testimony but necessary part of the rebirthing process.

Keep in mind what JESUS said in John 3:5. CAN'T enter without being born of water and of spirit.

GOD BLESS YOU in your walk.

 

[homwardbound]

"It is a public testimony that you believe God in risen Son for you to love all in mercy and truth from God given you in risen Son for you."

God Father sees the motive(s) and we all will be judged ny motive. To believe God or not believe God, God knows as in Roans 8t ells me so.
The statement, "It is a public testimony that you believe God in risen Son for you to love all in mercy and truth from God given you in risen Son for you," can be interpreted as a Christian profession of faith
. It centers on the core Christian belief that through faith in Jesus Christ, the risen Son of God, believers are empowered to love others with God's mercy and truth.

• Believe God in Risen Son: This refers to the core Christian doctrine of Jesus Christ's resurrection. By rising from the dead, Jesus demonstrated his divine authority and conquered sin and death. For believers, this act is proof of their faith and the promise of eternal life.
• "to love all in mercy and truth":
  • Love all: This reflects Jesus's commandment to love one another, and even one's enemies, as he has loved us. This love is not limited to those within the faith, but extends to all people.

John 13:34-35
Living Bible

34 “And so I am giving a new commandment to you now—love each other just as much as I love you.35 Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

In past there were those, that I could not love, and yet God loves me and everyone else first through the cross. I finally saw my condemnation I had going through me, when I read Romans 2:1-4 and Romans 14:1-4
Love in truth to all, and if I hate, to say it in truth I hate, and I did hate, after receiving truth from God loving me anyways, I saw and changed willingly in trust to Father, Daddy, PaPa's down work though son as risen for us all. How could I hate anyone anymore, can you?
Born new, one as I cannot explain this love and mercy, not perfectly
yet stand in Thank you to God for me and everyone else as well, whether believe God yet or not yet.
Contentment is the word I have received from God, where no water Baptism saved anyone, yet was needed to get done to Jesus by John the Baptist a Levite priest, before the ministry of new life began.
Now is doen in the risen Son as proof of the gift given us to love all in the same mercy and truth given us first though Son for us all
Thanks as we each grow and learn new daily, I do not know all, I do know I am freed Col 2 thank you