Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21)
That is an easily delivered presentation.
Saint: Repent to God, have faith in Jesus Christ.
Sinner: Repent, why?
I was browsing for a site which would give information about why someone would need to repent and found this one. Why would anyone want to repent if they think they have no sin, are not aware of it, or have no clue as to their eternal destination? The easy believism that is prevalent in our 'churches' today make people think they are 'saved' when in reality they may be deceived.
2Pe 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
The above verse obviously needs to be read in context...which I prayerfully hope all will avail themselves. We can not earn our salvation...we do not get to choose, no matter how much we may 'think' we have, in reality, HE chose us. We do, however, have a responsibility to grow in our relationship with Him. You can not truly know someone unless you spend time with them.
Pondering on the prophecy concerning Paul and the trials that awaited him in Jerusalem. Father gave him warning over and over again. It sometimes helps to have a mental mindset for the worst case scenario (for me anyway) in order to deal with trials and tribulations. Paul had no qualms about continuing to Jerusalem.
The elders in Jerusalem exhort Paul to show that he walks orderly and keeps the law. (Acts 21:24)
They then reiterate that the Gentiles are to: Keep themselves from idols ~ from blood ~ from strangled ~ from fornication. (Acts 21:25).
The first passage regarding the prohibitions the Gentiles were to avoid included that they (the Gentiles) would hear Moses preached in the synagogue.
Act 15:21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
That passage keeps reverberating within my mind and soul. Is there significance to why the church elders were satisfied with only the 4 prohibitions, knowing and/or thinking that those who were regenerated would be instructed from the teachings and writings of the OT? Again that verse:
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4
Beloved of the Lord, are you giving due diligence to study to show yourself approved? A workman that needeth not to be ashamed? Taking in the whole counsel of the Word of God?
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