Morning Reads Christ is the “DOOR” The Good Shepherd Beware of False Shepherds Who Lead to Apostasy

Good morning. Great is His faithfulness.

Greek word of the day- καθοπλίζω kathoplízō, kath-op-lid'-zo; from G2596; and G3695; to equip fully with armor:—arm.

Luke 11:21

“When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace.

Acts 14:20-28 & Acts 15:1-4

vv. 20-21: good source for understanding is also found in Matthew 10:23:  When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. Fleeing from persecution shows wisdom not a lack of faith.

Acts 14:22:  strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”

Part of our apostolic calling is to make NEW DISCIPLES, and another important function to this is strengthening those who already believe in God. No one should be left alone after their conversion instead, the believers SOULS must be guarded and continually nurtured.

ELDERS see v. 23- are priests- Greek word for "APPOINTED" ("cheirotoneo") means to ordain by the laying on of hands."

Acts 15:1-4

Understanding of v. 1 here in Acts 15- these sources help formulate understanding- Galatians 2:12 and Acts 11:2. We see a DISPUTE that arises in v. 2- a dispute concerning the relationship between OT Law and Christianity, this dispute needed to be quelled before it divided the Church completely, disputes among churches continue to this day.

"With the coming of Christ it brought judgement into the WORLD, He did not come to judge see John 12:47-48, but because of man's accountability To Him. Only those who see and hear Him but do not believe are judged by their own faithfulness.

John 9:39-10:9

Here Jesus in contrasting His leadership to the leadership of the Pharisees. The religious leaders of Jesus time failed (the Latin word "pastor"- means "shepherd"), they failed tobe good shepherd's they were heartless hypocrites more concerned with money and power. According to St. John Chrysostom, the DOOR is God's Word- meaning both the Scriptures and our Lord Himself. Here we are told to uphold the purity of God's Word in the Scriptures not to add or takeaway to it. We are not be like the Pharisees because we are to reflect and imitate Christ in all we do.

v.8: "ALL WHO EVER CAME BEFORE ME- is not talking about Moses and the prophets, but instead the ones who claim to be the Messiah- examples found in Acts 5:36-37- Judas of Galilee and Theudas.

Numbers 6:24-26

“The Lord bless you and keep you;

25 The Lord make His face shine upon you,

And be gracious to you;

26 The Lord [a]lift up His countenance upon you,

And give you peace.” ’

In Christ love Jared W Campbell

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