"whole armour"

From a message by a Curious Questioner--
>CQ> Subj: ACTS 2:38

>CQ> What makes you believe that there are no apostles today? See 1 Cor 12:28-31. I have never seen any scripture that says that they are no more.

In 1Cor.12:28p it says "church" not "churches" (plural). Paul is speaking of the whole body of Christ, and the apostles were the "first" to be set in the body. Apostles were considered to be the foundations of the church, not that which is built later upon it.

>CQ> If all the other things in this scripture are still here, why not apostles too?

We still have one apostle ministering to us: "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;" (Heb.3:1 :)

(Don't you think the Lord Jesus is sufficient for your needs? :)

>CQ> And what makes you think that Matt 16:19 refers to abilities that only apostles were given?

Matt.16:19 does not refer to "apostles" (plural) but is spoken only to Peter. And those things there have to do with the "kingdom of heaven", not the "kingdom of God." You need to remember that heaven is something that God created, whereas God is a Spirit. One kingdom is outward in the creation, and the other is inward in the hearts of those that believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

>CQ> See Eph 3:10, Luke 10:19-21, Matt 12:29 We can bind them. 2 Cor 10:3-5

Luke 10:19 concerns special power given unto "the seventy" whom Jesus sent out before his face. Matt.12:29 is speaking of Jesus' own power. 2Cor.10:3-5 speaks of "Casting down imaginations", (such as your own misconceptions of some of the above scriptures? :)

>CQ> Because greater is he that is in me that he that is in the world! 1 John 4:4

The subject of 1Jn.4:1-6 is trying spirits whether they are of God, and discerning between the truth and ERROR. (Be not deceived. :)

>CQ> The devil doesn't want us to know that we have this authority. He wants to keep us ignorant so that we won't be any threat to him. See Eph 6:10-18

The armour in Eph.6 must be taken and used by BELIEVERS. Some people try to use the sword as a shield, which is about as useful as shadow boxing. The most important piece of armour "above all" is the "shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." The breastplate is Christ's own righteousness, and his side was pierced at the apex of the HEART. You need to guard that door to your heart with the shield of faith!

Remember that Jesus is the Lord and receive the truth of God. Grace be to your heart in understanding for Jesus' sake. Amen. --Richard