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This book of the bible is frequently and
erroneously
referred to as the start of "The Church, The Body of Christ".
99.44% of fundamental, bible-believing teachers and pastors
embrace this falsity as truth! The fact is, The Book of Acts is
primarily about the unbelief of Israel and God's postponement of
her program.
            
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For though
I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity
is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the
gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward:
but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is
committed unto me. What is my reward then? Verily that,
when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ
without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
1
Corinthians 9:16-18
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REMEMBER,
THE FOUR SYNOPTIC GOSPEL ACCOUNTS OF THE EARTHLY MINISTRY OF JESUS
CHRIST WERE WRITTEN
TO
ISRAEL UNDER THE LAW:
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SINCE
PROPHECY IS SUCH A HOT TOPIC THESE DAYS, DID YOU EVER WONDER WHAT THE
TRIBULATION SAINTS WILL STUDY AFTER THE BODY OF CHRIST IS RAPTURED?
Doctrine
for
The
Tribulation Saints after the rapture of the Body of Christ:
Here Israel is now back at the forefront under the law against the
imminent judgment and earthly return of The Messiah, Jesus Christ.
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1 For this cause I Paul, the
prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of
the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to
you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the
mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye
read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5
Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as
it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the
Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the
same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the
grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his
power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is
this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the
unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is
the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the
world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus
Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and
powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the
manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose
which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have
boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13
Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my
tribulations for you, which is your glory -
Ephesians 3:1-13 |
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 The
"choke points" of
embracing Paul's doctrine of grace.
Part
2 of 3: Some primary reasons why
most bible-believing Christians reject the apostle Paul's distinctive
message.....
(Part 1)
I have
again listed the the major "choke points" below as
well as the solution (just click on it):
In
this issue we will resume the article on the "choke points"
of believing Paul's doctrine after leaving off with water
baptism from part one. Let's take a look at the choke point
of prayer....
 Prayer
- The Question:
The topic and discussion of prayer can
be just as volatile as discussing forgiveness! In the past I
have been accused of telling people that prayer is not
relevant or that I am somehow limiting God by what I teach and
believe.
I do
understand that this forum may not give this topic the justice
it deserves but from either position you might hold we can
cover enough ground in order to provoke us to let the scriptures
decide; which is reading God's word in its context, rightly divided.
Let's examine three books of the bible and some verses on the topic of prayer:
23 And
in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto
you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give
it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and
ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
- John
16:23-24
22 And
all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye
shall receive.
- Matthew
21:22
I believe
God's word and I believe it to be true. I will assume that you
feel the same way I do. So far, we can agree that the above
scriptures tell us that whatsoever we ask in the Father's name
He will give unto us. In Matthew the bible tells us that
whatever we ask for in prayer....believing...we shall receive.
Let's
examine the last of the three scriptures now:
6 Be
careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known
unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ
Jesus. - Philippians
4:6,7
Friends,
I already told you I believe God's word and I believe it to be
true....but if I read the passage in Philippians and compare it
with the verses in John and Matthew when I pray there are
different outcomes that a believer can expect. One passage says that if I pray,
I will get
whatsoever I ask for. Another passage says that in everything
through prayer let us make our requests known unto God and the
peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep our
hearts and mind through Christ Jesus.....I know that its not God
so it must be me...what I can expect out of the passages above
differs!
WHICH WAY IS THE CORRECT WAY TO PRAY? IF I PRAY WILL I
RECEIVE EVERYTHING I ASK FOR?
THERE IS A
SOLUTION TO THIS CONTROVERSY SO READ ON!!!
The Church (When did it begin?)
- The Question:
The last major "choke point" of
embracing Paul's doctrine has to do with the origination
of "The Church". Most fundamental, bible-believing Christians
agree that in Acts 2 the start up of what we know as
today's church occurred at Pentecost:
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with
one accord
in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a
rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 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.
However,
later on we learn about a new term used when the bible
refers to the word "church". The apostle Paul tells us of a new
creation called the Body of Christ and it is also referred to as
"the church". Is this the same "church" that Jesus had in mind
for those that followed Peter?? Why do we read about healings,
signs, miracles and wonders in Peter's church but in what Paul
describes as the Church "The Body of Christ" he tells Timothy to
take a little wine for his stomach with no mention of healing.
He doesn't say; "Timothy, come by to the prison and I will heal
you of your affliction." It seems to me that one church leader can heal
and
one leader cannot heal any longer. Further and in
Acts 7:38,
Stephen describes the
"church" in the wilderness in referring to the
nation of Israel; believers under the law! Friends, since
"church" is used in the bible in this way (referring to Old
Testament believers) are we part of that church? How in the
world can I differentiate between the church of the Old
Testament under the law and the church that I am a member of
today in Christ?
"Confused??...if you are....you should be because that is the
state of the church today and its
exactly where our adversary Satan
would have us ...in a state of permanent confusion!"
Since
most bible teachers believe the church as we know it today
started at Pentecost, why can't I heal like they did? And
by the way, let's be honest with one another....if these "faith
healers" really believe they can heal today friends....I have a
sincere idea. Let's gather up these "great men of faith"
(because that's what they will tell you as to whether or not you
can heal) and go to the cancer houses, and go to the places
where people are terminally ill and have one big healing fest
since I do not make a distinction between what Peter was able to
do in regards to healing and what today's church is able to do.
Confused???...if you are....you should be because that is the state
of the church today and its exactly where our adversary Satan
would have us ...in a state of permanent confusion!
Friends,
there is so much more that I can say on any these "choke
points" but I I believe I have covered the major dividing points
up through now.
 Now....the
hope, the cure, the solution.....where the power of the
resurrection resides, where "the rest of the story" is
told...what the risen Christ told Paul about...that which
is called "the manifold (or revealed)" wisdom of God!
The
reason for why "Christians" fail to embrace Paul's
doctrine, the reason for the "choke points" of division which in
fact pervade across all denominations can fall into
basically one of two areas (maybe both too):
-
Mankind does not
believe in the inerrancy or authoritativeness of the bible (in
it's original Hebrew and Greek writings)
-
Mankind does
believe in the inerrancy or authoritativeness of the bible
but fails to rightly divide scripture as God
graciously changed His dispensed instructions to man the
further he fell into depravity and rebellion against
God. In other words, man has not read the bible in its
proper context, plain and simple.
The by
product of the above two points translate to roughly
40,000 denominations across the United States.
You can
certainly understand why Paul prayed for unity and why he told the Ephesian saints about the One Lord, One Faith and One Baptism
that Christ desires us to know and embrace:
1 I
therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech (beg)
you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering,
forbearing one another in love; 3
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of
peace. 4 There is one body,
and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your
calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one
baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and
through all, and in you all. -
Ephesians 4:1-6
My prayer
for believers today:
15
Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus,
and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for
you, making mention of you in my prayers;
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the
knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being
enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling,
and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the
saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to
us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty
power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him
from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly
places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and
dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world,
but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things
under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to
the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that
filleth all in all. -
Ephesians 1:15-22
THE
SOLUTION!!!
Eternal Security - The Answer:
In Part 1 of this
article we compared bible verses out of Matthew, Romans and
Ephesians in light of the topic of eternal security (whether or
not a person is saved forever).
32
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I
confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But
whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before
my Father which is in heaven.
-
Matthew 10: 32,33
As noted
in Matthew 10:32,33 a person who denies The Son before men will
in turn be denied before The Father in heaven. The denial spoken
of by Jesus here is not to be taken lightly and hermeneutically
(biblical interpretation) cannot be explained away as many
scholars and teachers would like to do. Therefore, if I do not
pass emails that instruct me to talk about Christ OR if I do not
testify of The Son in some way, I will be denied in heaven.
As a
believer, I was always convinced of my eternal security once I
trusted God in regards to the accomplishments of His Son on my
behalf. I knew that
Ephesians 1:13 said I was sealed by the Holy Spirit and that
in Romans 8, nothing could separate me from the love of
God that is In Christ Jesus.
But
friends, if you read the above verses in Matthew 10, there is
a problem. According to those verses, if I do not
confess Christ before God the Father OR if I deny Him in
any way, I will be denied by Christ before His
Father. I know of no other way to interpret that. How then do
you reconcile those verses that came from the very mouth of
Christ (even in red lettering) with the verses I mentioned
above? Either I am sealed by
the
Holy Spirit or I am not.
Either
none of the above conditions in Romans 8:38,39 separate me
from the love of God in Christ OR there is something not
on the list that does separate me....you would have to
agree after re-reading Matthew 10:32,33. Teachers trying to
wrangle the verses in Matthew to fit their doctrine tell you
that you could be denied by Christ and still be saved, but that
is not sound bible hermeneutics (bible interpretation) in
these passages. Either I am eternally secure in Christ or I
am not. Salvation is not a revolving door based on my conduct
since I had nothing to do with acquiring it in the first place:
4 But
God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved
us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together
with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up
together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ
Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding
riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ
Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved
through faith;
and that not of yourselves:
it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should
boast. - Ephesians
2:4-9
Which is
it then??? Can I be denied by Christ in one book of the
bible and eternally secure in another book? Is there a
difference?
Both
scriptures are correct friends but here is how we can
reconcile seemingly difficult passages; passages that in one
book of the bible say I can be denied by God, while other ones
says I am eternal sealed by God or that nothing can separate me
from the love God!
In Matthew
(along with Mark, Luke and John) we need to ask ourselves some
questions. Who is speaking? Who is the particular
book of the bible to? What do the surrounding
verses say in the context of scripture? How is God
dealing with mankind at the time of the writing or what are the
dispensed instructions that man must adhere to and abide by?
Let's examine the passage in Matthew with these
guidelines to studying scripture....
-
Who
is speaking? Matthew the tax collector recorded what
Jesus said in chapter 10 through divine inspiration. Out of
the 42 verses in this chapter, all except the first 5
verses are quotes from Jesus Himself.
-
Who
is the Book of Matthew to? It is an account of the
earthly ministry of Jesus Christ and it is 1 of 4 gospel
accounts specifically to the lost sheep of the children of
Israel (Matthew 10:6; 15:24).
-
What do the surrounding verses say? The verses of
chapter 10 in Matthew's account are the Lord's instruction
to the 12 apostles. He names them, ordains them and
instructs them on what to do and where to go. The verses
here have a very specific audience; instructions that are
great to know of, great to study about but not for me to
follow! As an example: v. 5
These twelve Jesus sent forth,
and commanded them, saying, Go
not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the
Samaritans enter ye not
v. 8
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out
devils:
The
verses (through verse 42) above are specific to the audience
it was meant for.
-
How
is God dealing with mankind? Israel was the channel
of blessing to a lost world. They were to take the
dispensing of law to the Gentiles and to be witnesses of the
God of Israel; Jesus Christ as their Messiah!
Let's now
examine the passage in Ephesians 1:13 with the same
guidelines to studying scripture....
-
Who
is speaking? Paul the apostle of the Gentiles.
-
Who
is the Book of Ephesians to? It is addressed to
members of the church, The Body of Christ (all people who
have believed in Christ's vicarious work at Calvary on our
behalf...me and you!)
-
What do the surrounding verses say? The verses of
chapter 1 in Ephesians introduce believers to its author and
his distinctive message to the saints at Ephesus. Let's look
at the message and see what is ours:
-
v. 1
Grace
and Peace from God Our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
-
v.2 We are
benefactors of having all spiritual blessings in
heavenly places.
-
v. 4
We are holy and blameless in love through Christ
-
v.5 We are
adopted children of Jesus Christ
-
v. 6 We are
accepted in the beloved
-
v. 7 we have
redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of his grace
-
v. 8 we have
abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence
-
v.13, 14 in
whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with
that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of
our inheritance
-
How
is God dealing with mankind? God is dealing with
mankind through the riches of His grace (as noted above).
Paul was instructed by Jesus Christ to take the dispensing
of grace to the Gentiles and for us to be ambassadors of
Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world.
In our
example, while both scripture sets in Matthew and Ephesians are
biblical only one set is to us; our doctrine for
Christian application which fuels our living, our latest marching orders from
Paul! These "orders" supersede any other orders that God has
given us (including the words of Christ in red)!
In a similar
example, if I was doing repair work on my home which is about 90
years old, the electrical, plumbing and building codes were
correct during 1920 but would not apply to today's safety standards.
Any repairs then would have to adhere to the "latest marching
orders of building code for 2008" or whatever current year we are in.
CONCLUSION: As far as eternal security is concerned
then, our latest marching orders under grace say that I am saved
and sealed forever! Even if I sin, deny Christ or God
forbid, if I do not send the emails to 25 people or more! All
the scriptures are correct and right and while all
scripture is for us, it is not all to us!
In Matthew or
any of the synoptic gospel accounts, Old Testament
saints (or
Kingdom Saints: because they awaited Christ to establish His
rule and reign on the earth) were required
to
act upon their faith
to testify of their salvation. If
they denied Jesus Christ they did not have the
eternal security we have under grace. If Peter, or any of the
apostles who fled at the capture of Jesus Christ stayed in a
state of unbelief, they too would have perished! We cannot
impose the riches of what we have on them, they did not have
what we have in Christ Jesus! Friends, this is
why grace is so amazing!
Our current
marching orders, our to mail, reside in the epistles of
Paul from Romans to Philemon.
Forgiveness - The Answer:
Unfortunately,
nothing seems
to stir up more anger and strife with
today's church leaders and
Christian circles
when you begin to proclaim complete and total forgiveness! Most
churches teach forgiveness on the "Installment Plan" where one
has to beg and plead for each sin while being led to believe
that fellowship with God has been broken. Rather than accept the
merits of Jesus Christ, this false doctrine is touted amidst
many bible-believing churches. The bible plainly tells us in many of Paul's
letters that we have (past tense) all-inclusive, upfront
forgiveness!
In Part 1 we
listed the scriptures in Matthew and Mark that told readers that
forgiveness was conditional and based upon the ability of one to
forgive in order to be forgiven by God:
14 For
if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses,
neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. -
Matthew
6:14, 15
Friends,
re-read the above. If we do not forgive men for their
trespasses, our heavenly Father will not forgive ours! Then
later as noted in Colossians Jesus Christ reveals something
completely contrary to what we just read:
13 And
you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your
flesh, hath he quickened together with him,
having forgiven you all trespasses;
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against
us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way,
nailing it to his cross; - Colossians
2:13,14
Logically
speaking, something had to have changed! Now re-read the
above in Colossians. Do you see the end of verse 13? We have
been forgiven (past tense) ALL TRESPASSES! In fact, THE
HANDWRITING OF ORDINANCES THAT WAS (past tense) AGAINST US AND
CONTRARY TO US WAS (past tense) TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY AND NAILED
TO HIS CROSS! Friends, these passages should make us levitate
with joy!
Using the
same formula as above, let's ask the same questions about the
parts of the bible I am reading in Matthew 6 with these
guidelines to studying scripture....
-
Who
is speaking? Matthew the tax collector recorded what
Jesus said in chapter 6 through divine inspiration.
All 34 verses in this chapter are quotes from Jesus Himself.
-
Who
is the Book of Matthew to? It is an account of the
earthly ministry of Jesus Christ and it is 1 of 4 gospel
accounts specifically to the lost sheep of the children of
Israel (Matthew 10:6; 15:24).
-
What do the surrounding verses say? The verses of
chapter 6 in Matthew's account are more commonly known as
the Lord's "Sermon On The Mount". Some key topics he
discusses are about giving, prayer and forgiveness. This is
a wonderful account to His people Israel and it is
necessary and profitable FOR us to understand
including how He dealt with man in the past. But we cannot
apply these verses to our day-to-day lives! Many teachers
and ministers try to wrangle these verses to fit by taking
them out of context using replacement events of life, but
this is wrong. We have to exercise biblical discernment
and understanding and differentiate between a principal
and doctrine. As an example: v. 19
Lay not
up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust
doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither
moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break
through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will
your heart be also.
The principal is for us is to not over emphasize the
importance of treasures for one day they will vanish amidst
the threat of being stolen. Christ equates their heart with
their (true) treasure. However, Christ continues to
de-emphasize the importance of daily sustenance for good
reason. He wants to rule and reign right then and there! Who
would need food, drink, money (mammon) or a place to live
because Christ would provide that! If I apply this today
folks, I starve! Paul certainly differentiated this concept
after Christ ascended and left different instructions to
believers as noted in 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10:
7
For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we
behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 8 Neither did we
eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and
travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to
any of you: 9 Not because we have not power, but to make
ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
10 For even when we were with you,
this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither
should he eat.
-
How
is God dealing with mankind? Remember we are reading
from Matthew as part of the 4 synoptic gospel accounts and Israel was the channel
of blessing to a lost world. They were to take the
dispensing of law to the Gentiles and to be witnesses of the
God of Israel; Jesus Christ as their Messiah!
Please go
to the next column entitled " Part 2 -Choke Points"
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Today's World News
New Jerusalem,
Heaven
-
Better Yet!
- Cindy Hess Kasper
Sir Francis Bacon said, "I do not believe that any man
fears to be dead, but only the stroke of death." Woody
Allen said, "I'm not afraid to die. I just don't want to
be there when it happens."
It's not death that's so frightening. It's the dying
that scares us. As Paul faced imprisonment and the
prospect of dying in a jail cell, he shared his view
about life and death:
"To live is
Christ, and to die is gain" (Phil.
1:21).
What a perspective!
Death is our enemy (1
Cor. 15:25-28),
but it does not possess the finality that so many dread.
There is something waiting for believers beyond this
life-something better.
Someone has said, "What the caterpillar thinks is the
end of life, the butterfly thinks is just the
beginning." George MacDonald wrote, "How strange this
fear of death is! We are never frightened at a sunset."
I love this paraphrase of
Philippians 1:21,
"To me,
living means opportunities for Christ, and dying-well,
that's better yet!"
(TLB). During our physical life, we have
opportunities to serve Jesus. But one day, we will
actually be in His presence. Our fear will melt away
when we see Him face to face.
That's the "better yet" the apostle Paul is talking
about!
Death? - Christ said not death;
He called it sleep;
A vast awaking, a new day breaking,
A bright way taking, with visions deep. - H. Frost
For the Christian, the fear of death will give way to
the fullness of life.
19 For I know that this
shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the
supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 According to my
earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall
be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so
now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether
it be by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is
Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the
flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall
choose I wot not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two,
having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which
is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is
more needful for you. 25 And having this confidence, I
know that I shall abide and continue with you all for
your furtherance and joy of faith; 26 That your
rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by
my coming to you again -
Philippians
1:19-26
(Part 2 - Choke Points of
Doctrine - con't)
 Again using
the same formula as as we did in reading Matthew 6
Let's ask the same questions while trying to understand
forgiveness in Colossians...
-
Who
is speaking? Paul the apostle of the Gentiles
-
Who
is the Book of Colossians to? This letter is addressed to
members of the church, The Body of Christ (all people who
have believed in Christ's vicarious work at Calvary on our
behalf...me and you!) More specifically: Paul, an apostle
of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our
brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which
are at Colosse Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our
Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
-
What do the surrounding verses say? Also
known as the prison epistles since Paul wrote these while
being incarcerated at Rome. It is interesting to note that
Paul tells saints about liberty in Christ,
forgiveness because of Christ and a heavenly place for
those who would set their mind on the things of Christ!
(3:1,2) Paul tells us of these things while he sits
in a rat infested prison! Paul tells us to beware of
those that would spoil our liberty, grace forgiveness and
freedom in Christ through philosophy, vain (empty) deceit
after man's traditions! Please remember that these
words were spoken after Paul encouraged believers about
forgiveness in chapter 1 verse 14.
-
How
is God dealing with mankind? God is dealing with
mankind through the riches of His grace. Paul was instructed by Jesus Christ to take the dispensing
of grace to the Gentiles and for us to be ambassadors of
Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world.
CONCLUSION: As far as forgiveness is concerned
we have all-inclusive, paid for, up-front, complete and total
forgiveness! We do not even have to ask God for forgiveness but
simply believe it! Better yet, we can say we are sorry and
should thank Him for forgiving us, but none of the above are
pre-requisites to obtain it! If we were truly honest with each
other and with God we know that we are going to sin again....let's
trust in His sufficiency to change our mind regarding sin unless we make
the same miscues as the Colossians did:
20 Wherefore if
ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though
living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste
not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the
commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things
have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and
neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the
flesh.
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above,
where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on
things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your
life is hid with Christ in God. - Colossians
2:20 through 3:3
When comparing
forgiveness today under God's mystery dispensing of grace with how men
were instructed to forgive under the law, we should be able to comprehend
the depth of the love of Christ and what He has done on our
behalf. More importantly, it is my prayer that more leaders and teachers
would speak on the magnificence of Jesus Christ's work rather than
asking believers to cry hot, scalding tears, commanding them to beg God
for forgiveness that they already have. The notion that our "fellowship"
is impacted unless we ask for forgiveness is erroneous, has no merit and
flies in the face of what Jesus Christ revealed to Paul as our doctrine
for grace today concerning this matter!
Water baptism - The Answer:
I never
could understand why church leaders would
stand so
firmly in defense of this topic. I guess
I am surprised it took me so
long to realize that something had to be wrong to have so many
differing opinions on this topic. Can 40,000 denominations hold a
differing view? My experience has been that each denomination is usually
associated with how water baptism is performed...but I haven't really
explored if they differ 40,000 times...nor do I want to. The topic of
water baptism is a choke point because of the volatility of the subject.
In Orthodox teachings if a child is not baptized they will perish in
limbo. In many denominations, water baptism "completes" salvation
which constitutes a "work" and testifies that Christ's work at Calvary
was NOT sufficient! Other denominations imply that
maybe you really aren't saved if you have no desire to be baptized since
it is believed in these instances that one is NOT
expressing his or her faith in Christ.
THEN
WHICH WAY IS THE CORRECT WAY TO BE WATER BAPTIZED? WHICH
DENOMINATION IS RIGHT? WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT WHETHER OR
NOT WE EVEN NEED TO BE BAPTIZED AT ALL?
There is no
correct way to be water baptized friends! I know that this is not a
very popular answer and would seem blasphemous to most religions and
faith systems. However, no denomination is correct on this issue.
Interestingly for hundreds of years, people have been dividing over a
non-issue!
What does the
bible say about this topic? I know from past experience, people
would say
things like: "If it was good enough for Jesus, then it's good enough
for me!" Well, that may sound romantic and Godly but friends,
Jesus lived under the dispensing of the law. Keeping the law was good
enough for Jesus too; should we in like manner attempt to do that under
God's dispensing of grace? What does scripture say in regards to
water baptism? In The Gospel of John chapter 1, the Pharisees spoke to
John The Baptist and they asked him several questions about who he was:
24 And they
which were sent were of the
Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou
then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? 26
John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one
among you, whom ye know not; 27 He it is, who coming after me is
preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. 28
These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was
baptizing. 29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith,
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30 This
is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before
me: for he was before me. 31 And I knew him not:
but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come
baptizing with water
John told the Pharisees
explicitly the reason why he baptized in verse 31. He told them that he knew not
Jesus but that He should reveal Himself to Israel...that's the reason why he
(John) water baptized. Would believers baptism today be in accordance with
Christ revealing Himself to Israel? As recorded in Matthew 28 while under the
law, Jesus told the 12 apostles to teach all nations baptizing them in the name
of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. If we are following the commands of
Jesus under the model of the apostles as many teach, then why aren't we teaching
the nations after being baptized? But let's review another scripture on
this volatile topic:
14 I thank God that I
baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15 Lest any should say that I had
baptized in mine own name. 16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas:
besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 17 For
Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom
of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect
-
1 Corinthians 14-17.
Friends,
how can it be that Paul takes such a cavalier attitude with
water baptism in this passage? In fact, Paul mentions
nothing of water baptism in any of his letters!
As a
younger man I erroneously taught "water baptism" classes
(thank God for His forgiveness...). I misused passages in
Galatians, Romans and Ephesians that spoke of Holy Spirit
baptism and made them water verses. Friends, tell me....Is
the One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism of Ephesians 4 about
getting wet? If we are buried with Jesus in water
baptism as many teach in Romans 6, then isn't that a
work? Prior to my eviction from a local assembly back in
2001 over this topic (and other grace-related topics) an
old-time preacher chastised me on this issue but did not
answer me when I asked about whether or not Romans 6
included "wet" or "dry" verses. He knows the truth now
beloved as he went home about a year ago.... He now knows
that we are "dry-cleaned" by the Holy Spirit and there is
no water in Romans 6 or in any of Paul's letters to the
saints as part of their doctrine!
If you are still wrestling with this, let me appeal to your
analytical side for a moment. Why get water baptized? You
cannot find one scripture outside of Matthew, Mark, Luke,
John or the Old Testament that tells us that this is our
marching orders. Many have stated that it provides an
open door to invite lost loved ones to the ceremony. If
that's the case and that notion works, I say let's have
water baptism services several times a day then. In reality,
this issue has only divided believers and un-believers alike
as many religions and faith systems use water baptism as
their battle cry to identify themselves.
CONCLUSION: Remember, the issue we are discussing is not
challenging the scripture, for the bible clearly says
that water baptism was required in God's past dealings with
mankind. This issue at hand is its relevance today
under the dispensation of grace. Nowhere in Paul's
letters will you find him discussing water baptism as
something that must be done or that it is required of Jesus
Christ!
Prayer - The Answer:
The topic and
discussion of prayer can
be just as volatile as discussing forgiveness! In the past I
have been accused of telling people that prayer is not
relevant or that I am somehow limiting God by what I teach and
believe.
Let's
again examine some books of the bible and some verses on the
topic of prayer by applying our existing study model:
23 And
in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto
you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give
it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and
ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
- John
16:23-24
22 And
all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye
shall receive.
- Matthew
21:22
Let's
examine these scriptures now:
6 Be
careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known
unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ
Jesus. - Philippians
4:6,7
Now, in
John with these
guidelines to studying scripture....
-
Who
is speaking? As part of the four synoptic
gospels, John recorded what
Jesus said in chapter 16 through divine inspiration.
In the 33 verses of this particular chapter, Jesus is
instructing His faithful followers, His chosen apostles:
And
ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me
from the beginning. - John 15:27
-
Who
is the Book of John to? It is an account of the
earthly ministry of Jesus Christ and it is 1 of 4 gospel
accounts. It is an outstanding book of the bible that
focuses on the deity of Jesus Christ
and its message to the lost
sheep of the house of Israel.
-
What do the surrounding verses say? The verses of
chapter 16 in John's account are Jesus Christ's instruction
to the 12 apostles. Some key topics he
discusses are about the end time events
 that
Christ describes. Please recall that Christ has this
discussion after previously discussing the person and the
work of The Comforter: The Holy Spirit. In this chapter and
its surrounding verses, Jesus is warning the apostles
against those that would do them harm. In this example,
prayer can be sought by them and it is their responsibility
to ask in the Father's name for provisions and sustenance.
This is a reasonable request for God Himself will provide
for their want since He will have established rule and reign
with them on the earth during the kingdom dispensing.
In like fashion,
the verses in the Gospel of Matthew convey the same message.
-
How
is God dealing with mankind? Remember we are reading
from John as part of the 4 synoptic gospel accounts and Israel was the channel
of blessing to a lost world. They were to take the
dispensing of law to the Gentiles and to be witnesses of the
God of Israel; Jesus Christ as their Messiah! Some of the
ways we can truly know of how God is dealing with mankind is
the significance and presence of signs, wonders, miracles
and healings by not only Christ Himself, but by those whom
He ordains. It is also of special note that these outward
manifestations of God are done in and around Jerusalem: the
epic-center. of such activity.
Let's now
analyze Paul's letters to the saints at Philippi and some verses on the
topic of prayer by applying our existing study model:
-
Who
is speaking? Paul the apostle of the Gentiles.
-
Who
is the Book of Philippians to? Paul and Timotheus,
the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ
Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and
deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father,
and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
-
What do the surrounding verses say? On the topic of
prayer, the surrounding verses of this passage give the
reader information on what to expect from God when we pray.
It' snot a matter of whether prayer is relevant or not for
it most certainly is!. The issue at hand is what
believers should expect from God when they pray. For
this answer is different depending on who the audience is.
-
How
is God dealing with mankind? God is dealing with
mankind through the riches of His grace (as noted above).
Paul was instructed by Jesus Christ to take the dispensing
of grace to the Gentiles and for us to be ambassadors of
Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world.
If I
go back to the verses in Philippians, I will find comfort as
'the peace of God' which passes all understanding will keep my
heart and mind through Christ Jesus.
If I attempt
to go back and read myself into God's past dealings with mankind
through the nation of Israel I will drive myself crazy trying to
claim promises He made for someone else for another time; such
as the prayer of Jabez.
Friends,
please understand that if God was
dealing with us as He dealt with Jabez, He would be answering
all prayers at all times because He is indeed faithful.
Following prayer models in this fashion are making millions of dollars for Christian book
companies and have no relevance to how God deals with mankind
today!
RELEVANT PRAYER TODAY
UNDER GRACE:
-
Why do we
attend mid-week prayer meetings and make the same requests to
God when we return to our groups?
-
How many prayer meetings have we attended
where most requests are for God to change the things happening
in our lives rather than us aligning to Him and the way He would
think?
-
Is there a belief
in the Body of Christ today that prayer in great numbers will change
the will of God?
How about
considering
Paul's prayer to the Ephesians saints in the first
chapter? How about his
giant-sized prayer in the third chapter? I am amazed at why
believers, teachers and leaders do not follow the model of
prayer that Jesus Christ revealed to Paul for this
dispensation of grace. To even mention that Christ revealed
something unique to church leaders causes rage for some reason.
Most feel that the words of Christ in red have significant
doctrinal meaning that is applicable to our day-to-day walk
but this is not
true since the words of Christ in red came from the gospels of
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These gospels were to His
special nation
Israel
including the model on how they were to pray to God as
noted in the above verses and in what is commonly referred to as
The Lord's Prayer.
CONCLUSION: Prayer is such an important part
 of
the Christian walk but I am afraid we have not understood the
benefits of prayer without turning God into some type of
heavenly Genie! The issue at hand involves the expectations of
believers concerning prayer.
Prayer and
what we can expect from God is a dispensational issue. This
means that God has changed His dealings with mankind in regards
to this topic. Because of the sufficiency we have in Christ
Jesus, we
have the Holy Spirit who lives in us and prayers on our behalf
because the bible says we do not know what to pray for! How true
this is friends....
22 For we know
that the whole creation groaneth
and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves
also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within
ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For
we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth,
why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with
patience wait for it. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:
for
we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh
intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh
intercession for the saints according to the will of God. -
Romans 8:22-27
What a
wonderful set of verses. I would much rather have the Holy
Spirit helping my infirmities making intercession for me! The
fact is friends, this life perplexes me and I need the comfort
of God to ease my mental burdens and renew my mind to help me
make righteous decisions. The Spirit will pray on my behalf
according to the will of God....I am thankful for that. Prayer
under this dispensing of grace can be followed according to what
Christ revealed to Paul on this topic!
Please go
to the
next column entitled " Part 2 -Choke Points
of Doctrine - The Church" >>>>
 |
COFFEE
CORNER
Your House
The walls of a house
are not built of wood, brick or stone, but of truth and
loyalty.
Unpleasant sounds of
grumbling, the friction of living, the clash of
personalities, are not deadened by Persian rugs or
polished floors, but by conciliation and concession....
The house is not a
structure where bodies meet, but a hearthstone upon
which flames mingle, separate flames of souls, which,
the more perfectly they unite, the more clearly they
shine and the straighter they rise toward heaven.
Your house is your
fortress in a warring world, where a woman's hand
buckles your armor in the morning and soothes your
fatigue and wounds at night.
The beauty of a house
is harmony.
The security of a
house is loyalty.
The joy of a house is
love.
The plenty of a house
is children.
The rule of a house
is service.
The comfort of a
house is in contented spirits.
The maker of a
house, of a real human house, is God Himself, the same
who made the stars and built the world.
AUTHOR UNKNOWN
1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in
faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women
likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh
holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine,
teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young
women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their
children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home,
good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of
God be not blasphemed.
- Titus 2:1-5
Believe It!
 Evolution:
You are kidding me right?
19
Because that which may be
known of God is
manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the
world are clearly seen, being understood by the things
that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so
that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they
knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were
thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and
their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing
themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed
the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made
like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted
beasts, and creeping things. "
- Romans 1: 19-23
The
fact that many scientists, atheists, educated and
uneducated alike still subscribe to the theory of
evolution astounds me until this day.....
There
is so much to say about this topic...to speak
wholeheartedly against this insanity, that I had
trouble deciding where I wanted to take this article!
If
you happened to stumble across the commentary to this
position or have never considered the creation view
point, I would ask that you keep an open mind and let me
appeal to your practical side. If you have heard this
all before and are still convinced that we
came from apes, monkeys, fish or a ball of slime just
read the verses in Romans above before you go.
First, let me appeal to your logical side. I firmly
believe that it takes more faith to believe in
evolution then it does to believe the Genesis creation
account. But worse yet, evolution has done more
damage secretly under the radar; let me explain.
The problem is that the evolutionists have had much
more "air time" then those that would teach and
embrace creation. You can blame the godless, Madeline
Mary O'Hara or others but our justice system
which has succumbed to a gross interpretation of
"freedom of speech" has really failed us all. Starting
with the removal of the bible in our public schools
these cowards caved like little sissies because they
were fearful of their position and valued money more
than morality.
Second, as a
lover of the United States and a patriot, I feel
that we are slowly feeling the effects of past decisions
or court orders to
remove the bible, prayer and the very name of Jesus
Christ from our school systems. These decisions have sped
up the process that enabled evolution to be taught in
earnest while we wonder why kids are killing each other
more regularly in neighborhoods AND
in school. After all, evolution teaches survival
of the fittest and since we came from animals, why
not act like one....
I
could continue about the failures of the evolutionist to
prove "Piltdown Man" or ask them why there are no actual
pictures of fossils (only drawings) by
evolutionists in many of our school text books. We could
also discuss at some length about the inconsistencies of
the carbon dating process. Personally, I really
couldn't get into a scientific battle with these
so-called evolution experts for then I would need to
lean on my Christian brothers at the
Institute of Creation
Research and watch them blow their doors in
with truth that they have never dreamt of.... Or I could
sic Ravi Zacharias on
them if they want to get "philosophical".
 But
let me appeal to your reason...... If we evolved
from monkeys then shouldn't there be one out
there...anywhere.... stuck in mid state? OR
better yet, what if we rounded up a bunch of apes and
conducted an experiment to monitor their actions over
time to see if they can add, subtract...and progress to
perform calculus? Scientists could then pass
their findings on to younger scientists as we await for
the change....
Let me appeal to your reason: the science that deals
with energy transfer is called thermodynamics. It has
two basic laws:
-
The Law of
Conservation tells us that no energy is being created therefore
the universe could NOT have created itself....do
the math
-
The Law of
Decreasing Available Energy tells us that the universe is
heading towards an eventual heat death.
But let me appeal to your reason....is mankind
really getting better? Are we truly evolving into
intellectual superiority? More wars or less wars
in the last 10 years? More or less violence, sex, drugs
and debauchery over the last 25 years? Go back to the
1950's and morality...what was acceptable conduct then
and what about the girl (singular) with a
reputation? It's been reported on CNN this year that on
average, children are sexually active near or at the age
of 12. In 2008 and in contrast to the 1950's, it's not
about the girl with the reputation of being "loose" in
high school, it's being able to find one girl
who hasn't been sexually active while in
eight grade (Dear God..)! Yes...man is brilliant, pure
and ascending to higher ground...he can even brag about
how many times over he can destroy the earth if we added
all of the nuclear warheads together.
Logically speaking, why do most people consider the
Discovery channel to be the authority on all matters of
the age of the earth? Why National Geographic? Although
I like some of their programs, I cannot bear the phrase
"over 10 million years ago"....
Friends, who was there 10 million years ago??? If
we really cut to the chase, isn't believing in evolution
a faith based system in and of itself?
4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the
earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. -
Job
38:4
I
have a theory on why mankind loves to embrace evolution.
It is not a new theory mind you, but one that needs to
be discussed. If there is no God or no Creator than
there is no accountability, no one to answer to....I
believe this is what secretly pleases man....don't
tell me what to do, no one tells me what to do!!!....
I think we all have that in us friends....some more,
some less but all of us in this sinful flesh have that
nature about us....its called rebellion.
Along
the same lines, and another reason why I believe man
embraces evolution is that man does not like to give
much thought to the things of God. In fact, more time is
spent on planning vacations, retirement or special trips
than on on the final trip, or the permanent
retirement....where one goes when they die. Without much
thought, evolution is passed down from age to age, and
from generation to generation....much the same way we
choose a soap or toothpaste or a way of life that was
passed down to us except this "heritage" is
secretly devastating. I have found that how one feels
about evolution (in most cases) can be directly
associated with their foundational faith (or lack of
faith) in God. Logically speaking then, if a
person has subscribed to evolution's God-less
belief system then what should they expect when
they
die but to go to the place or person who is the steward
of that
realm....but again they are
wrong here too!
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the
Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty
angels, 8 In flaming fire taking
vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not
the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be
punished with everlasting destruction from the presence
of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10
When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to
be admired in all them that believe (because our
testimony among you was believed) in that day.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10
But
with my final words on this subject, let me appeal to
your logic; don't listen to me but instead give God a
chance and give Him some "air time" and at least
listen to what the creation account has to say. Give the
ministries mentioned above an opportunity to present a
fair and balanced defense of the faith and THEN make
your decision. If I am wrong then we all just die,
become worm food without any consequences of the
decisions chosen in life. But what if I am right and
evolution is a sham? If I could just appeal to your
reason......
Job 38
1 Then the LORD answered
Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
2 Who is this that
darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
3 Gird up
now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and
answer thou me.
4 Where wast
thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?
declare, if thou hast understanding. 5
Who
hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who
hath stretched the line upon it? 6
Whereupon
are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the
corner stone thereof; 7
When
the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God
shouted for joy? 8 Or
who
shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as
if it
had issued out of the womb? 9 When I made the cloud the
garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for
it, 10 And brake up for it my decreed place, and set
bars and doors, 11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come,
but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be
stayed? 12 Hast thou
commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the
dayspring to know his place; 13 That it might take hold
of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be
shaken out of it? 14 It is turned as clay to the seal;
and they stand as a garment. 15 And from the wicked
their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be
broken. 16 Hast thou
entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked
in the search of the depth? 17
Have the gates of death been
opened unto thee? or
hast thou
seen the doors of the shadow of death? 18
Hast thou perceived the breadth of
the earth? declare if thou
knowest it all. 19 Where is the way where light dwelleth?
and as for darkness, where is the place thereof, 20 That
thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that
thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof? 21
Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because
the number of thy days is great?
22 Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or
hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, 23 Which I
have reserved against the time of trouble, against the
day of battle and war? 24 By what way is the light
parted, which scattereth the east wind upon the earth?
25 Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of
waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder; 26 To
cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the
wilderness, wherein there is no man; 27 To satisfy the
desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the
tender herb to spring forth? 28 Hath the rain a father?
or who hath begotten the drops of dew? 29 Out of whose
womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who
hath gendered it? 30 The waters are hid as with a stone,
and the face of the deep is frozen. 31
Canst thou bind the sweet
influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?
32 Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or
canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons? 33
Knowest thou the ordinances of
heaven? canst thou set the
dominion thereof in the earth? 34
Canst thou lift up thy voice to
the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee?
35 Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go and say
unto thee, Here we are? 36 Who hath put wisdom in the
inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the
heart? 37 Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who
can stay the bottles of heaven, 38 When the dust groweth
into hardness, and the clods cleave fast together? 39
Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the
appetite of the young lions, 40 When they couch in their
dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait? 41 Who
provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones
cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.
RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH
by Cornelius R. Stam
St.
Paul wrote to Timothy, many centuries ago:
"All Scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness" -
2 Timothy 3: 16).
The
Apostle referred, of course, to the sacred Scriptures,
also called The Bible and The Word of God. All of it, he
says, is "God-breathed and profitable," to "teach," to
"reprove," to "correct" and to "instruct."
But why, then, have so many heresies and false teachings
sprung up through the years - all based upon the Bible?
And why have so many thousands of sincere people been
led astray by these false teachings?
The reason is that teachers and followers alike have
failed to heed another important statement which Paul
made in this same letter prior to his declaration that
all Scripture is inspired of God and profitable. This
statement is found in Chapter 2, Verse 15:
"Study to show thyself
approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth."
The Bible can prove "profitable" to us only as we
"rightly divide" it. We must rightly divide the Word of
truth for the simple reason that if we do not do this we
can pervert the truth and change it into error. Through
the centuries God has periodically altered His dealings
with mankind. Many religious rites which were commanded
in Old Testament times are positively forbidden in this
present dispensation of grace.
In Old Testament times, for example, animal sacrifices
were required for acceptance with God, and from John the
Baptist through Pentecost water baptism was required (Lev.
17:11; Mk. 1:4; Acts 2:38), but some years after the
death of Christ Paul was sent forth with "the preaching
of the cross," and he declared that: "We have redemption
through [Christ’s] blood, the forgiveness of sins
according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7)
"Being justified freely by [God’s] grace, through the
redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 3:24).
TRUTH ON THE SCAFFOLD
by Russell S. Miller
"Truth is on the scaffold, and wrong is on the throne."
Though this may be expected in an ungodly world, such a
mentality ought not to exist in the Church. Honesty,
integrity, and uprightness should rather be the
watchwords amongst the people of God, especially with
regards to the evidence in the Word of God.
The evidence of Creation could not be
clearer (Gen.1:1; Ex.20:11; Eph. 3:9; Heb.1:2), yet some
people won’t believe.
The evidence of the Inspiration of the Scriptures
couldn’t be greater (II Tim.3:16; IIPet.1:20,21;
Heb. 4:12,13), yet some people won’t believe.
The evidence of the Virgin Birth of Christ
couldn’t be stronger (Matt. 1:18; Luke 1:35), yet
some people won’t believe.
The evidence of the Pauline Revelation
could not be plainer (Rom. 16:25,26; Gal.1:11,12;
Eph.3:9), yet some people won’t believe.
The evidence of the eternal security of
the believer in Christ could not be more obvious
(Rom.8:35-39; Heb. 7:25), yet some people won’t believe.
The evidence of a pre-millennial, pre-tribulational
rapture of the Body of Christ could not be more
imminent (IThes.4:13-18; 5:9), yet some people won’t
believe.
The reason that many people don’t believe these
wonderful truths in God’s Word is because "the god of
this world [Satan] hath blinded the minds of them which
believe not, LEST THE LIGHT OF THE GLORIOUS GOSPEL OF
CHRIST, who is the image of God, SHOULD SHINE UNTO THEM"
(IICor. 4:4).
Remember: God holds us accountable to
"rightly divide the Word of truth"
2Timothy 2:15.
"Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord
come, who both will BRING TO LIGHT THE HIDDEN THINGS OF
DARKNESS, and will make MANIFEST THE COUNSELS OF THE
HEARTS: and then shall every man have praise of God"
-
1 Corinthians4:5
....it is my prayer that more leaders and teachers would
speak on the magnificence of Jesus Christ's work rather
than asking believers to cry hot, scalding tears,
commanding them to beg God for forgiveness that they
already have....
(Part 2 - Choke Points of
Doctrine - Church)
The Church (When did it begin?) - The Answer:
The birthday
of the church is an
interesting topic these days as its answer can determine a
person's specific faith-based system of beliefs. Depending on
how you answer this question can also determine your acceptance
among believers or where you physically are permitted to
fellowship! As I personally sit on the outside looking in, I
will address this topic from not only a biblical perspective but
from a dispensational perspective as well.....for its the latter
perspective that is ignored by 99.44 % of Christendom!
If you scroll
up and look to the left of this page you will notice that this
topic was introduced in the "question" segment for it is here
that I dropped a few clues on the origination of the church.
First,
the very word "church" must be understood in its context when
the above question is asked. Do we mean The Kingdom
Church that Jesus Christ committed to Peter as the "stone"
of whom would help His earthly ministry flourish prior to
His second coming? Or do we want to understand the
origination of The Church The Body of Christ of which
Jesus Christ told Paul that he would be in charge of? Why does
it matter? Is there really a difference? How can we
differentiate what Peter's instructions to the "called out" ones
were versus Paul's instructions to the "called out" ones he was
the ambassador of Christ for?
In fact then,
the answer to the beginnings of the church is conditional
upon which body of believers you are speaking of!
We referenced earlier how Stephen described "the church" in the
wilderness when referring to Old Testament saints
(otherwise known as the children of Israel) who were freed from
Egypt under the guidance of Moses after seeing the hand of God
move on their behalf. Tell me friends, should we not draw at
least some type of distinction from that body of "called out"
ones? Are we the same as they or was God dealing with these
people completely different? You could not even be a
Gentile and be on equal footing when compared to those in
that church. Therefore, I would have to indeed make a
distinction between those "called out" ones and the "called out"
ones Paul was committed to teaching:
11 I say then,
Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather
through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to
provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if the fall of them be the
riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of
the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? 13
For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the
Gentiles, I magnify mine office: 14 If by any means I may
provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save
some of them.
-
Romans 11:11-14
But I will
have to stop here and address this last topic separately but I
will leave you with this hint:
In the
beginning God created the heaven and the earth. -
Genesis 1:1
"Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus
Christ, Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from
this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father."
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been revoked".
Joe
knew that this could be a major problem in that he would not be able
to get his work completed without access to area XYZ! However, after
further review of the e-mail, the man quickly discovered that he was
not the intended recipient but instead "copied" or "cc'd" as a
reference only! As it turns out, a collogue of his was the man who lost
his access! Joe, as the superintendent of area XYZ, simply needed to
be aware of this. For a brief moment, Joe confused his TO
mail with his CC mail. Not understanding that distinction for
those brief seconds after reading the message caused severe anxiety for
Joe until he realized the message was indeed TO someone else!
In a much similar example, when
we
read the bible, identifying our TO
mail is very important lest
we make the same fundamental mistake as the person above. Without
understanding the distinction between our "to" mail and our
"cc" or our "reference only" mail, believers inadvertently
"read themselves" into areas of the bible that God did not intend.
The result when this happens: confusion!
(see
