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Author Topic: The Gospel
WildB
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quote:
Originally posted by oneinchrist:
Hello Wild B,

If I told you that I believe that we are saved by grace through faith and that I also believe that we have a doctrine that God has given us to live by.......................................would you also accuse me of promoting a grace/legalism gospel?

With love in Jesus, Daniel

Nope only if you forwarded things like these.


1That OSAS,is a license to SIN~~~!"
2That the Sabbath is to be kept on Saturday.
3That Yahushua must be used in the place of the name JESUS.
4That the Harpazo is a lie.
5That there is no BEMA.
6That there is no such thing as a carnal Christian.
7That THE MYSTERY is a lie.
8That retention of the Law will be the guarantee of everlasting life.

--------------------
That is all.....

Posts: 8775 | From: USA, MICHIGAN | Registered: Mar 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
oneinchrist
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Hello Wild B,

If I told you that I believe that we are saved by grace through faith and that I also believe that we have a doctrine that God has given us to live by.......................................would you also accuse me of promoting a grace/legalism gospel?

With love in Jesus, Daniel

Posts: 1389 | From: Wind Lake, WI | Registered: May 2007  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
WildB
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quote:
Originally posted by becauseHElives:
WildB
quote:
I assure you MY GOSPEL IS THE SAME.
It is not the same if it disregards the Great Commission…the teaching of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John….and WRONGLY DIVIDES THE BODY OF CHRIST, INTO JEW AND GENTILE!!!

WildB your post diametrically oppose Caretakers post and yet you say…

quote:
I assure you MY GOSPEL IS THE SAME.
You have real problem!

It is clear to all what is required by the legal/grace gospel.

Becausehelives states "When men are restored to perfection, the law of God will be written in their hearts (Jer. 31:33), and its spirit of love will permeate their whole being, and its retention will be their guarantee of everlasting life."


1That OSAS,is a license to SIN~~~!"
2That the Sabbath is to be kept on Saturday.
3That Yahushua must be used in the place of the name JESUS.
4That the Harpazo is a lie.
5That there is no BEMA.
6That there is no such thing as a carnal Christian.
7That THE MYSTERY is a lie.
8That retention of the Law will be the guarantee of everlasting life.

--------------------
That is all.....

Posts: 8775 | From: USA, MICHIGAN | Registered: Mar 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
becauseHElives
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WildB
quote:
I assure you MY GOSPEL IS THE SAME.
It is not the same if it disregards the Great Commission…the teaching of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John….and WRONGLY DIVIDES THE BODY OF CHRIST, INTO JEW AND GENTILE!!!

WildB your post diametrically oppose Caretakers post and yet you say…

quote:
I assure you MY GOSPEL IS THE SAME.
You have real problem!

--------------------
Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )

Posts: 4578 | From: Southeast Texas | Registered: Jun 2002  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
oneinchrist
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Hi Caretaker,
May I add one more(#8)foundational belief of the Christian faith.................

8. Jesus is the Son of God

With love in Jesus, Daniel

Posts: 1389 | From: Wind Lake, WI | Registered: May 2007  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Caretaker
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1. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament of the coming Redeemer.
2. Jesus Christ is the Messiah.
3. Jesus Christ lived a perfect sinless life for us. He conquered sin for us.
4. Jesus Christ died for my sins, once and for all.
5. Jesus Christ rose from the dead. He conquered death that I might have eternal life.
6. Jesus Christ ascended to heaven where He is interceding for me. He tells me to stop sinning, yet if I do sin and repent, He is interceding his blood before the Father and will forgive me.
7. Jesus Christ is coming back to take His people home to heaven.

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

1 Tim. 3:
16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..

Posts: 3978 | From: Council Grove, KS USA | Registered: Jun 2002  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
WildB
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quote:
Originally posted by Caretaker:
quote:
Originally posted by WildB:
STANDS!!!!!Indeed it does.

LOL. So your going to offer me some of my own spam.

Well if you are at least put a little fire to it. I like mine cooked..

Love Ya. Got to go for awhile to help a old guy get his log splitter back from a bad neighbor.

I truly love you too my Brother in Christ.

I pray that all goes truly well and you can retrieve the log-splitter without incident.


It didnt. The days are indeed getting eviler.

ThanX for cookin my spam!


I understand different from the others because of my training.

BUT,

I assure you MY GOSPEL IS THE SAME.


[cool_shades]

--------------------
That is all.....

Posts: 8775 | From: USA, MICHIGAN | Registered: Mar 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Caretaker
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quote:
Originally posted by WildB:
STANDS!!!!!Indeed it does.

LOL. So your going to offer me some of my own spam.

Well if you are at least put a little fire to it. I like mine cooked..

Love Ya. Got to go for awhile to help a old guy get his log splitter back from a bad neighbor.

I truly love you too my Brother in Christ.

I pray that all goes truly well and you can retrieve the log-splitter without incident.

Acts 8:

8:27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

8:28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

8:30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

8:31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

8:32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

8:33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

8:34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

8:36 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?

8:37 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.

8:38 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.

8:39 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.

8:40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

I am no different then my Brother in Christ Phillip, my Brother in Christ the Ethiopean, my Brothers in Christ Peter, John, Matthew, Paul, James, or any of the 3000 who came to Christ on the Day of Pentecost. I am no different then my Brethren Aquila and Prscilla, my Brother Apollos, who was taught the way of Christ more perfectly, or my Brethren the Bereans who searched the scriptures if these things be so.

We are sinners saved by placing our faith and trust in Jesus of Nazareth, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God and the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.

We enter the Kingdom of God, when He enters our hearts, and we will reign with Christ a thousand years when He returns and takes the Throne of David in His earthly Kingdom, the fulfillment of the righteous reign.

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

1 Tim. 3:
16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..

Posts: 3978 | From: Council Grove, KS USA | Registered: Jun 2002  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
WildB
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quote:
Originally posted by Caretaker:
I would encourage you to be a Berean Bill and study the Word of God for yourself.

No matter how much you spam my thread with teachers who seek to divide the Body of Christ, His Word STANDS!!!!!

quote:
Originally posted by WildB:
[QB] If U don't like legal ham , then SPAM!


 -


My Lord Jesus established a New Covenant separating His Church from Israel.

He paid for His Church on Calvary.

He commissioned His Church with the Eleven

He empowered His Church on the Day of Pentecost

He revealed the Mystery of His Church as His indwelling presence within His Body through the teaching of our Brother Paul

He will one day return for His Church.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

--------------------

His Word STANDS!!!!!Indeed it does.

LOL. So your going to offer me some of my own spam.

Well if you are at least put a little fire to it. I like mine cooked..

Love Ya. Got to go for awhile to help a old guy get his log splitter back from a bad neighbor.

--------------------
That is all.....

Posts: 8775 | From: USA, MICHIGAN | Registered: Mar 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Caretaker
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It is wrong for the Jesus only faction to deny the validity of the epistles of Paul.

It is JUST as wrong for the Pauline Dispensationalists to deny the validity of the Word of God OTHER than the epistles of Paul.

Do not deny the entire Word of God to His precious children.

DO NOT DIVIDE THE BODY OF CHRIST DO TO THE TEACHINGS ON MEN!!!!

The dispensation of the Law ended on the Cross, when Christ declared "It Is Finished". It did NOT extend into the early Church.

Do not wrongly divide the Dispensation of the Grace of God under which we, both Jew and Gentile are redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb.

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

1 Tim. 3:
16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..

Posts: 3978 | From: Council Grove, KS USA | Registered: Jun 2002  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Caretaker
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Hyper-Dispensationalism, also known as Ultra-Dispensationalism, is the name given to Dispensationalists who believe Paul was the first member of the body of Christ. The word "Hyper" does not imply anything negative; instead, it only designates those who take Dispensationalism further than Traditional Dispensationalists do. Among Hyper-Dispensationalists, there are two major divisions, commonly known as the mid-Acts viewpoint (which takes its name from the belief that Paul became the first member of the body of Christ during the mid-Acts period), and the Acts 28 viewpoint (which takes its name from the belief that only Paul's prison and Pastoral epistles, which were written after Acts chapter 28, apply directly to the church in this present dispensation of grace).


There is an ongoing debate among Dispensationalists as to which books of the New Testament were written to Christians today. The outcome of this debate is directly associated with when the present church began. Traditional Dispensationalists believe the church began sometime between the birth of Christ and Acts chapter 2, and that the majority (if not all) of the New Testament was written to the church today. By contrast, most Pauline Dispensationalists (also known as Hyper-Dispensationalists or Ultra-Dispensationalists) believe the church began with the apostle Paul at some point during the book of Acts. Consequently, most Pauline Dispensationalists believe that only some or all of Paul's epistles were written directly to Christians today. Among Hyper-Dispensationalists, those in the Acts 28 category don't believe the present church began until Acts 28 (or shortly thereafter), which means that only the epistles Paul wrote after that time apply to the church today. The Opposing Views category is for sites that address the debate between these differing viewpoints.


Progressive Dispensationalism teaches that certain promises concerning the New Covenant are currently being fulfilled by the church today, in the dispensation of grace. These promises initially began to be fulfilled when the Lord established the New Covenant with the believing "remnant" of Israel. Upon His ascension, the Lord began ruling on the throne of David in Heaven. Subsequently, the prophesied salvation of Gentiles began to be fulfilled in this present dispensation of grace, when the apostle Paul was sent to the Gentiles. At that time, believing Gentiles also began to partake of the New Covenant promises.

Traditional Dispensationalism maintains a firm distinction between the Church and the nation of Israel. Many Traditional Dispensationalists may also teach that there are certain Pauline "truths" that are unique to Paul's epistles. While most Traditional Dispensationalists do not place undue emphasis upon Pauline doctrine, there are always exceptions.


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++

Luke 1:
1: Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
2: Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
3: It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
4: That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

Acts 1:
1: The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
2: Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

1 Peter 1:

1: Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
2: Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
3: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4: To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5: Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

2 Peter 1:
1: Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
2: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
3: According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5: And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6: And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7: And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8: For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.


1 Cor. 1:
1: Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
2: Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
3: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
4: I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
5: That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
6: Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
7: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
8: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9: God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
10: Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11: For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12: Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
13: Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
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.
18: For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
19: For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20: Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21: For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
22: For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
23: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24: But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
25: Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26: For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28: And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29: That no flesh should glory in his presence.
30: But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
31: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.


The writings/Books of the New Testament were written for and to Believers.

3 John 1:
1: The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
2: Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3: For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
4: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
5: Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
6: Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
7: Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
8: We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
9: I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
10: Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
11: Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
12: Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
13: I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
14: But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

2 John 1:
1: The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
2: For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
3: Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
4: I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
5: And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
6: And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
7: For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
8: Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
9: Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10: If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
12: Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
13: The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.


1 John 1:
1: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
2: (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us
3: That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
4: And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
5: This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6: If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

John 1:
1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2: The same was in the beginning with God.
3: All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4: In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5: And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6: There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7: The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8: He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9: That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10: He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11: He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
__________________

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

1 Tim. 3:
16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..

Posts: 3978 | From: Council Grove, KS USA | Registered: Jun 2002  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Caretaker
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Member # 36

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I would encourage you to be a Berean Bill and study the Word of God for yourself.

No matter how much you spam my thread with teachers who seek to divide the Body of Christ, His Word STANDS!!!!!

quote:
Originally posted by WildB:
[QB] If U don't like legal ham , then SPAM!


 -


My Lord Jesus established a New Covenant separating His Church from Israel.

He paid for His Church on Calvary.

He commissioned His Church with the Eleven

He empowered His Church on the Day of Pentecost

He revealed the Mystery of His Church as His indwelling presence within His Body through the teaching of our Brother Paul

He will one day return for His Church.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From the very moment when Christ indwelt HIS CHURCH on the Day of Pentecost Christ was reigning from His Kingdom, in the hearts and lives of His Bride.

He will return and reign from His earthly kingdom following the Tribulation, as the Righteous Reign of the Root of Jessie.

DO NOT WRONGLY DIVIDE THE BODY OF CHRIST, INTO JEW AND GENTILE!!!

Gal.

3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.


Only a portion of the doctrine of Christ was made known during His ministry on earth. After His ascension He revealed many additional teachings to the apostles through the Holy Spirit. Shortly before His death He said: "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come" (John 16:12,13). "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you" (John 14:26).

The Holy Spirit revealed all truth to the apostles, He taught them all things, also things Jesus had not yet made known during his life on earth.

When people claim that the words of Jesus in the Gospels are authoritative but the words of the apostles are not, they are rejecting the words of Jesus in the Gospels because He says that we must obey the apostles or we reject both Him and the Father.

The church is built on the teaching of the apostles, which is nothing other than the teaching of Christ, made known through them and subsequently recorded in the New Testament. Together with Christ, the apostles and prophets form the foundation of the church: "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:19,20).

Also in the first century there were false teachers who rejected the authority of the apostles. Paul warned: "If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 14:37).


"Another serious defect in dispensational teaching is its doctrine that many portions of the Bible are not meant for the Church age at all, that is, not for Christians, but that they are intended for a future Jewish-led kingdom. This follows from their belief that most of Christ’s ministry was taken up with preaching designed to prepare Israel for the Kingdom, but that when it became evident that the Jews would not accept the Kingdom the Church was substituted. This means that the Lord’s prayer, the Sermon on the Mount, the Kingdom parables, the Great Tribulation, the Book of Revelation chapters 4 to 19, and some say, most of the New Testament except the Pauline Epistles, are "Jewish" and "legal" and therefore do not concern the Church. We point out, however, that Paul certainly did not make this distinction between the gospel of Grace and the gospel of the Kingdom of God. Rather, he identified the two, for late in his ministry he said to the elders from Ephesus: "Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more." (Acts 20:24, 25) (The Millennium pp. 244-245 by L. Boettner).

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A Servant of Christ,
Drew

1 Tim. 3:
16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..

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by Pastor J. C. O'Hair


DID THE CHURCH BEGIN WITH PENTECOST OF ACTS TWO?

If one believes that the Body of Christ began historically with the advent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, he is given the right hand of fellowship by the “regular” Fundamentalists. If one believes that the Body of Christ began after the close of the “Acts” period, the “regulars” brand him as an “ultradispensationalist” and from their camp goes up the cry “Bullingerism.” If one disagrees with both of these groups, he receives the anathema from both directions, Of course all of these groups believe that the Body of Christ was purposed by God before the foundation of the world and was the secret purpose of God until Christ made known the secret to the apostle Paul.

There are some Christians who think they can prove that the Church of God began with John the Baptist. They support their claim with Luke 16:16: “The law and the prophets were until John since that time the Kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.” They claim this “Kingdom of God” was the Body of Christ, or the New Testament Church.

But the great majority of Christians have definitely fixed Pentecost of Acts Two as the birthday of the Church, and most of them are not only dogmatically opposed to any fellowbelievers, who fix that time of beginning later on, but they ungraciously ridicule, condemn and malign them. One of their favorite expressions is “divisive teaching.” Many of these condemning brethren, who teach “Premillennialism,” “Eternal Security” and “The Postponement of the Kingdom,” know full well that some spiritual saints consider these doctrines “divisive” and even worse, but they continue to teach what they believe.

We give the Scriptures that are generally used to prove that the Church of God of Acts 2 and the Body of Christ of Ephesians 3:6 are one and the same Church, the New Testament Church which began on the day of Pentecost with Peter and the Eleven and their fellowdisciples, the one hundred and twenty of Acts 1:15.

I Corinthians 12:13

“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one Body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”

Acts 2:4

“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

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 Spirit.”

Acts 2:47

“Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved.”

Galatians 1:13 and 22

“For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the Church of God, and wasted it.” “And was unknown by face to the churches of Judaea which were in Christ.” Also I Corinthians 15:9 and Philippians 3:6.

Acts 9:4

“And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?”

Acts 11:18

“When they heard these things they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance Unto life.”

Acts 15:14

“Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His name.”

Ephesians 2:20

“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner Stone.”

Ephesians 2:16

“And that He might reconcile both unto God in one Body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby.”

Inasmuch as the twelve apostles received Holy Spirit baptism on the day of Pentecost, and inasmuch as the Church of God is composed of Jews and Gentiles baptized by the Holy Spirit into one Body, the Twelve, and their fellow-disciples, must have been baptized into the Body on the day of Pentecost and they must have been the first members of the New Testament Church, the Church of God which He purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28), “the Joint- Body” of Ephesians 3:6.

When the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, Peter described the phenomena as a fulfillment of Joel 2:28 and 29: “And it shall come to pass afterward that I shall pour out My spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.” Now note Peter’s words in Acts 2:17: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.”

Observe that Peter specially applied the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy to “the last days.” To whose last days? To Israel’s last days. The spiritual, intelligent student, who carefully studies the Prophecy of Joel, knows that Joel wrote of Israel’s tribulation and kingdom and God’s wrath upon the Gentiles. And yet the brethren, who have the Body of Christ begin on the day of Pentecost, tell us that at that time God’s dispensation of grace and blessing for both Israel and the Gentiles began.

If the Body of Christ began on an Israelitish feast day, with the fulfillment of Israel’s prophecy concerning Israel’s “last days,” we must decide that the “first days” of the Body were the “last days” of Israel, that Israel and the Body are one and the same and that Paul was either deluded, or he deliberately falsified when he wrote in Colossians 1:24 to 26 and Ephesians 3:3 to 11, that Joel knew nothing, and said nothing, about the dispensation of the grace of God and the Mystery, the Joint-Body of Ephesians 3:6.

Then note Acts 2:45: “And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” And Acts 4:34 and 35: “Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold. And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” Was this an Israelitish kingdom program or part of the Lord’s program for the Body described in Ephesians? Perhaps you have heard the evasive answers or uncertain explanations of those who are asked, why, if they are sure that the Body of Christ began on the day of Pentecost, they do not preach “repent and be baptized for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit?” Acts 2:38. We ask them why they do not sell all their property and give their money to their religious leaders; and why they do not teach that believers today receive the Holy Spirit in fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy? If we today receive Holy Spirit baptism in fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy, then there is no truth to Paul’s statement in Ephesians 3:1 to 11.

THE LORD ADDED TO THE CHURCH

But it certainly does say that “the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved.” While the word Church, in Acts 2:47, is missing in all of the original texts, yet Acts 8:1 speaks of “the Church at Jerusalem.” Paul, in Galatians 1:22, speaks of the Churches in Judea. Before Paul was saved he persecuted “the Church of God,” therefore, “the Church of God” existed before Saul was converted. At the time of Saul’s conversion the Lord asked, “why persecutest thou ME?” Inasmuch as Saul was persecuting the Lord’s disciples they must have been a part of Christ and therefore members of His Body. So reason those who prove that the Body of Christ began at Pentecost.

By the same argument they could prove that the Kingdom of Matthew 25:3 to 41 is the Body of Christ. Note Matthew 25:40: “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto ME,” which has no reference to the Body of Christ. This of course invalidates the argument that “why persecutest thou ME?” proves that the Body existed.

But how about Acts 5:14: “And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.” These believers were added to the Lord. Does this not prove that they were joined to the Lord in the same union that is described in Ephesians 5:31 and 32? To be sure Galatians 1:13 proves that the Church of God began before Saul was converted. This leads us to the question:

IS THE CHURCH OF GOD AND THE BODY OF CHRIST ONE AND THE SAME?

“The Church of the living God,” in I Timothy 3:15 and 16, is described as the ground and the pillar of the truth in connection with a great mystery. This establishes this Church of God as identical with the Joint-Body of Ephesians 3:6. Therefore “the Body of Christ” is “the Church of God”; but “the Church of God” is not necessarily “the Body of Christ.”

Now for the proof of this statement. It is most unfortunate that we have such a word in our vocabulary as “church”; for its meaning is vague, and it is a mistranslation of the Greek word. The word “church” is found in the New Testament Scriptures about 80 times in the singular and about 35 times in the plural. With one single exception the Greek word is “ecclesia,” or “ekklesia.” Why was this word translated “Church” by the translators? We may never know until we see them and ask them. “Church” is from “Kurios,” meaning “the Lord” “Ecclesia” does not mean “the Lord.” The word is from “Ek”, “from” or “out of”. “Kaleo”, “call.” “Ecclesia”, “called out.” The Church is “the Called Out.” Paul persecuted “the called out of God.” This word “ecclesia” is found three times in Acts 19:32 to 41, and is there translated three times “assembly.” You join with me in a “Why.” Why did the translators speak of the “ecclesia” of ungodly heathen in Acts 19:32 as “an assembly” and then translate the “ecclesia” of saints as “the Church?” Nobody knows, but it certainly has brought much confusion into the Christian camps. But if we are to learn the difference between the Body of Christ and other assemblies, we must forget the word C-H-U-R-C-H.

This word “ecclesia” is found a number of times in the Septuagint, or Greek translation of the Old Testament Scriptures. Note the word in Nehemiah 13:1. It is there translated “the congregation of God.” In the Greek it is “the ecclesia of God.” By reading Nehemiah you will learn that Saul of Tarsus was not the first of the Lord’s enemies to persecute “the Church of God.” We say to you very frankly that you must forget the word “church” in the Bible, if you want to know the Bible Truth concerning the Body of Christ.

But what about Ephesians 2:16 and 20, considered with the fact that Peter’s mouth was not only chosen by the Lord for the message on the day of Pentecost, but also to first preach to Gentiles (Acts 15:7). Consider this with Matthew 16:16 to 19: “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Did not Peter use one key on the day of Pentecost in preaching to Jews and the other key in the tenth of Acts, when he preached to the Gentiles, the household of Cornelius? Most Christians believe this. But were the keys to the kingdom of heaven used by Peter to inaugurate the dispensation of the grace of God of Ephesians 3:1 and 2? Cornelius and his relatives received the Holy Spirit while Peter was preaching to them. The argument is that they must have been then and there baptized by the Holy Spirit into the same Body with the twelve apostles and the thousands of Jews who were saved before Peter preached to Cornelius?

It is true that Peter declared that God used his mouth first to preach to Gentiles. Acts 15:7. It is true that Peter declared that God began with Cornelius to gather a people from the Gentiles.

But Peter declared that both were in fulfillment of prophecy.

Now note Ephesians 3:1 to 3: “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward: How that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words).” Just how are we to understand Peter’s words in Acts 15:7 in the light of Paul’s words in Romans 11:15, I Timothy 2:6 and 7, II Timothy 1:11, and II Timothy 4:171

First note Peter’s words: “And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

In Romans 11:13 Paul said, “I am the apostle of the Gentiles.” In Romans 11:11 Paul declared that he was sent to the Gentiles to provoke Israel to jealousy. Peter was very careful to see that Israel was not provoked to jealousy, so careful, in fact, that he would not eat with Christian Gentiles when Jews were around. Galatians 2:11 to 14. Peter agreed to confine his testimony to Jews. Galatians 2:9. Now note this most important statement marking a radical change in God’s dealings with Israel and the Gentiles.

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“FOR IF THE CASTING AWAY OF THEM BE THE RECONCILING OF THE WORLD, WHAT SHALL THE RECEIVING OF THEM BE, BUT LIFE FROM THE DEAD?” Romans 11:15.

“Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not) a teacher of the Gentiles, in faith and verity.” I Timothy 2:6 and 7.

“Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.” II Timothy 1:11.

“Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” II Timothy 4:17.

Then we have to reconcile Acts 15:7, with Galatians 2:9:

“And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe.” Acts 15:7.

“And when James, Peter and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.” Galatians 2:9.

This leads us to ask this question, “Were Peter’s keys used to inaugurate the dispensation of the grace of God and the dispensation of the mystery for Gentiles?” If so, we must conclude that Paul was chosen to perpetuate the ministry of Peter and the Eleven. But we learn in the study of Paul’s Epistles that this is contrary to fact.

Note again Galatians 2:7:

“BUT CONTRARIWISE, WHEN THEY SAW THAT THE GOSPEL OF THE UNCIRCUMCISION WAS COMMITTED UNTO ME, AS THE GOSPEL OF THE CIRCUMCISION WAS UNTO PETER.”

This gospel of the circumcision was committed to Peter after the resurrection of Christ and is not only quite different from the gospel of the uncircumcision, which Christ committed to Paul, but altogether different from the dispensation of the grace of God for Gentiles. The utter confusion of the leaders among Fundamentalists as to Pentecost and the Church of the Mystery is reflected in these contradictory statements of their outstanding champion.

We quote from two or three of his several books. In one of his books, in referring to the Pauline distinctive message, he wrote—

“It is of vast importance that every child of God be instructed as to its true character.”

Again he wrote,

“The mystery of the Church as the Body of Christ was never made known in Old Testament times, nor yet when our Lord was on earth. The Divine method of making it known was by a special revelation to the Apostle Paul, committed to him to pass on to saints.”

Again,

“To the Epistles of Paul ALONE do we turn for the revelation of the mystery.”

“It was a special revelation given not to the Twelve, but TO PAUL ALONE, as the apostle of the new dispensation.”

“How earnest was the Apostle (Paul) in seeking to lead Christians into the knowledge of this precious truth.”

So far so good. Wonderful statement of facts, concerning the preciousness of the Pauline distinctive gospel and ministry. It should be made known. God says so in Ephesians 3:9. Paul was “the apostle of the new dispensation.”

But what confusion the brother has wrought by his contradictory statements in his late book.

He there writes,

“ACCORDING TO GOD, THE NEW DISPENSATION, THAT IN WHICH WE LIVE, THE DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD, OTHERWISE CALLED THE DISPENSATION OF THE MYSTERY, BEGAN THE MOMENT THE SPIRIT DESCENDED AT PENTECOST.”

And now note another of his statements:

“ONLY WHEN A NEW REVELATION FROM GOD IS GIVEN DOES A DISPENSATION CHANGE.”

When does a dispensation change? With a revelation. Who received the revelation? If Paul was “the apostle of the new dispensation,” and the Body mystery was not revealed to any of the Twelve, only to Paul, and the new dispensation began with the revelation, how did the dispensation begin with Peter and Pentecost ?

Again the brother states in the same book:

Paul received the revelation concerning the Body and the new dispensation in Acts 9 when the Lord said, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me ?”

Then he makes two more contradictory statements. He writes that Peter got the revelation of the mystery, in Acts 10, when Peter received the vision authorizing him to go to Cornelius. That was several years after Saul’s experience.

Then the confused writer states,

“John as an apostle of Jesus Christ received the revelation of the mystery even before the Apostle Paul did.”

Truly you have never heard of greater confusion. Yet there are multitudes who follow this man of God in his contradictions and utter confusion, as well as in his abuse and condemnation of those who try to lead his followers from such faulty dispensationalism. It requires grace, humility, and courage, after you have taught error so long, to confess your blunders. It seems to be less humiliating to try to cover up. But here is a case where that cannot be done with Bereans.

Let us compare Colossians 1:24 to 26 with Peter’s statement in Acts 3:24 and 5:31.

Colossians 1:24 to 26

“Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His Body’s sake, which is the Church: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the Word of God: Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints.”

Acts 3:24 and 5:31

“Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.”

“Jesus hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour for to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.”

Take a few moments and prayerfully intelligently compare Jesus exalted in Acts 5:31 with His exaltation as Head of His Body in Ephesians 1:20 to 23.

“Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, 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; And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the Head over all things to the Church, Which is His Body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all.” Ephesians 1:20 to 23.

Paul very definitely declared that he received the dispensation of God for a specific purpose and that purpose was to add to the law and the prophets and the confirmation ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles, to complete the Word of God with the Mystery which Paul received by revelation from Jesus Christ. This Mystery, or Divine Secret, was to complete the Word of God. It has truly been called “the Capstone of Truth.” It was God’s own Secret, His own eternal purpose, purposed in Christ Jesus before the world began. God intentionally withheld any knowledge of this special truth from any and all of His servants and witnesses until His own good time arrived to have His Son reveal it to Paul. It was not made known to the sons of men in other ages. Therefore, Moses and Samuel and those that followed after, have (not) likewise foretold these days.

PAUL AND PETER

How different concerning the Divine program of Acts 3:19 to 24. “Spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.” Acts 3:21, It is a great blunder to confuse the kingdom program of Peter with the Joint “Body” in Paul’s messages.

Now another comparison of Paul’s statement with Peter’s.

Ephesians 3:1 to 11

“For this cause I PAUL, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given me to you-ward: How that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; (as I said afore in few words, Whereby when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same Body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power. 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; And to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, Who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in the heavenlies might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”Acts 15:13 to 18

“And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. And to this agree the words of the prophets as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon Whom My name is called, saith the Lord, Who doeth all these things. Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world.”

Galatians 2:9 to 12

“And when James, Peter and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Only they would that we should remember the poor, the same which I also was forward to do. But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come; he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.”

After you have read of Peter’s conduct in Galatians 2:9 to 12 answer whether or not you think the Lord gave to Peter the gospel of the grace of God for Gentiles!

In Ephesians 3:1 to 11 and Colossians 1:24 to 26 we find “the Mystery”, which Christ revealed to Paul centuries after it had been hidden from Israel’s prophets. Before the risen Lord revealed “the Mystery” to Paul, Peter was as ignorant of that Divine truth as were Israel’s Old Testament prophets. What Amos foretold in Amos 9:11 to 15, (Acts 15:13 to 17) had not one thing to do with “the Church of the Mystery.” Amos was wholly ignorant and silent concerning the truth of Ephesians 3:1 to 11. Note Ephesians 3:11, “God’s eternal purpose in Christ.” This eternal purpose of God was. altogether different from Israel’s kingdom and kingdom salvation promised the Gentiles. Because there is no hint or trace of “the Mystery” or the Joint-Body of Ephesians 3:6, in any former inspired writings, the Apostle Paul calls this particular truth “the Unsearchable Riches for Gentiles.” “Unsearchable” means “untraceable” or “unprophesied.” So once again we see that Israel’s kingdom program was prophesied; but that God’s “grace” dispensation and “Body” program was not prophesied. Therefore the visitation of Gentiles mentioned in Acts 15:13 to 17, was different from Ephesians 3:5, 6.

In declaring the program of Acts 15:13 to 18, James and Peter affirm “and to this agree the words of the prophets.” This has special reference to Amos 9:11 to 15. When the Holy Spirit moved upon Amos to write the prophecy of chapter nine He did not have in mind one thought concerning the Joint-Body, but the kingdom of heaven, which Peter and his fellowapostles proclaimed. Do not forget Galatians 2:7 and the fact that Christ committed this “circumcision” gospel to Peter after His resurrection.

We learn, in Acts 2:14 to 17, that the Holy Spirit came in fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy concerning Israel’s last days or “kingdom” days. In Acts 2:27 to 33, we learn that Christ was raised from the dead to take David’s throne in fulfillment of King David’s prophecy. We learn of the prophesied Kingdom days in Acts 3:19 to 21. We learned in Acts 5:29 to 32 that God raised Christ from the dead to be Prince and Saviour, to give repentance to Israel. We learned that Peter preached to Cornelius and his household concerning Jesus of Nazareth, the Word sent unto the children of Israel; that Cornelius loved Israel, and was seeking the Kingdom of God.

We learned that the Lord Jesus gave to Peter the gospel of the circumcision. Note what Peter preached to Cornelius “But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness is accepted with Him.” Compare and contrast Romans 4:4 and 5: “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to Him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”

Then we learned that after Peter preached to Cornelius the twelve apostles were reduced to eleven apostles by the death of James. Then any record of the acts of the Eleven in the Book of Acts ceases, except as they have dealings with Paul. In conference with him they agreed to go to the Jews. Galatians 2:9.

GOD CHANGED HIS PROGRAM

In the first nine chapters of Acts we find the residue of Israelites fulfilling Amos 9:12, by seeking after the Lord. In those chapters we find no message addressed to Gentiles. Then it is admitted by most Christians that Peter used the key of the kingdom to let in Cornelius the Gentile. Those Gentiles were seeking the Lord in fulfillment of Amos 9:12. In the ministry of reconciliation after Israel was set aside God sought the Gentiles.

After the number of the apostles ceased to be “twelve” God began a new Divine movement and the Israelitish Kingdom of Heaven was postponed. So in the first ten chapters of Acts we have a suggestion of what God’s Divine program will be when the Lord comes to be King on David’s throne.

It has been thought by some men of God that Cornelius and the centurion of Luke 7:1 to 8, were one and the same. No one can prove this, but note Luke 7:4 and 5:

“That he was worthy for whom He should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.”

Now note Acts 10:22: “And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nations of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into this house, and to hear words of thee.”

Whether or not they were different or one and the same we learn in the study of the Four Gospels and the Book of Acts this interesting fact: so far as there is any record in the Scriptures, the Roman centurion of Luke 7 and Matthew 8 is the only Gentile man to whom Christ on earth gave a kingdom blessing. Remember our words, “so far as the record is concerned.”

So far as the record in Acts is concerned the household of Cornelius is the only company of Gentiles to whom any of the twelve preached. After that the Jerusalem pillars agreed to go to Jews. Galatians 2:9.

Then the first Gentile to whom Paul preached, according to the “Acts” record, was a Roman official by the name of “Paulus” (Acts 13:6 to 14) and Saul then became “Paulus” or “Paul.” Because of the blindness of an unbelieving Jew, Paulus believed and was saved. Then Paul was sent to preach salvation to the Gentiles to provoke Israel to jealousy. Peter never preached salvation to Gentiles to provoke Israel to jealousy.

The Lord Jesus gave the so-called “great commission” of Matthew 28:19 to 20, to the Twelve. They were given the gospel of the circumcision. They agreed to go to Israel. So we ask what this commission had to do with the Truth of Romans 11:15 and II Corinthians 5:18? A new commission was given when God sent blindness upon Israel. May the Holy Spirit anoint our eyes to know the difference between Peter’s message of “repentance and restitution” before God’s judgment fell upon Israel and Paul’s “reconciliation” message after the truth of Romans 11:15.

“FOR IF THE CASTING AWAY OF THEM BE THE RECONCILING OF THE WORLD, WHAT SHALL THE RECEIVING OF THEM BE BUT LIFE FROM THE DEAD?” Romans 11:15.

“AND ALL THINGS ARE OF GOD, WHO HATH RECONCILED US TO HIMSELF BY JESUS CHRIST, AND HATH GIVEN TO US THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION.” II Corinthians 5:18.

It is ridiculous, in the light of Galatians 1:11 to 17, Galatians 2:1 to 15, Romans 11:11 to 30 and Ephesians 3:1 to 11, to teach that Paul perpetuated the ministry, message, and program which Christ committed to the Twelve.

THE TRANSFER OF CHURCHES

In the Church of Christ we hear of “Amillenarians,” “Postmillenarians,” “Pre-Tribulation Premillenarians,” and “Post-Tribulation Premillenarians.” But whether a “Post” or a “Pre,” all Christians are dispensationalists. The Premillenarians may have a few more dispensations than the others but the Postmillenarians divide God’s spiritual programs into “The Old Testament” and “The New Testament.” They invariably start off with the great blunder of teaching that the Old Testament (Covenant) began with the first chapter of Genesis, instead of with the twentieth chapter of Exodus, 2500 years later. God made a new Covenant with Israel in Exodus 20. It became “old” after Christ died. The Postmillenarians do not agree as to when the New Testament dispensation began. Most of them say, on the day of Pentecost; but many say, in the Book of Matthew. But they all agree that at some definite or indefinite time, the living saints under the Old Covenant became saints under the New Covenant. Therefore there was a transfer from the Old Testament Church into the New Testament Church.

The so-called “Ultra-dispensational Premillenarians teach that the saints, who were alive at the close of the “Acts” period, became members of the Body of Christ, which they teach had its historic beginning after Paul reached Rome. Virtually one hundred per cent of them teach that the Bride of Christ is Israel, or Israelitish. They claim, of course, that the Body of Romans 12:4 and 5 is not identified with the Body of Ephesians 3:6. But the point is, they teach the transfer of Churches. But because of Matthew 19:28 most of them doubt if the twelve apostles ever became members of the Church of the Mystery.

Virtually all of the Premillenarians in the “regular” camp teach that while Jesus of Nazareth was on earth, the Body did not exist, except in the predestinated purpose of God. They know that during the earthly ministry of Christ, many Jews were saved and received kingdom baptism into the kingdom. Their teaching is that these “Kingdom of Heaven” saints became “Church” saints, or members of Christ’s Body, on the day of Pentecost. They at least claim this for the one hundred and twenty of Acts 1:15; although they say nothing about the great number of other Jews and the company of saved Samaritans mentioned in John 4:39 and 41. But the point is, they believe in the transfer either from “the Kingdom” to “the Church,” or from the Old Church to the New Church. All Christians believe in a transfer, whether they begin the Body in Matthew or with John 20, Acts 2, Acts 7, Acts 28, or any other chapter of Acts.

What do you believe? Be a Berean and remember I John 2:27, that the Holy Spirit is the only infallible teacher.

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That is all.....

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At What Age Was Jesus Baptized?
By David Tidd, Bible Teacher

While serving as a young deacon in a Baptist church, I appreciated the opportunities I had to visit with the associate Pastor. Pastor Jim was a good listener, and he often would open up to me as well. His oldest son, Joel, was a young boy when he came forward during an evangelistic (revival) meeting to profess the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. Usually what would follow in the Baptist church would be what's known as believer's baptism, a ceremony in which the Pastor immerses the believer into water and then takes him out.

Sometime later, Jim shared with me that some in authority at the church were not satisfied with his example, since Joel had not yet been immersed. He told me that he wanted his son to fully understand what Baptism was about first. Sadly enough, the Senior Pastor later placed Jim in the position where he felt he had to resign and move his family on. I'm sure that Jim and I wouldn't see eye to eye today on this subject; however, I have great respect for him and his concern that his son understand Baptism. I also hope that my family puts the doctrines of the Bible above the doctrines of man, and in their proper place. And this concern is for each of you who reads this as well.

In Luke Chapter 3 we see John preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (v. 3). We see that while John was doing the baptizing with the mode of water, he prophesied that the Lord Jesus Christ would be a future baptizer with two modes, the Holy Spirit and fire. In Luke 3:21-22 we read that Jesus was baptized with water. Surely it wasn't for the forgiveness of sins, as John was preaching, for we read in the first portion of II Corinthians 5:21, "Him who knew no sin." Jesus was God in the flesh who never sinned. He needed neither to repent (turn) from sin, nor to be forgiven of any sin.

Some have said that Matthew 3:15 implies that through water baptism Jesus was being identified with mankind. But wasn't that accomplished in Bethlehem? We read in Luke 2:41-52 that Jesus at age 12, under the Law of the Passover Feast, was at Jerusalem in His Father's House, listening and talking to the teachers. Wouldn't Jesus have had enough understanding at 12 years old to have been baptized, if baptism was for a public testimony of His faith? But Jesus Himself gave the reason He was being baptized in Matthew 3:15, when He told John the Baptist to "...Permit it to be so now for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." So, in accordance with the Law dispensed to Moses, Jesus was thirty years old at the time He was baptized, as we read in Luke 3:23 "...And when He began His ministry Jesus Himself was about 30 years of age." (Perhaps those who insist we should "follow Jesus in Baptism" should also require the person to be 30 years old today).

The Scriptures teach that Jesus was a Prophet, a great Teacher, the King of Israel, the Messiah, and at His baptism we see Him coming as High Priest to the kingdom of priests—the nation of Israel: "And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel" (Ex. 19:6). "But you shall be named the priests of the LORD, They shall call you the servants of our God. You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory you shall boast" (Isa. 61:6). In the New Testament we read in the writings of Peter, who in his own words was "an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the Pilgrims of the Dispersion..." (I Pet. 1:1): "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people...having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles..." (I Pet. 2:9,12).

When priests were ordained, the Law prescribed certain rituals to be followed, including washing them with water (Ex. 29:4). That ceremonial washing was performed at Jesus' baptism.

The following Scripture verses from Numbers Chapter 4 require all those who perform the service or the work in the tabernacle to be 30 years old: Vs. 3,23,30,35,39,43, and 47. Chapters 3 through 10 of the epistle to the Hebrews and Psalm 110:4 tell how God the Father designated His own Son the Perfect High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

While 30 years old is the answer to the question in the title of this paper about Jesus' first Baptism, He also had a second Baptism He spoke of in Mark 10:38-39: "But Jesus said to them, `You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?' They said to Him, `We are able.' So Jesus said to them, `You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized....'"

The Lord Jesus Christ was approximately 33 years of age when according to the latter portion of II Corinthians 5:21, "...He who knew no sin, became sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (Heb. 9:10-15,26; 10:10-13). By His own death upon the Cross for all mankind's sins, Christ was identified with death and died in our place, was buried in our place, and arose from the dead (Heb. 9:11-12) to offer His own blood in God's tabernacle in heaven as a propitiation or satisfaction to God, and sat down at the right hand of God (10:12). You or I could never follow our Lord in this Baptism. It would greatly help the reader to read the above verses.

The traditions of man have us following old covenant commands to the nation of Israel while ignoring commands from the Risen Lord Jesus Christ to the apostle to the Gentiles. The Apostle Paul said in I Corinthians 1:17, "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the Cross of Christ should be made of no effect." Under the old covenant, the laws of Baptisms were established in Exodus 29:4 when Aaron was washed or baptized with water (Lev. 8:6; 16:4,30; 22:6,7).

After His resurrection, Jesus instructed the 11 disciples that "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues..." (Mark 16:16,17). Peter told the men of Israel in Acts 2:38, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Later Peter says that if the nation will repent and be converted, then Jesus will come back as the long-promised Messiah for Israel (Acts 3:19-21). But they didn't, so the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ called another apostle.

To Paul He dispensed The Mystery with the Gospel of Grace, rather than Law as He did to Moses. God sent him to the Gentiles (Eph. 3:1-9) and did not send him to baptize (I Cor. 1:17). Instead, according to Ephesians 4:5, there is one baptism for today (I Cor. 12:13: "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one Body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit."). The Holy Spirit performs this Baptism, not an apostle or Pastor. And notice that it is not a baptism with water, but a baptism into The Church The Body of Christ.

When believers see this Baptism for today, they often are cut off from membership rolls in some congregations. But they are not without a church, as the Holy Spirit seals the believer in His Church with a promise (Eph. 1:13). This Identification or Baptism without water makes him one with Christ in His Death, Burial and Resurrection (Rom. 6:3-5). And "in Christ" we are immersed forever, never to be taken back out, as one would be from the watery grave of a baptistry.

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That is all.....

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Caretaker
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Matthew 16:
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

The Greek word used for rock (petra) is played against Peter (petros). Some use this passage to teach that Peter was the foundation stone of the church, that he had a primacy among the apostles, and that he became bishop of Rome. The verse will scarcely bear the first of these propositions, and certainly none of the others. Peter may be meant by the rock, but he was not the exclusive foundation.
The twelve-fold foundation of the apostles of the church:

Ephesians 2:
19
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Rev. 21:
14
And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

This seems borne out by the fact that the words spoken unto Peter in Matt. 16:18, were spoken to all of the disciples in Matt. 18:

Matt. 18:
18
Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
19
Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
20
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

The rock or foundation of the church is the confession (ultimately the doctrine) of the apostles, which became normative for the true church.

The word church (Greek ekklesia), means literally “ a chosen or called out assembly”. Thus the use of the word as a technical term for an assembly or group of believers in Christ was quite natural. It was not viewed as an external organization, denomination, or hierarchical system. The New Testament Church is a local autonomous congregation or an assembly which is a church in and of itself. John writes to 7 churches, in His Revelation, not to one.

Scofield commentary:

16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Peter
There is the Greek a play upon the words, "thou art Peter petros-- literally 'a little rock', and upon this rock Petra I will build my church." He does not promise to build His church upon Peter, but upon Himself, as Peter is careful to tell us

(1 Peter 2:4-9)
2:4 Coming to Him, a living stone--rejected by men but chosen and valuable to God--
2:5 you yourselves, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house for a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
2:6 For it stands in Scripture: Look! I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and valuable cornerstone, and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame!
2:7 So the honor is for you who believe; but for the unbelieving, The stone that the builders rejected-- this One has become the cornerstone, and
2:8 A stone that causes men to stumble, and a rock that trips them up. They stumble by disobeying the message; they were destined for this.
2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

church:

2 (Greek - ajpovllumi (ek=="out of," kaleo =="to call"), an assembly of called out ones). The word is used of any assembly; the word itself implies no more, as, e.g., the town-meeting at Ephesus Acts 19:39 and Israel, called out of Egypt and assembled in the wilderness Acts 7:38. Israel was a true "church," but not in any sense the N.T. church--the only point of similarity being that both were "called out" and by the same God. All else is contrast.


Jesus is the Head of the Church.

It is the Apostolic confession of faith upon which the Church is built.

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

1 Tim. 3:
16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..

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quote:
Originally posted by Caretaker:
The Kingdom of God:

Col. 1:
1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

The letter of Paul to the Romans:

14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.


What is the Kingdom of God?

The kingdom of God is the rule of an eternal sovereign God over all creatures and things (Psalm 103:19; Daniel 4:3). The kingdom of God is also the designation for the sphere of salvation entered into at the new birth (John 3:5-7), and is synonymous with the “kingdom of heaven.”

The kingdom of God embraces all created intelligence, both in heaven and earth that are willingly subject to the Lord and are in fellowship with Him. The kingdom of God is, therefore, universal in that it includes created angels and men. It is eternal, as God is eternal, and it is spiritual—found within all born-again believers. We enter the kingdom of God when we are born again, and we are then part of that kingdom for eternity. It is a relationship "born of the spirit" (John 3:5), and we have confident assurance that it is so because the Spirit bears witness with our spirits (Romans 8:16).

God is sovereign, omnipotent, omniscient and the ruler over all of His creation. However, the designation "the kingdom of God" compasses that realm which is subject to God and will be for eternity. The rest of creation will be destroyed. Only that which is part of the "kingdom of God" will remain.

Luke 17:
17:20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

17:22 And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.

17:23 And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.

17:24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

My Lord Jesus established a New Covenant separating His Church from Israel.

He paid for His Church on Calvary.

He commissioned His Church with the Eleven

He empowered His Church on the Day of Pentecost

He revealed the Mystery of His Church as His indwelling presence within His Body through the teaching of our Brother Paul

He will one day return for His Church.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From the very moment when Christ indwelt HIS CHURCH on the Day of Pentecost Christ was reigning from His Kingdom, in the hearts and lives of His Bride.

He will return and reign from His earthly kingdom following the Tribulation, as the Righteous Reign of the Root of Jessie.

DO NOT WRONGLY DIVIDE THE BODY OF CHRIST, INTO JEW AND GENTILE!!!

Gal.

3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.


Only a portion of the doctrine of Christ was made known during His ministry on earth. After His ascension He revealed many additional teachings to the apostles through the Holy Spirit. Shortly before His death He said: "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come" (John 16:12,13). "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you" (John 14:26).

The Holy Spirit revealed all truth to the apostles, He taught them all things, also things Jesus had not yet made known during his life on earth.

When people claim that the words of Jesus in the Gospels are authoritative but the words of the apostles are not, they are rejecting the words of Jesus in the Gospels because He says that we must obey the apostles or we reject both Him and the Father.

The church is built on the teaching of the apostles, which is nothing other than the teaching of Christ, made known through them and subsequently recorded in the New Testament. Together with Christ, the apostles and prophets form the foundation of the church: "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:19,20).

Also in the first century there were false teachers who rejected the authority of the apostles. Paul warned: "If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 14:37).


"Another serious defect in dispensational teaching is its doctrine that many portions of the Bible are not meant for the Church age at all, that is, not for Christians, but that they are intended for a future Jewish-led kingdom. This follows from their belief that most of Christ’s ministry was taken up with preaching designed to prepare Israel for the Kingdom, but that when it became evident that the Jews would not accept the Kingdom the Church was substituted. This means that the Lord’s prayer, the Sermon on the Mount, the Kingdom parables, the Great Tribulation, the Book of Revelation chapters 4 to 19, and some say, most of the New Testament except the Pauline Epistles, are "Jewish" and "legal" and therefore do not concern the Church. We point out, however, that Paul certainly did not make this distinction between the gospel of Grace and the gospel of the Kingdom of God. Rather, he identified the two, for late in his ministry he said to the elders from Ephesus: "Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more." (Acts 20:24, 25) (The Millennium pp. 244-245 by L. Boettner).

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

1 Tim. 3:
16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..

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Why Paul?

By Pastor David Havard

Why? Such a little word that asks such a profound question. From a very early age, we ask questions. Just ask anyone who has parented a toddler and they can tell you about a child's penchant for asking the incessant "why" question. It's a good question.

WHY JESUS?

When we are talking to people about salvation, we often ask them, "Why did Jesus have to die?" If we could be saved by works, Christ did not have to die. This shows the necessity of believing in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. A lot of people believe in God (even the demons, James 2:19), but just a belief in God will not get you into heaven. A lot of folks like to talk in vague terms about God in general, but when you start talking about God in particular—the Lord Jesus Christ, they start to get uneasy.

In Christian circles, a similar thing is true. As long as we talk about "Jesus" in nonspecific terms, everyone is happy. But say that He is indeed the Son of God, that He is Deity, that He is the ONLY way to heaven, then folks start to get nervous. Rather than allow Jesus to speak for Himself, they choose to speak for Him—and then they never get it right. They apparently think that He surely didn't mean those narrow-minded, intolerant things (in their opinion) He said about being divine and the only way to God! Surely He was more "inclusive" and enlightened than that!

No, Jesus Christ said exactly what He meant! When He said that He was the Son of God, He meant it! When He said that He was THE way, THE truth, and THE life and that NO MAN comes to God EXCEPT through Him, HE MEANT IT! He IS the only way. Have YOU believed the good news of salvation for today? Christ died for your sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day, proving that He was who He claimed to be. Believe this good news and you will be saved (1 Cor 15:1-4).

WHY PAUL?

Why? This is also a good question to ask regarding the Apostle Paul. "Why Paul?" If Paul just taught the same thing as the twelve, if he was in the same group as they, why bother? Why would God go through such trouble to raise up Paul if he was not doing something different?

While religious sorts get nervous when you say that Christ meant what He said, they get even more upset when you insist that Paul meant what he said.

In the gospels, Jesus clearly says that He came only to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" and that His disciples were NOT to go to the Gentiles (Matt. 10:5,6). Repeatedly, events related to Jesus were in fulfillment of prophecy; He never says one word about a new body, a new creation, or a new program. Jesus clearly says that He came in keeping with Israel's prophetic program.

Likewise, Paul clearly says that he is the apostle to the Gentiles. But just as people think that they know better what Christ meant than Christ Himself, they also seem to think that Paul did not mean what he said either.

They will read Paul's explicit statement that he is the apostle to the Gentiles (Rom. 11:13 cf. Acts 9:15; 13:47; 18:6; 22:21; 26:20; Rom. 1:13; 15:16,18; Gal. 2:2; Eph. 3:1,8; 1 Tim. 2:7; 2 Tim. 1:11; 4:17) and then turn around and explain Paul's statement away to fit their theology or doctrine. "Oh," they insist, "Paul was just preaching the same thing as the twelve apostles." Some even go so far as to say that Paul was supposed to be the twelfth apostle to replace Judas despite the clear fact that he was unqualified for the position based on the requirements set forth in Acts 1:21,22 (not to mention the fact that these men were under the control of the Holy Spirit when they chose Matthias, Acts 1:24).

A point of clarification. When we say that Paul did not preach the same thing as the twelve, we are not saying that the twelve did not preach Christ. Both Paul and the twelve preached Christ—the difference is in HOW they proclaimed Christ. While it may be debated if the twelve began to preach the gospel of grace after Paul revealed it to them, it is certain that they did not preach it BEFORE Paul!

THE DIFFERENCE

The key is to recognize both the differences and the similarities between the kingdom program and the mystery program. The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ was not the mystery. This was prophesied. It was these same Old Testament prophecies that Paul used to convince his hearers that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.

Both Paul and Peter preached Christ. The distinction to be made is in HOW they preached Christ. In Romans 16:25 we read, "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."

Paul preached Christ and Peter preached Christ, but Paul preached Christ ACCORDING TO THE REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY, whereas Peter preached Christ according to (or in keeping with) the revelation of prophecy.

In Acts 2, Peter proclaims that Jesus is the Messiah. But he does this in the context of the millennial kingdom. The entire focus is that if Israel will accept her Messiah, God will send Christ back and set up the long-awaited kingdom of God on earth. The Jews always had an earthly hope—a heavenly city yes, but a heavenly city on the earth!

THE PROBLEM WITH PAUL

Do you see the problem here? The church at large continues to disregard the clear statements of both Christ and Paul and reinterpret them to fit their own scheme of things. How strange that readers can think that they know the intent of an author's statement better than the author himself does!

But nothing has really changed has it? After all, this is exactly what the Pharisees and Scribes did during Christ's earthly ministry. They had so twisted God's law to fit their desires that they argued with the very author of those laws as to their meaning (Matt. 12:2-8; 15:3-6; Mark 3:1-5; 7:7-13).

This brings us back to my original question, "Why Paul?" If Paul's epistles only repeat or continue the program and message of the gospels, then why this need to directly intervene in time and history and overwhelm Paul on the road to Damascus?

Why Paul? Paul was raised up because God instituted a whole new program with him. Prophetically, God's next step should have been the Great Tribulation (70th week of Daniel's prophecy, Dan. 9:24-27) to punish Israel for rejecting Jesus Christ. But instead we see God, in the person of the risen, glorified Lord, confronting Paul on his way to Damascus.

And what did the Lord Jesus Christ tell Paul that day? Did He tell Paul that he was going to be a messenger to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom to the lost sheep of the house of Israel? No. Just the opposite. From the beginning, Paul was called specifically to be an apostle to the Gentiles—in keeping with God's new program.

Listen to what God told Ananias about Paul: "he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake" (Acts 9:15,16). In Acts 26:17, in his defense before King Agrippa, Paul says that he was sent to the Gentiles by God.

Can there be any question when we allow the plain words of Scripture to speak for themselves? Christ came to Israel ("He came unto His own, and His own received him not."—John 1:11). His disciples were sent only to Israel (Matt. 10:5,6). Peter preached only to Israel (Acts 2) with a message straight out of the prophetic books. Paul never says he was sent to Israel. But he says or implies many times that he was sent to the Gentiles.

HOW ARE WE SAVED TODAY?

Why Paul? Where else in the Bible do you find salvation by grace through faith alone explicitly stated and laid out so clearly? Where else do you find the concept of the Body of Christ? (Others have seen this distinction as well—see Scofield's preface to Paul's epistles in the Old Scofield Bible.)

But some may be thinking that salvation by grace through faith is found before Paul. We beg to differ! While it's true that salvation has always been by faith, it is only with the dispensation of Grace that it has been by faith ALONE. Salvation has always been by a faith response to what God has said. In previous dispensations, He said "believe and DO." It is only now (as Paul says, "But now") that the message is to "only believe."

Some folks insists that the same salvational message is found before Paul and use John 3:16 or Revelation 3:20 as evangelistic verses. BUT, without being explained in light of the gospel of the grace of God, these verses could never be used to save anyone today!

The word "believe" in John 3:16 is always explained as having to do with belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ—the gospel as related to us in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. In it's context, John 3:16 says nothing about the gospel of the grace of God. What was Nicodemus supposed to believe? That Jesus was the Messiah, that He was the Son of God, and in that context, that belief also included baptism and continuing to keep the law (Matt. 3:8; 5:20; John 20:31). Without Paul's gospel to explain what it is we are believing, no one is saved.

Revelation 3:20 is really a stretch, but some people do still try to fit it into their evangelism. "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Rev. 3:20). By itself, there are zero facts about the gospel in this verse. At least John 3:16 had the word believe in it, but Revelation 3:20 doesn't even have that. You can never be saved by "opening the door of your heart" and "letting Jesus come in"—not unless you use Revelation 3:20 as an analogy and compare "opening the door of your heart" to believe the gospel for today (1 Cor. 15:1-4) and "letting Jesus come in" with being saved.

The point is, without reading Paul's gospel back into these passages, you do not find the message of salvation for today. It is only by explaining these verses in terms of God's plan for today that they are used to bring someone to salvation.

It is no wonder that so many people are confused and unsure about their salvation. They have never come to fully understand the facts of their salvation. Instead of sticking to Paul's clear presentation of the gospel for today, we resort to emotional pulls and unbiblical words. Paul says to believe the gospel, that Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose again the third day; we too often say things like "ask Jesus into your heart" or "make Him Lord of your life" or other such phrasing. No wonder folks are confused as to whether they got saved or are still saved!

The fact is, you do not find the explicit terms of salvation by grace through faith ALONE outside of Paul's epistles.

WHAT IS GOD'S PLAN FOR TODAY?

Why Paul? It is Paul because during this dispensation of Grace God has temporarily set aside Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in (Rom. 11:25). Contrary to popular belief, Israel is not the chosen nation today. After the rapture she will once again have "most favored nation status," but not today in the dispensation of Grace. Today, God has concluded ALL men in unbelief that He might have mercy on them all. Today God is dealing with individuals for salvation, not nations.

Why Paul? Because Paul alone teaches us about the blessed hope of Christ's return for the Body, which is His church today (1 Thess. 4:13-18). Our hope is not Israel's hope. We do not hope for God's kingdom on earth—our hope is heavenly. Likewise, a Jew never hoped for heaven—he hoped for God's kingdom on earth ("Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."—Matt. 6:10). Some have lost sight of this distinction and are blurring God's future plans and programs for Israel and the Body of Christ.

Today it seems that some are starting to turn away from a consistent dispensational approach to the Scriptures. Once you leave the literal interpretation of the Bible, only your imagination and reason limit your doctrine. Sadly, it sometimes seems that the post-modern mindset is seeping into the ship of Church.

Why Paul? That's a good question! Do you know the answer?

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That is all.....

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The words of Paul:

Acts:
26:14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

26:15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

26:16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

26:17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

26:19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

26:21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

26:22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

26:23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

1 Tim. 3:
16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..

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http://www.wayoflife.org/database/repentance.html

Repentance was preached by Paul

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30).

“And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:20-21).

“But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance” (Acts 26:20).

The Bible says that God is “longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). There is no Bible example of people being saved who did not evidence a change in their lives. The Apostle Paul, reviewing his ministry before King Agrippa, noted that he went about preaching to Jews and Gentiles “that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance” (Acts 26:20). This is exactly the message we are to preach today.

Acts 26:20. “But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.” Paul preached the same message as John the Baptist, so no one can limit this to the dispensation of the law. The words of this verse, ‘that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance,’ show that repentance is not a work! When we preach repentance for salvation, we are not preaching a works salvation, as some have charged. When we say that repentance produces a change of works, it would be ridiculous to say that the two are one. Food produces energy and strength; labor produces sweat; but they are different things, so repentance and works are two separate things. Repentance produces and results in good works, but repentance itself is not works salvation. The bottom line is this: Paul preached repentance and required that repentance produce a change in the life. We must do the same today. Those who accept a mere prayer as salvation and who baptize people who demonstrate no change in life are not following the Bible pattern of evangelism.

Romans 2:4. “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” God does many things with the objective of bringing men to repentance. This is another reminder that God desires that all men repent.

2 Corinthians 7:9-11. “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.” Lessons: (1) Repentance is the product of God’s Word (v. 8; Jonah 3:5; Acts 2:38-41). (2) Repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of life. The Corinthians’ repentance produced a great change in their manner of living: ‘carefulness ... clearing of yourselves ... indignation ... fear ... vehement desire ... zeal ... revenge.’ (3) Repentance is not the same as reformation or other forms of “the sorrow of the world.” Repentance has to do with God and sin, whereas reformation has to do with other people and with conditions and things in this world. Many people, when they get into trouble, are sorry for the trouble and they determine to change certain things in their lives that produced that trouble. This is not repentance, because it does not deal with one’s wickedness against Almighty God and does not result in a change of attitude and action in relation to God. (4) True repentance is permanent (v. 10).

2 Corinthians 12:21. “And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.” Repentance is not about sin in general; it involves a change of mind and a change of action concerning specific sins.

1 Thessalonians 1:9-10. “For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” This passage gives a perfect definition of salvation repentance. It is turning to God from idols to serve the living and true God. Note that repentance is directed to God (compare Acts 20:21; 26:20). Repentance results in a change of life (turning from idols to serve God).

2 Timothy 2:25-26. “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” Repentance produces ‘acknowledging of the truth’ and recovery from the snare of the devil. Repentance is a work of God in the heart of a responsive sinner. God convicts of sin and calls the sinner to repentance and faith in Christ, and if the sinner responds, God grants salvation and fulfills His work of repentance in the sinner’s life.

Hebrews 6:1. “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God.” The ‘repentance from dead works’ is obviously a change of mind that results in a change of action.

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

1 Tim. 3:
16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..

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Repentance:

Acts
2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

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.

2:39 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.


quote:


What, then, is the connection between repentance and salvation? The Book of Acts seems to especially focus on repentance in regards to salvation (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20). To repent, in relation to salvation, is to change your mind in regard to Jesus Christ.

In Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts chapter 2), he concludes with a call for the people to repent (Acts 2:38). Repent from what? Peter is calling the people who rejected Jesus (Acts 2:36) to change their minds about Him, to recognize that He is indeed “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Peter is calling the people to change their minds from rejection of Christ as the Messiah to faith in Him as both Messiah and Savior.

Repentance and faith can be understood as “two sides of the same coin.” It is impossible to place your faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior without first changing your mind about who He is and what He has done. Whether it is repentance from willful rejection or repentance from ignorance or disinterest, it is a change of mind. Biblical repentance, in relation to salvation, is changing your mind from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ.

It is crucially important that we understand repentance is not a work we do to earn salvation. No one can repent and come to God unless God pulls that person to Himself (John 6:44). Acts 5:31 and 11:18 indicate that repentance is something God gives—it is only possible because of His grace. No one can repent unless God grants repentance. All of salvation, including repentance and faith, is a result of God drawing us, opening our eyes, and changing our hearts. God's longsuffering leads us to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), as does His kindness (Romans 2:4).

While repentance is not a work that earns salvation, repentance unto salvation does result in works. It is impossible to truly and fully change your mind without that causing a change in action. In the Bible, repentance results in a change in behavior. That is why John the Baptist called people to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8). A person who has truly repented from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ will give evidence of a changed life (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:19-23; James 2:14-26). Repentance, properly defined, is necessary for salvation. Biblical repentance is changing your mind about Jesus Christ and turning to God in faith for salvation (Acts 3:19). Turning from sin is not the definition of repentance, but it is one of the results of genuine, faith-based repentance towards the Lord Jesus Christ.

http://www.gotquestions.org/repentance.html

Repentance is turning from sin; and faith is turning to Christ. Repentance comes about through the convicting power of the Spirit of God using the Word of God to cause a change of attitude, action, and affection.

Saving faith is trust in and reliance on the Lord Jesus Christ as one's personal Lord and Savior. Saving faith is believing with your heart; it is coming to Christ, receiving Christ, looking to Christ, calling upon Christ to save your soul.

Yes, Jesus said you must repent and believe the gospel, because the gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believes (Rom. 1:16). The gospel, the good news for every sinner, is that Christ died on the cross for our sins, as our Substitute, and shed His precious blood to wash away our sins, and arose from the dead on the third day in order that we might have the forgiveness of sins and have eternal life through Him. Salvation of one's soul is the most important thing in this whole world.

But repentance without faith is nothing more than remorse or regret. And faith without repentance makes Christ nothing more than a fire escape. There must be a work of repentance and faith upon the sinner's heart before salvation can become a reality. Repentance is caused by the working of the Holy Spirit who takes the Sword of the Spirit and slays the sinner's self-righteousness, self- goodness, self-decency, self-esteem, and causes him to cry out: "God be merciful to me a sinner" (Luke 18:13) and "what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30).

Serious Questions To Consider

Is the preaching of repentance important?

Jesus thought so enough that He preached it. John the Baptist preached it (Matt. 3:1-2). The apostles were commanded to preach it: "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem" (Luke 24:47).

Who is commanded to repent?

"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:" (Acts 17:30).

The good, the bad, the rich, the poor, the old, the young, the educated, the uneducated -- every man must repent because we are all sinners. Notice it is God's command that
is to be obeyed, now.

What happens if you don't repent?

"I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3,5).

The worst thing in the world for any person is to perish in their sins without Christ as their Saviour and spend an eternity in the lake of fire, to be tormented and suffer forever and ever.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved" (John 3:16-17).

Turn from yourself and sin and turn to the Lord Jesus Christ to save your soul -- that is the sinner's only hope.

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

1 Tim. 3:
16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..

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quote:
I believe that as long as the true belief is from the heart, that God justifys the sinner through the Blood of Christ alone, and that the confession from the heart belief is salvation.

Romans 10:
8: But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10: For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11: For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12: For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.


Romans 2:
11: For there is no respect of persons with God.
12: For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
13: (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
14: For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
15: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another
16: In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

1 Cor. 15:
1: Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2: By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3: For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4: And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
5: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
6: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
7: After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
8: And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
9: For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10: But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
11: Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
12: Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13: But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
15: Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
16: For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
17: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
18: Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
19: If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
20: But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21: For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22: For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.


2 Peter 3:
1: This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
2: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
3: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
4: And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
5: For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
6: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
8: But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11: Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12: Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13: Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
14: Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
15: And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16: As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
17: Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
18: But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.


Acts 8:

32: The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
33: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
34: And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
35: Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
36: 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?
37: 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.
38: 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.
39: 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.
40: But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

Were Peter, Phillip, John, etc. preaching a different Gospel than Paul?


Eph. 2:
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.
10: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
11: Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12: That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14: For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15: Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16: And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18: For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19: Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20: And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21: In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

It is by faith alone in Christ alone that the lost are redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb.

If one is truly saved through heart belief, and not just lip-service confession, then the Fruit of the Spirit will be manifested. Please note that one of the Fruit is faith, and it is this manifestation in the sinner's heart which saves them. Faith in Christ Jesus our Lord.

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

Amen

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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )

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quote:
God bless each of you so very much;

For myself I stand for the Word of God, and with each of my precious Brothers and Sisters in Christ, who have placed their faith alone in Christ alone for their salvation. The Word of God from the God of the Word!!!!

The Body is being ripped asunder by the teachings of men, and if we could each lay ourselves aside and just open up our hearts and lives to His perfect will and eternal love for His precious children.

I stand with my Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus our Lord, from the Apostles to this present moment,

Luke: 1
1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;

John 1:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Acts 1:
1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

2 Timothy 3:
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

1 John 1:
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

Amen

--------------------
Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )

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becauseHElives
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quote:
Does not the King dwell within our hearts, and thus is His Kingdom not within the Believer?


One should be cautious in the theological school of ultra-dispensationalism, that we not seek to establish a Pauline-dispensation, and relegate the Words of Christ to exclusively a Jewish "kingdom-only" interpretation.


John 14:
26: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Acts 1:
3: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
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.
5: For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
6: When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7: And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8: But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
9: And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10: And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
11: Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

The Holy Ghost came as per the promise of the Master, and He indwelt the Church and led them in truth, and the message preached was consistent with the Pauline Epistles. 3000 brethren came to Christ as Peter preached his first sermon.


Acts 2:
36: Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37: Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
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.

Acts 10:
34: Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
36: The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
37: That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38: How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
39: And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
40: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
41: Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
42: And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
43: To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
44: While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45: And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46: For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47: Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48: And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days

Peter brought the Gospel to the gentiles, the same Gospel which Jesus preached and which Paul preached.

John 3:
14: And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17: For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18: He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Romans 10:
8: But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10: For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11: For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12: For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew



Amen

--------------------
Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )

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becauseHElives
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quote:
The Kingdom of God:

Col. 1:
1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

The letter of Paul to the Romans:

14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.


What is the Kingdom of God?

The kingdom of God is the rule of an eternal sovereign God over all creatures and things (Psalm 103:19; Daniel 4:3). The kingdom of God is also the designation for the sphere of salvation entered into at the new birth (John 3:5-7), and is synonymous with the “kingdom of heaven.”

The kingdom of God embraces all created intelligence, both in heaven and earth that are willingly subject to the Lord and are in fellowship with Him. The kingdom of God is, therefore, universal in that it includes created angels and men. It is eternal, as God is eternal, and it is spiritual—found within all born-again believers. We enter the kingdom of God when we are born again, and we are then part of that kingdom for eternity. It is a relationship "born of the spirit" (John 3:5), and we have confident assurance that it is so because the Spirit bears witness with our spirits (Romans 8:16).

God is sovereign, omnipotent, omniscient and the ruler over all of His creation. However, the designation "the kingdom of God" compasses that realm which is subject to God and will be for eternity. The rest of creation will be destroyed. Only that which is part of the "kingdom of God" will remain.

Luke 17:
17:20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

17:22 And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.

17:23 And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.

17:24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

Amen

--------------------
Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )

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becauseHElives
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quote:
I believe that as long as the true belief is from the heart, that God justifys the sinner through the Blood of Christ alone, and that the confession from the heart belief is salvation.

Romans 10:
8: But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10: For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11: For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12: For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.


Romans 2:
11: For there is no respect of persons with God.
12: For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
13: (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
14: For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
15: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another
16: In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

1 Cor. 15:
1: Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2: By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3: For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4: And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
5: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
6: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
7: After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
8: And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
9: For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10: But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
11: Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
12: Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13: But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
15: Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
16: For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
17: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
18: Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
19: If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
20: But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21: For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22: For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.


2 Peter 3:
1: This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
2: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
3: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
4: And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
5: For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
6: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
8: But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11: Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12: Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13: Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
14: Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
15: And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16: As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
17: Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
18: But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.


Acts 8:

32: The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
33: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
34: And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
35: Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
36: 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?
37: 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.
38: 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.
39: 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.
40: But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

Were Peter, Phillip, John, etc. preaching a different Gospel than Paul?


Eph. 2:
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.
10: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
11: Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12: That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14: For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15: Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16: And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18: For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19: Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20: And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21: In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

It is by faith alone in Christ alone that the lost are redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb.

If one is truly saved through heart belief, and not just lip-service confession, then the Fruit of the Spirit will be manifested. Please note that one of the Fruit is faith, and it is this manifestation in the sinner's heart which saves them. Faith in Christ Jesus our Lord.

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

Amen "the heart of every issue is the issue of the heart."

--------------------
Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )

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becauseHElives
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quote:
My Lord Jesus established a New Covenant separating His Church from Israel.

He paid for His Church on Calvary.

He commissioned His Church with the Eleven

He empowered His Church on the Day of Pentecost

He revealed the Mystery of His Church as His indwelling presence within His Body through the teaching of our Brother Paul

He will one day return for His Church.

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

Amen to all

special emphasis on revealed mystery

Col.:1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
....

--------------------
Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )

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quote:
1. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament of the coming Redeemer.
2. Jesus Christ is the Messiah.
3. Jesus Christ lived a perfect sinless life for us. He conquered sin for us.
4. Jesus Christ died for my sins, once and for all.
5. Jesus Christ rose from the dead. He conquered death that I might have eternal life.
6. Jesus Christ ascended to heaven where He is interceding for me. He tells me to stop sinning, yet if I do sin and repent, He is interceding his blood before the Father and will forgive me.
7. Jesus Christ is coming back to take His people home to heaven.

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

Amen

--------------------
Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )

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Caretaker
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God bless each of you so very much;

For myself I stand for the Word of God, and with each of my precious Brothers and Sisters in Christ, who have placed their faith alone in Christ alone for their salvation. The Word of God from the God of the Word!!!!

The Body is being ripped asunder by the teachings of men, and if we could each lay ourselves aside and just open up our hearts and lives to His perfect will and eternal love for His precious children.

I stand with my Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus our Lord, from the Apostles to this present moment,

Luke: 1
1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;

John 1:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Acts 1:
1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

2 Timothy 3:
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

1 John 1:
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

1 Tim. 3:
16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..

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Caretaker
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I believe that as long as the true belief is from the heart, that God justifys the sinner through the Blood of Christ alone, and that the confession from the heart belief is salvation.

Romans 10:
8: But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10: For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11: For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12: For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.


Romans 2:
11: For there is no respect of persons with God.
12: For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
13: (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
14: For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
15: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another
16: In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

1 Cor. 15:
1: Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2: By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3: For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4: And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
5: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
6: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
7: After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
8: And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
9: For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10: But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
11: Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
12: Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13: But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
15: Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
16: For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
17: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
18: Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
19: If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
20: But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21: For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22: For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.


2 Peter 3:
1: This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
2: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
3: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
4: And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
5: For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
6: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
8: But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
10: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11: Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12: Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13: Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
14: Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
15: And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16: As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
17: Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
18: But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.


Acts 8:

32: The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
33: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
34: And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
35: Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
36: 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?
37: 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.
38: 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.
39: 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.
40: But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

Were Peter, Phillip, John, etc. preaching a different Gospel than Paul?


Eph. 2:
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.
10: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
11: Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12: That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14: For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15: Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16: And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18: For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19: Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20: And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21: In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

It is by faith alone in Christ alone that the lost are redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb.

If one is truly saved through heart belief, and not just lip-service confession, then the Fruit of the Spirit will be manifested. Please note that one of the Fruit is faith, and it is this manifestation in the sinner's heart which saves them. Faith in Christ Jesus our Lord.

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

1 Tim. 3:
16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..

Posts: 3978 | From: Council Grove, KS USA | Registered: Jun 2002  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
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Does not the King dwell within our hearts, and thus is His Kingdom not within the Believer?


One should be cautious in the theological school of ultra-dispensationalism, that we not seek to establish a Pauline-dispensation, and relegate the Words of Christ to exclusively a Jewish "kingdom-only" interpretation.


John 14:
26: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Acts 1:
3: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
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.
5: For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
6: When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7: And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8: But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
9: And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10: And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
11: Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

The Holy Ghost came as per the promise of the Master, and He indwelt the Church and led them in truth, and the message preached was consistent with the Pauline Epistles. 3000 brethren came to Christ as Peter preached his first sermon.


Acts 2:
36: Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37: Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
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.

Acts 10:
34: Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
36: The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
37: That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38: How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
39: And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
40: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
41: Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
42: And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
43: To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
44: While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45: And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46: For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47: Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48: And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days

Peter brought the Gospel to the gentiles, the same Gospel which Jesus preached and which Paul preached.

John 3:
14: And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17: For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18: He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Romans 10:
8: But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10: For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11: For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12: For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

1 Tim. 3:
16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..

Posts: 3978 | From: Council Grove, KS USA | Registered: Jun 2002  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
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This is the Mystery which was revealed through Paul:

Col.:
1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

1 Tim. 3:
16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..

Posts: 3978 | From: Council Grove, KS USA | Registered: Jun 2002  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
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The Kingdom of God:

Col. 1:
1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

The letter of Paul to the Romans:

14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.


What is the Kingdom of God?

The kingdom of God is the rule of an eternal sovereign God over all creatures and things (Psalm 103:19; Daniel 4:3). The kingdom of God is also the designation for the sphere of salvation entered into at the new birth (John 3:5-7), and is synonymous with the “kingdom of heaven.”

The kingdom of God embraces all created intelligence, both in heaven and earth that are willingly subject to the Lord and are in fellowship with Him. The kingdom of God is, therefore, universal in that it includes created angels and men. It is eternal, as God is eternal, and it is spiritual—found within all born-again believers. We enter the kingdom of God when we are born again, and we are then part of that kingdom for eternity. It is a relationship "born of the spirit" (John 3:5), and we have confident assurance that it is so because the Spirit bears witness with our spirits (Romans 8:16).

God is sovereign, omnipotent, omniscient and the ruler over all of His creation. However, the designation "the kingdom of God" compasses that realm which is subject to God and will be for eternity. The rest of creation will be destroyed. Only that which is part of the "kingdom of God" will remain.

Luke 17:
17:20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:

17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

17:22 And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.

17:23 And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.

17:24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

1 Tim. 3:
16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..

Posts: 3978 | From: Council Grove, KS USA | Registered: Jun 2002  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
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My Lord Jesus established a New Covenant separating His Church from Israel.

He paid for His Church on Calvary.

He commissioned His Church with the Eleven

He empowered His Church on the Day of Pentecost

He revealed the Mystery of His Church as His indwelling presence within His Body through the teaching of our Brother Paul

He will one day return for His Church.

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

1 Tim. 3:
16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..

Posts: 3978 | From: Council Grove, KS USA | Registered: Jun 2002  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
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1. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament of the coming Redeemer.
2. Jesus Christ is the Messiah.
3. Jesus Christ lived a perfect sinless life for us. He conquered sin for us.
4. Jesus Christ died for my sins, once and for all.
5. Jesus Christ rose from the dead. He conquered death that I might have eternal life.
6. Jesus Christ ascended to heaven where He is interceding for me. He tells me to stop sinning, yet if I do sin and repent, He is interceding his blood before the Father and will forgive me.
7. Jesus Christ is coming back to take His people home to heaven.

--------------------
A Servant of Christ,
Drew

1 Tim. 3:
16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..

Posts: 3978 | From: Council Grove, KS USA | Registered: Jun 2002  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator


 
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