Online home for members of the Body of Christ for the training and promotion of the Children of God as Ambassadors for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20).
The believer’s standing before God is perfect, because CHRIST, by one offering, hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. Hebrews 10:14 . “He that believeth on the Son is not condemned.” John 3:18.
On the cross of Calvary our LORD Jesus Christ became the propitiation for the sins of the whole world, and when the sinner, by the Faith, accepts that work, his relationship is forever established. The same LORD is now the believer’s Advocate, at God’s right hand, to maintain his fellowship with God. 1 John 2:1-2.
Certainly there are many Christians who know very little about true fellowship with God, although they are children of God. This relationship has been established because of Faith in the finished work of the LORD Jesus Christ. They have salvation, BUT experience very little of the true joy of salvation.
What the member of the Body of Christ must come to know, is that we have been blessed “with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3 . “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32 . “All are yours: And we are Christ’s and Christ is God’s.” 1 Corinthians 3:23.
Through the Faith in the LORD Jesus Christ we have BEEN:
“Delivered from the wrath to come” 1 Thessalonians 1:10
“Delivered from the power of darkness” Colossians 1:13
“Delivered from the fear of death” Hebrews 2:15
“Delivered from the law” Romans 7:6
“Delivered from this present evil age” Galatians 1:4
Through the Faith in this same LORD Jesus Christ we have BECOME:
“Partakers of the Divine nature” 2 Peter 1:4
“Partakers of His holiness” Hebrews 12:10
“Partakers of His sufferings” 1 Peter 4:13
“Partakers of the heavenly calling” Hebrews 3:1
This is because we are partakers of Christ. Hebrews 3:14 . Christ is our righteousness, our holiness, and our redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30.
The Christian’s spiritual resources are unlimited, but very few Christians ever learn how to possess their possessions.
Beginning as a newborn babe in Christ, the believer is exhorted to add to his faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love; and thus to grow in Grace and in the knowledge of the LORD Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-7 ; 2 Peter 3:18.
“That ye might walk worthy of the LORD unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10.
Our God would have us abstain from the very appearance of evil. “Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” So that we may be vessels, sanctified, and meet for the Master’s Service. 2 Timothy 2:19-22 . As sons of God, we are called to Salvation, Separation; Service.
Christ said, “Occupy till I come.” Every member of the Body of Christ should be constantly occupied WITH Christ and FOR Christ.
Read about the LORD Jesus and Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 . Martha was occupied FOR Jesus. Mary was occupied WITH Jesus. Christ said, “Mary hath chosen that good part.” Luke 10:42
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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
Welcome to the first in our four part series on The Bible being the Final and Complete Revelation from God. Upcoming messages include: The Bible IS the INERRANT Word of God; The Bible IS the Inspired Word of God; and, The Bible...Which Version?
We want to answer the question...IS THE BIBLE THE FINAL AND COMPLETE REVELATION FROM GOD IN WRITTEN FORM?
Now of course, if that statement is true, then the Quran is NOT a revelation from God and neither is the Book of Mormon, nor any other writing claiming to be inspired of God as The Bible is! You got that! Then next
BUT LET'S LOOK AT THIS FIRST...HOW DO WE KNOW IF A PERSON IS SPEAKING FROM GOD'S REVELATION OR NOT?
That is an excellent question since so many religious leaders claim that God speaks directly to them as He did in the Bible. The following issues need to be addressed whenever you run into such a claim:
1. If what is predicted does NOT happen, then God did not tell them it would, no matter what they say! Read carefully Deuteronomy 18:21-22.
2. If the gospel that is preached is NOT the gospel of Jesus Christ found in the Bible, then God did NOT speak to them! Read Galatians 1:6-10.
3. If what they say does NOT agree with the Bible, then God did NOT speak to them! Read Isaiah 8:19-20; II Peter 3:2.
4. If they ADD any additional "truth" to what the Bible already says, then God did NOT speak to them! Read Revelation 22:18-19.
OK NOW...WHY DO WE BELIEVE THAT THE BIBLE IS A COMPLETE AND FINAL REVELAATION FROM GOD?
1. A THEOLOGICAL reason - nothing is omitted that BELIEVERS need to know!
2. A LOGICAL reason - early church leaders were closer to the issue. They consistently rejected claims by other writings.
3. A FACTUAL reason - no attempt was made to change this completed Bible to the Council of Trent (1540-1546 AD). That council was a reaction to objections by the reformers regarding church tradition being more important than the Bible itself, and the failure of many church teachings to be supported by Biblical authority.
4. AN EXPERIENTIAL reason - it has the proven power to save and change lives who believe its message and obey its teachings.
5. A BIBLICAL reason - THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ARGUMENT OF ALL! God indicates that His written Word would be a complete and final revelation!
FOR YOUR DILIGENT STUDY, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING PASSAGES. These passages will also be in the description: Exodus 20:1; Deuteronomy 4:2; Deuteronomy 8:3; Psalm 19:7; Psalm 119:89, Psalm 152, Psalm 160; Proverbs 30:5-6; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:18; Matthew 24:35; Luke 16:31; John 10:35; John 16:13; Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Corinthians 15:1; Galatians 1:9; Hebrews 1:1-2; Hebrews 2:2-4; Jude 3; Revelation 1:1; Revelation 22:18-19
Hebrews 1:1-2 makes the clear argument that in the "last of these days" (which is the correct Greek grammar) in which God spoke directly, there would be a final revelation concerning His Son, our LORD Jesus Christ. That final revelation is the last book of the New Testament which calls itself, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ". It is an uncovering or unveiling of His Person and majesty like no other portion of God's Word. It is in that book (especially in its last chapter...22:18-19) that deals with the future...clear into eternity...that we have the warning against adding to its words or taking away any of its words. God's revelation ENDED with the Book of Revelation! We are no longer hearing God's direct and audible revelation. He is finished, and now holds us accountable for all that He HAS revealed to us about the past, the present, and the future!
MAY GOD RESTORE IN OUR HEARTS THE ABSOLUTE SUFFICIENCY AND ACCURACY OF THE BIBLE! IT IS THE INSPIRED AND INERRANT WORD OF THE ONE AND ONLY GOD, AND IT IS A COMPLETE AND FINAL REVELATION FROM GOD HIMSELF!
Next up, is our message, "The Bible IS the INERRANT Word of God".
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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
.
Now, it is of the utmost importance, in your study of the Bible, that you all become fully aware and learn of this very important fact...The Fact that from the first chapter of Matthew to the last chapter of Revelation 5, FIVE, different groups or classes of people are addressed.
And here they are:
1) To unsaved Israelites who were under the Law.
2) To saved Israelites who were under the Law before they became members of the Body of Christ.
3) To unsaved Gentiles who were aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, and not under the Law.
4) To carnal saints and babes who were members of the Body of Christ.
5) To those who were of full age, called "the faithful in Christ Jesus."
The words of the Lord Jesus, in Matthew 15:24 and Matthew 10:5-8, should be self explanatory. Christ definitely declared that He Himself was sent ONLY to the lost sheep of the House of Israel, and instructed the twelve apostles, just as definitely, to go NOT in the way of the Gentiles; but rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.
The LORD Jesus Christ, was sent to Israel with a two-fold message; that is, to present "the Kingdom of Heaven" to the Nation with its rulers, and to offer salvation to individual Israelites.
In Matthew 8:12, Christ called the Israelites, both saved AND unsaved, "the children of the kingdom." In John 8:37 He said to the unsaved Israelites, "ye are the seed of Abraham." In Acts 3:25 Peter addressed the unsaved Israelites as "the children of the covenant." In Luke 1:16 and Luke 1:80 we read that John the Baptist appeared to Israel. In John 1:31 we read that John the Baptist baptized with water THAT Christ might be made manifest to Israel, (NOW you know why baptism was introduced, but this has NOTHING to do with the Body of Christ). In Acts 11:1-8 we learn that some of the twelve apostles contended with Peter because he preached to an uncircumcised Gentile, about seven years after Christ died. From all of this and many other Scriptures, we should know the significance of the statement, in Romans 15:8, that Jesus Christ was a Minister of the Circumcision, and should know that, from Matthew 1:1 to Acts 11:18, God's order was "to the Jew only." However, in Acts 11:18 we read that God did something for the Gentiles.
Some of the messages in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Acts, were addressed to unsaved Israelites, or Jews, and some of them were addressed to saved Israelites or Jews. Surely we must consider this if we would intelligently interpret and apply these Scriptures, right? For, if we don't we will just continue in the confusion that has resulted in all of the denominations of today.
In Galatians 1:11-18 we learn that the Apostle Paul was chosen by the Risen Christ, by a special revelation from heaven, to preach the Grace of Christ to heathen. The Apostle Paul tells us of his call to go to the Gentiles, in Acts 22:17-21, and Romans 15:16. In many respects the Gospel of Grace message that Paul proclaimed to Gentiles, not under the Law, differed from the Gospel of the Kingdom messages that Christ and the Twelve proclaimed to saved and unsaved Israelites. Therefore, to preach many of the messages of Matthew, Mark, Luke and the first nine chapters of Acts to the Gentiles not under the law, is to pervert God's Gospel of Grace to Gentiles.
In applying the truth of Matthew, Mark and Luke, and the truth in the first nine chapters of Acts to Gentiles, whether saved or unsaved, we must keep in mind the particular group of people that is addressed in the Scriptures we are studying. Many messages which the LORD's servants proclaimed to backslidden Israel are not intended by God to be included in the salvation message of Christ for Gentiles, not under the Law. We should keep in mind the statements, concerning these Gentiles, in many different verses, for instance read the second chapter of Ephesians, as well as Ephesians 4:18. In these verses we learn that the Gentiles, to whom the Apostle Paul preached the Gospel of the Grace of God, were strangers from the covenants, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, alienated from the life of God, and dead in trespasses and sins.
Surely any preacher who preaches to such people, "bring forth meat for repentance," the message which the LORD gave to John the Baptist for Israel, is out of the will of God. A dead man alienated from the life of God, could not bring forth fruit. But he could be made alive without doing anything. Ephesians 2:4-8. Romans 6:23.
Ok, so, so far we have dealt with the first three classes of people...unsaved Israelites who were under the Law, saved Israelites who were under the Law before they became members of the Body of Christ, and unsaved Gentiles who were aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, and not under the Law. Now, here are the fourth and the fifth classes.
Group 4
1 Corinthians 3:2-3
"I have fed you with milk, and not with meat; for hitherto ye were not able to hear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal; for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"
Group 5
Ephesians 1:1 and Ephesians 4:13-14
"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus." And, "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive."
These Scriptures should convince any student of the Bible that Paul would never have written to the carnal Corinthians what he wrote to the faithful saints in Ephesus. Let us note the last three verses of Hebrews 5, which we quote:
Hebrews 5:12-14
"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the Word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their sense exercised to discern both good and evil."
Here in this portion of scripture we are told of the two classes, within the Body of Christ: members of the Body of Christ who could take only the milk of the Word, God's truth for babes; and those who were of full age who could understand the deep things or the meat of God's Word.
In 1 Peter 2:2 we learn that the new born babes should have the milk of the Word. Note this verse, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby."
Now, you must keep in mind at all times, the saints in Corinth were just as much saints as were the saints in Ephesus. The difference was, the saints at Corinth were carnal and unable to take the strong meat which we find in the Apostle Paul's messages to the Ephesians and Colossians. Of course the "full-age" saints will feed on the milk as well as on the meat. But strong meat belongeth to saints of full age and carnal saints must limit themselves to a milk diet.
A love for religion, ritualism, or sectarianism (denominations), will keep a saint carnal just as much as a love of the world. Read that sentence over and over again. The Corinthians were sectarians. The Ephesians and Colossians accepted the Divine Truth of Ephesians 4:3-6 concerning the One Body, the One Lord, and the ONE BAPTISM.
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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
“And He is the Head of the Body, the Church; Who is the beginning, the first born from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence.”Colossians 1:18 .
We can only touch on the glories of our LORD Jesus Christ and the eternal relationships between this One who is called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, and the redeemed sinner who is already seated with that glorious Savior in the heavenlies.Ephesians 2:6 . Isaiah 9:6 .
When we learn that The LORD Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is mentioned by noun and pronoun more than sixty-nine hundred times in the New Testament Scriptures, you see the impossible task of me trying to describe Him in our relationships in one short article. According to John 21:25 ,“even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written” concerning this One, who is called:
He was in the form of God. Philippians 2:6 . He was with God. He was God. John 1:1-2 . The Father said, “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” “Unto the Son He saith, ‘Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever'”Hebrews 1:6-7 . “Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever”Romans 9:5 . And Thomas said unto Him (Jesus), “My LORD and my God”John 20:28 .
“He is before all things and by Him all things consist”Colossians 1:17 . By Jesus Christ, God made the world and all things. Ephesians 3:9 . In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Colossians 2:9 . All judgment is committed into His hands. John 5:22 . He knows all things.John 21:17 . God hath appointed The LORD Jesus Christ heir of all things. Hebrews 1:2 . Therefore the Son could truthfully say, “All things that the Father hath are mine.”John 16:15 .
All of the promises of God are yea and amen in Christ Jesus. 2 Cor. 1:20 .
This is the Savior who was made after the power of an endless life. Hebrews 7:16 . This is the LORD of Glory who for sinners was crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:8 . Is it any wonder He could say, “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and behold I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and death”Revelation 1:18 . “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the LORD, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty”Revelation 1:8 .
The Scriptures, the Written Word, testify of Jesus Christ, the Living Word. John 5:39 .
This Christ is the Head of the Body, the Church. Sinners saved by grace are members of that Body. “And they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery; but I speak concerning Christ and the Church”Ephesians 5:31 .
The LORD Jesus Christ is the true vine and sinners saved by grace are the branches. John 15:1-8 .
“Our LORD Jesus Christ who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him”1 Thessalonians 5:10 . This Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 . He is:
“The Shepherd and Bishop of our souls”1 Peter 2:25 .
“The Author and Finisher of The Faith”Hebrews 12:2 .
“The Apostle and High Priest of our confession”Hebrews 3:1 .
This is the Christ who died that “He should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad”John 11:52 . “That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him”Ephesians 1:10 . The believer is in Christ. Romans 8:1 . 2 Cor. 5:17 . Christ is in the believer. Galatians 2:20 . Colossians 1:27 .
The believer in Christ is accepted in the Beloved; he is complete in Him; is a new creature in Him and is free from condemnation in Him.Romans 8:2 . Ephesians 1:6 . Colossians 2:9 . 2 Cor. 5:17 .
The believer is a Joint‑Heir with Christ. Romans 8:17 . So, if God hath appointed Christ heir of all things, what does it mean to be a Joint‑Heir with Him? Take a look:
He Himself said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life” “I am the Bread of Life” “I am the Light of the World” “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” “Before Abraham was, I am.” “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.”
He is the one Mediator between God and men. 1 Timothy 2:5 .
He is the Good Shepherd; He is the Great Shepherd; He is the Chief Shepherd. John 10:11Hebrews 13:20 . 1 Peter 5:1-3 . Therefore Christians say along with the Apostle Paul:
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our LORD Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”Galatians 6:14 .
All of the Eternal Purposes of God are centered in that Only Begotten and Well Beloved Son with Whom He was well pleased; that One who was ever the eternal bosom‑companion of His Father; and not only that, but they are centered in that cross of Calvary where that Son, obedient unto that cruel death, was made sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.
We will be singing His praises for all eternity and will never tire of hearing of His glories. “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom and strength, and honour and glory and blessing”Revelation 5:12 .
So we are rejoicing in the fact that we are serving and worshiping a living, resurrected, glorified Saviour, who is our Advocate at God's right hand, where He ever liveth to make intercession for those who are saved. But let us remember that it is one thing to know Him as the Saviour from the penalty of sin, while it is something different to daily acknowledge Him as LORD, knowing Him with Paul in the fellowship of His sufferings and in the power of His resurrection. Philippians 3:10 .
As Disciples of Christ, we are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. And surely no Christian can consistently be a member of any fraternal organization whose members dishonor our LORD and/or deny His Deity.
“All men should honor the Son even as they honor the Father”John 5:23 .
Let us never receive the teaching of any man or woman, that the eternal Christ was the “creation” of the eternal Father before the world began. The LORD Jesus Christ of the Bible said, “He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father”John 14:9 . After the order of Melchisedec, Christ is without father or mother, beginning of days or end of life. Hebrews 7:3 . He is pre‑existent, co‑existent with the Father and self‑existent. He was called “God” by the Father.Hebrews 1:8 . Romans 9:4-6 , 1 John 5:20 . Isaiah 9:6 . John 1:1-3 .
“Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:” “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist”Colossians 1:15-17 .
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved”Acts 16:31 , while there is still time!
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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
.
Before we get to the next 10 Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, here they are again, the FIVE different groups or classes of people who are addressed from the first chapter of Matthew to the last chapter of Revelation:
1) To unsaved Israelites who were under the Law.
2) To saved Israelites who were under the Law before they became members of the Body of Christ.
3) To unsaved Gentiles who were aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, and not under the Law.
4) To carnal saints and babes who were members of the Body of Christ.
5) To those who were of full age, called “the faithful in Christ Jesus.”
Remember, for an in-depth explanation of these five different groups I urge you to watch “Super Bible Facts, part 1: Five Different Groups Addressed from Matthew to Revelation”. Keep these five different groups in mind, and you will derive both blessing and benefit as you carefully study this third set of 10 Super-Facts.
Ok, here we go:
1) Jesus Christ was born a Jew, dedicated as a Jew, lived in a Jewish home, was a Jewish worshipper in a Jewish synagogue, lived under the Jewish law, kept the Jewish passover, died by the Jewish law, and was buried in the manner of the Jews. Matthew 2:4-5 , Luke 2:23 , Luke 2:39 , Luke 2:41-42 , Luke 4:16 , Luke 22:7 , and John 19:40 . Christ was made under the law and recognized the authority of Moses seat. Galatians 4:4 . Matthew 23:1-3 . It is important to recognize that Jesus Christ, on earth, took His place among Israel as a worshipping Jew.
2) In John 4:22 is recorded the statement of Christ, “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship, FOR SALVATION IS OF THE JEWS.” Read Romans 9:4-6 in answer to the question “Who are Israelites?” Note in Luke 4:16 that it was the custom of Jesus to attend the Jewish synagogue on the sabbath.
3) Note this very important fact in Matthew 15:24 , “I am not sent BUT unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Christ said this. And Matthew 10:5 , “These twelve Jesus sent forth and commanded them, saying, GO NOT INTO THE WAY OF THE GENTILES, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not.” Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision, made under the law. Romans 15:8 . Galatians 4:4 . Christ specifically commanded his disciples, “go not into the way of the Gentiles.” Some years later he permitted Peter to preach to the household of Cornelius, and then He sent Paul to the Gentiles some years AFTER HE WENT BACK to heaven. Read Romans 11:13 , 1 Timothy 2:3-7 .
4) Note Luke 19:9 , “And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, FORSOMUCH AS HE ALSO IS A SON OF ABRAHAM.” Although a publican, Zaccheus was eligible for salvation, because he was a son of Abraham. The woman was healed because she was the daughter of Abraham. Luke 13:16 . Christ and His apostles preached to the sons of Abraham while on earth and during the first nine chapters of Acts. Acts 3:25 .
5) Note what a certain Gentile man said and did, “And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto Him THE ELDERS OF THE JEWS, beseeching Him that He would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus they besought Him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom He should do this: FOR HE LOVETH OUR NATION AND HE HATH BUILT US A SYNAGOGUE.” Luke 7:3-5 . The Gentile knew that Christ was a Jew sent only to Jews. He was of great faith. Read Matthew 8:5-13 . The Jews were the children of the kingdom. Matthew 8:12
6) This Roman centurion is the ONLY Gentile man who received a blessing from Christ while on earth, so far as there is any definite statement in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. The woman at the well was not a Gentile. Note the difference between Samaritans and Gentiles. Matthew 10:5 . The word “Jew” is used in John about 70 times and in Acts about 80 times. To the one Gentile woman (a Greek), whom the LORD on earth blessed, He spoke of the Jews as “children,” and of the Gentiles as “dogs.” Matthew 15:21-27 , Mark 7:24-30 . There is a great difference between “children” and “dogs.” But when we reach Romans 10:12 , there is NO difference between Jews and Greeks. Something happened, something CHANGED in God's program between Matthew 15:24 and Romans 10:12 . Read about it in Acts 13:46 and Acts 18:5-6 . The change was the Dispensation of Grace, the Dispensation of the Mystery, coming in.
7) We must reconcile John 3:16 and Matthew 15:24 by studying the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, as recorded in the Four Gospels, and the ministry of the Twelve UP TO THE TIME Cornelius, the God-fearing, Jew-loving Gentile, (Acts 10:1-2 , and Acts 10:18 ) was saved, about seven years AFTER Christ's Resurrection. It was by His vision to Peter that the Lord made it lawful for His messenger to preach to Gentiles. Read Acts 10:28-29 . Then Peter preached “WHOSOEVER” Acts 10:43 . In Matthew 15:24 , it is “Jews only.” In John 3:16 , it is “whosoever.” But remember Christ's words in Matthew 10:5-6 , “go NOT to Gentiles.” Compare with Acts 11:18 , Acts 14:27 , and Acts 22:21 .
8) The Gentile of Luke 7 and Matthew 8 was a man of GREAT FAITH. Matthew 8:10 . The only other Gentile to whom Christ gave a blessing while on earth, so far as the Record is concerned, was a woman of GREAT FAITH. Matthew 15:21-28 . Mark 7:27 . Christ was not seeking this woman. She sought Him. Mark 7:24-25 . To this Gentile woman Christ said, “let the children (Jews) first be filled.” Mark 7:27 . To the Gentile man Christ said, “the children of the kingdom (Jews) shall be cast into outer darkness.” Matthew 8:12 . These two Gentiles speak of God's program from Matthew 1 to Acts 18:6 and Acts 28:25-28 . Remember that Christ and His apostles on earth were preaching the gospel of the Kingdom. Matthew 9:35 . Peter preached in Acts, the gospel of the circumcision. Galatians 2:7 .
9) Up to the latter part of the Book of Acts, the Jews were being filled first. Acts 3:26 , Acts 13:46 , Acts 18:5-6 . In Acts 28:25-28 the Jews were cast into darkness. This program is suggested by Christ's experience with the only two Gentiles to whom He ministered before His death, so far as we have any record. Read and study carefully Romans 11:11 and Romans 11:15-21 .
10) While Christ was on earth, God's order was “TO THE JEW ONLY.” Matthew 15:24 . Up to Acts 10:28 , for about seven years after Christ died on the cross, God's order was “TO THE JEW ONLY.” Note Acts 10:28 ; “It is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come to one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” Acts 10:28 . Note carefully Acts 5:31 , “Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance TO ISRAEL, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:31 . Again; Acts 11:19 , “Now they which were scattered abroad, upon the persecution that arose about Stephen, travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the Word to none but UNTO THE JEWS ONLY.” Acts 11:19 . Note that the first Gentile to whom Peter preached was a God-fearing man who loved the Jews. Acts 10:1-2 , Acts 10:18 . Many have called Cornelius an uncircumcised proselyte. So far as there is any record in Acts the Twelve preached to no Gentiles except to the household of Cornelius, and not one of the Twelve preached outside of the land of the Jews. They remained in Jerusalem. Acts 8:1 .
More Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study coming up!
***
In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
.
It was wonderful to hear from so many of you about how much you all enjoyed and were edified by part one, and part two of "Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study". Now, before we move along to part three and the next 10 Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, I want to point out once again that it is super important for you all to become fully aware that the messages from the first chapter of Matthew to the last chapter of Revelation FIVE different groups or classes of people are addressed.
And here they are again:
1) To unsaved Israelites who were under the Law.
2) To saved Israelites who were under the Law before they became members of the Body of Christ.
3) To unsaved Gentiles who were aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, and not under the Law.
4) To carnal saints and babes who were members of the Body of Christ.
5) To those who were of full age, called "the faithful in Christ Jesus."
Keep these five different groups in mind, and you will derive both blessing and benefit as you carefully study this second set of 10 Super-Facts, (we added 2 BONUS Facts for this message, SURPRISE).
Ok, here we go:
1) The "Law" Dispensation was both parenthetical and TEMPORARY. Galatians 3:19 , Hebrews 8:7-13 . The Law, which was contrary to man, was nailed to the cross. Colossians 2:14 .
2) In the first eleven chapters of Genesis we have the record from creation to the call of Abram, about 2100 years. Israel was Abraham's grandson. About 70 souls out of the loins of Jacob (Israel) went to Egypt about 1900 B.C. More than one million Israelites came out of Egypt about 1500 B.C. Exodus 1:5 , and Exodus 12:37 .
3) The period from the sin of Adam to the time God made the Sinai Covenant with Israel, is called, "from Adam to Moses," "when there is NO law." Romans 5:12-14. Remember also, that there were no Israelites before the flood. Abel, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Shem, and Eber were not Israelites. But the Israelites were "Eberites," and "Shemites." The Jews are still called the "Semitic" people.
4) From Genesis 12:1 to Malachi 4:6 , there are 926 chapters. With the probable exception of Job, and some of Proverbs, they all deal with the one Nation Israel. The other nations spoke of are only those nations that have dealings WITH Israel. All of the 39 Books, from Genesis to Malachi, were written by Jews. Read Romans 3:1 , and Romans 9:4-6 . If Luke was a Jew, then the 27 Books of the New Testament were written by Jews.
5) "The times of the Gentiles" politically, or governmentally, began about 600 B.C. (Jeremiah 50-52 .). "The times of the Gentiles" spiritually, began when God sent temporary blindness upon Israel and the Risen LORD Jesus Christ sent the Apostle Paul to the Gentiles with the Ministry of Reconciliation.
6) The Spirit of Christ was in the Old Testament prophets and testified beforehand the sufferings of the LORD Jesus Christ, and the glory that should follow. 1 Peter 1:11 . In Genesis 3:14-16 , BEFORE the Old Testament existed, Christ was to be the Seed of the woman; in Malachi 3 , "the LORD Whom ye seek." In Isaiah 7:14 , Christ was to be the LORD AND the Seed of the woman. Fascinating stuff!
7) All of the prophets "SINCE the world began" spoke of the restitution of all things (the millennium or the coming kingdom age). Acts 3:21 , and Acts 3:24 . When that time arrives the twelve apostles will be sitting on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Matthew 19:28 . Note the words of the LORD Jesus Christ in Mark 1:14-15 and Matthew 4:17 , why the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand.
8) The prophets foretold that Christ would be the Stone rejected by the builders. Matthew 21:42 . Luke 20:17 . Psalm 118:22 . David wrote that Christ would be raised from the dead to sit on David's throne. Acts 2:27-32 . Now, carefully note the prophecy of Amos in 9:11-15. Christ, here, is to build again the tabernacle of David, and save Israelites and Gentiles. This is the program of Acts 15:13-18 .
9) The Old Testament Prophets foretold the resurrection of Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:4 . Psalm 16:8-10 . They foretold the time of Jacob's trouble, Israel's "tribulation." Jeremiah 30:7 . Luke 21:11 . They prophesied "the tree" (Calvary), "the tribulation", "the throne", and "Gentile salvation." In Abraham's seed all nations would be blessed. Note what these Scriptures foresaw when Abram was justified. Galatians 3:8 .
10) The Old Testament Prophets prophesied that Christ would be a King on David's throne. Isaiah 9:6-7 . Psalm 24 . Ezekiel 34:23-24 ; Ezekiel 34:28-31 , and Ezekiel 37:24 . HOWEVER, the Old Testament Prophets never ONCE prophesied that The LORD Jesus Christ would be the Head of the Body of Christ. Ephesians 1:19-23 . Believing Jews and believing Gentiles joined, without distinction, in the one Body of Ephesians 4:4-5 of which Christ is the Head was truth NOT known and NOT prophesied by Israel's prophets.
And TWO BONUS SUPER BIBLE FACTS!
11) When the Old Testament Prophets foretold the salvation of Gentiles, many times it was concerning their salvation IN THE KINGDOM, in SUBJECTION to Israel, but NEVER concerning God's eternal purpose in Christ, as revealed in 2 Timothy 1:9-11 and Ephesians 3:8-11 . The Apostle Paul preached to Gentiles many Divine truths about which Israel's prophets wrote and spoke, but he ALSO preached among them the unsearchable (unprophesied) riches of Christ. Ephesians 3:8 . Read carefully 2 Timothy 1:9-11 and compare with the Apostle Peter's message to Cornelius in Acts 10:34-38 .
12) Not ONE of Israel's prophets knew, spoke, or wrote concerning the "One New Man" of Ephesians 2:15 , or the present Age of Grace, the Reign of Grace, that is, God's eternal purpose in Christ (Ephesians 3:11 ), or concerning the joint-Body (the Sussoma) of Ephesians 3:6 . Colossians 1:24-27 . This was the "Mystery" revealed to the Apostle Paul by the Risen Christ. Ephesians 6:19-20 ; Ephesians 3:9 , and Ephesians 5:32 . In Ephesians 3:6 the word "Body" is, in the Greek, "Sussoma" meaning "joint-Body". (Make note, make a BIG NOTE, that when you read in the Apostle Paul's Epistles of "The Mystery," or "The Secret," that this truth was withheld from all servants of the LORD until it was revealed by the Risen Christ to the Apostle Paul.)
Here is a thought to keep with you: A love for religion, ritualism, or sectarianism, will keep a saint carnal just as much as a love of the world!
***
In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
.
Once again the purpose of these videos is to put together for members of the Lion and Lamb Ministry, and whoever may happen to watch this, "Super-Facts" to help you in your Bible Study. As stated in Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, part 1, I want to reiterate here, that you all become fully aware that the messages from the first chapter of Matthew to the last chapter of Revelation FIVE different groups or classes of people are addressed.
Once again, here they are:
1) To unsaved Israelites who were under the Law.
2) To saved Israelites who were under the Law before they became members of the Body of Christ.
3) To unsaved Gentiles who were aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, and not under the Law.
4) To carnal saints and babes who were members of the Body of Christ.
5) To those who were of full age, called "the faithful in Christ Jesus."
For an in-depth explanation of these five different groups I urge you to read "Super bible Facts for Super Bible Study, part 1".
Now I believe if you will keep these five different groups in mind, you will derive both blessing and benefit by carefully studying this first set of 10 "Super-Facts".
Ok, here we go:
1) SUPER BIBLE FACT: There is not one line concerning the Old Testament in the Book of Genesis. The Testament (Covenant), made OLD by the death of Yahweh Yahuwshua, The LORD Jesus Christ, was established about 2500 years after Adam left the garden of Eden. Hebrews 8:9-13 . Exodus 20 . Romans 5:20 . Galatians 3:19 . There is no reference to that Covenant in Genesis.
2) SUPER BIBLE FACT: Abram (Abraham) was not a Jew. God called "Abram" in uncircumcision when he was SEVENTY FIVE years old. Genesis 12:1-15 . He was circumcised and became "Abra`ham" 24 years later. Romans 4:8-12 . Genesis 17:6-16 . The gospel was preached to uncircumcised Abram 430 years before the Law was given at Sinai. Galatians 3:8-17 . Therefore, Abraham did not live under the reign of, or Dispensation of Law.
3) SUPER BIBLE FACT: The word "Jew" is found for the first time in Esther 2:5 , about 470 B.C., or centuries after Abraham was circumcised. "Jews" is found the first time in 2 Kings 16:6 , about 624 B.C. The word "Jew" is found about 300 times in the Bible; the word "Christian", 3 times. The Jews are called "Judah" or "Juda" about 812 times in the Bible.
4) SUPER BIBLE FACT: When the word "Jew" or "Jews" is used in the New Testament Scriptures, it generally refers to Jews by religion, and the leadership, rather than to the descendants of Judah. John 2:13 ; John 7:11 ; John 11:55 ; John 19:42 , and Galatians 2:14 .
5) SUPER BIBLE FACT: In Esther 8:17 is recorded the fact that Persian Gentiles became "Jews". This, of course, refers to religion and not to race. The Gentiles thus were known as "proselytes." The males were circumcised. Some of the devout Jews from every nation under heaven on the day of Pentecost were proselytes. Acts 2:5-10 .
6) SUPER BIBLE FACT: Abram was declared righteous 430 years before The LORD made the Covenant (now Old) with Israel. Galatians 3:16-19 . Abram, in uncircumcision, believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Genesis 15:6 . Galatians 3:6 . Romans 4:3 . James declared that Abraham was justified by works when he offered Isaac. James 2:21 . HOWEVER, that was YEARS after he was justified by Faith.
7) SUPER BIBLE FACT: Abraham was not an Old Testament saint. Neither was his son Isaac, nor his grandson Jacob (Israel), nor any of the twelve sons of Israel, including Levi, Judah and Joseph. None of these were Jews by religion, although circumcised.
8) SUPER BIBLE FACT: The Book of Romans (especially Romans 1 ) tells how God cast away the Gentiles, right about the time Abram was called out. Romans 11 relates how Israel was cast away right about the time that the Apostle Paul was sent to the Gentiles. The temporary casting away of Israel brought reconciliation for Gentiles and the Reign of Grace for the human race. This was AFTER Acts 13 .
9) SUPER BIBLE FACT: Nothing is said about the SABÂBATH during the 2500 years between Genesis 2:2 and Exodus 16:23 . God gave no SABBATH to Noah, Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph. Not one of these fathers was under the Law. Abram found rest in a Person, NOT in a day. Abram had the Faith in God but no God given religion. He was circumcised 24 years after he was justified by The Faith.
10) SUPER BIBLE FACT: The LAW was added 430 years after God preached the Gospel of Grace to Abram, till Christ fulfilled and abolished the Law. Galatians 3:17-19 . 2 Corinthians 3:11-13 . The LAW entered 2500 years after sin entered the world by Adam. Romans 5:20 and Romans 5:12 . Therefore the "Law" Dispensation was both parenthetical and temporary. Galatians 3:19 . Hebrews 8:7-13 . The Law, which was contrary to man, was nailed to the cross. Colossians 2:14 .
More Super Bible Facts coming!
***
In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
Now, it is of the utmost importance, in your study of the Bible, that you all become fully aware and learn of this very important fact...The Fact that from the first chapter of Matthew to the last chapter of Revelation 5, FIVE, different groups or classes of people are addressed.
And here they are:
1) To unsaved Israelites who were under the Law.
2) To saved Israelites who were under the Law before they became members of the Body of Christ.
3) To unsaved Gentiles who were aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, and not under the Law.
4) To carnal saints and babes who were members of the Body of Christ.
5) To those who were of full age, called "the faithful in Christ Jesus."
The words of the Lord Jesus, in Matthew 15:24 and Matthew 10:5-8, should be self explanatory. Christ definitely declared that He Himself was sent ONLY to the lost sheep of the House of Israel, and instructed the twelve apostles, just as definitely, to go NOT in the way of the Gentiles; but rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.
The LORD Jesus Christ, was sent to Israel with a two-fold message; that is, to present "the Kingdom of Heaven" to the Nation with its rulers, and to offer salvation to individual Israelites.
In Matthew 8:12, Christ called the Israelites, both saved AND unsaved, "the children of the kingdom." In John 8:37 He said to the unsaved Israelites, "ye are the seed of Abraham." In Acts 3:25 Peter addressed the unsaved Israelites as "the children of the covenant." In Luke 1:16 and Luke 1:80 we read that John the Baptist appeared to Israel. In John 1:31 we read that John the Baptist baptized with water THAT Christ might be made manifest to Israel, (NOW you know why baptism was introduced, but this has NOTHING to do with the Body of Christ). In Acts 11:1-8 we learn that some of the twelve apostles contended with Peter because he preached to an uncircumcised Gentile, about seven years after Christ died. From all of this and many other Scriptures, we should know the significance of the statement, in Romans 15:8, that Jesus Christ was a Minister of the Circumcision, and should know that, from Matthew 1:1 to Acts 11:18, God's order was "to the Jew only." However, in Acts 11:18 we read that God did something for the Gentiles.
Some of the messages in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Acts, were addressed to unsaved Israelites, or Jews, and some of them were addressed to saved Israelites or Jews. Surely we must consider this if we would intelligently interpret and apply these Scriptures, right? For, if we don't we will just continue in the confusion that has resulted in all of the denominations of today.
In Galatians 1:11-18 we learn that the Apostle Paul was chosen by the Risen Christ, by a special revelation from heaven, to preach the Grace of Christ to heathen. The Apostle Paul tells us of his call to go to the Gentiles, in Acts 22:17-21, and Romans 15:16. In many respects the Gospel of Grace message that Paul proclaimed to Gentiles, not under the Law, differed from the Gospel of the Kingdom messages that Christ and the Twelve proclaimed to saved and unsaved Israelites. Therefore, to preach many of the messages of Matthew, Mark, Luke and the first nine chapters of Acts to the Gentiles not under the law, is to pervert God's Gospel of Grace to Gentiles.
In applying the truth of Matthew, Mark and Luke, and the truth in the first nine chapters of Acts to Gentiles, whether saved or unsaved, we must keep in mind the particular group of people that is addressed in the Scriptures we are studying. Many messages which the LORD's servants proclaimed to backslidden Israel are not intended by God to be included in the salvation message of Christ for Gentiles, not under the Law. We should keep in mind the statements, concerning these Gentiles, in many different verses, for instance read the second chapter of Ephesians, as well as Ephesians 4:18. In these verses we learn that the Gentiles, to whom the Apostle Paul preached the Gospel of the Grace of God, were strangers from the covenants, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, alienated from the life of God, and dead in trespasses and sins.
Surely any preacher who preaches to such people, "bring forth meat for repentance," the message which the LORD gave to John the Baptist for Israel, is out of the will of God. A dead man alienated from the life of God, could not bring forth fruit. But he could be made alive without doing anything. Ephesians 2:4-8. Romans 6:23.
Ok, so, so far we have dealt with the first three classes of people...unsaved Israelites who were under the Law, saved Israelites who were under the Law before they became members of the Body of Christ, and unsaved Gentiles who were aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, and not under the Law. Now, here are the fourth and the fifth classes.
Group 4
1 Corinthians 3:2-3
"I have fed you with milk, and not with meat; for hitherto ye were not able to hear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal; for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"
Group 5
Ephesians 1:1 and Ephesians 4:13-14
"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus." And, "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive."
These Scriptures should convince any student of the Bible that Paul would never have written to the carnal Corinthians what he wrote to the faithful saints in Ephesus. Let us note the last three verses of Hebrews 5, which we quote:
Hebrews 5:12-14
"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the Word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their sense exercised to discern both good and evil."
Here in this portion of scripture we are told of the two classes, within the Body of Christ: members of the Body of Christ who could take only the milk of the Word, God's truth for babes; and those who were of full age who could understand the deep things or the meat of God's Word.
In 1 Peter 2:2 we learn that the new born babes should have the milk of the Word. Note this verse, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby."
Now, you must keep in mind at all times, the saints in Corinth were just as much saints as were the saints in Ephesus. The difference was, the saints at Corinth were carnal and unable to take the strong meat which we find in the Apostle Paul's messages to the Ephesians and Colossians. Of course the "full-age" saints will feed on the milk as well as on the meat. But strong meat belongeth to saints of full age and carnal saints must limit themselves to a milk diet.
A love for religion, ritualism, or sectarianism (denominations), will keep a saint carnal just as much as a love of the world. Read that sentence over and over again. The Corinthians were sectarians. The Ephesians and Colossians accepted the Divine Truth of Ephesians 4:3-6 concerning the One Body, the One Lord, and the ONE BAPTISM.
***
In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 says, “For as the body is ONE and hath many members, and all the members of that ONE body, being many, are one body; SO ALSO IS CHRIST: For by ONE Spirit are we all baptized into ONE BODY.” No man can baptize his fellow man into the Body of Christ. This can be done only by almighty God. Therefore, NOW, let us take a look in depth at...
The Body of Christ, and YOUR Denomination
There are many church buildings and church organizations on this earth. Many of the people, who are members of the different church organizations, are also members of God’s Church. About 2000 years ago the Apostle Paul instructed the spiritual leaders of Ephesus, “Feed the CHURCH OF GOD, WHICH HE HATH PURCHASED WITH HIS OWN BLOOD.” (Acts 20:28 ). Very interesting is this statement concerning God’s Church. Since the day that Paul spoke to those elders many members of God’s Church have departed to be with Christ. (Philippians 1:23).
Concerning the Apostles Peter and John, we read in Acts 4:23, “And being let go they went to their own company.” This word “company” suggests their own private group. In 1 Corinthians 14:23 we read of the church coming together. So every member of God’s Church should be identified with other such members of like precious faith and should have a regular meeting-place or assembly. But every member of God’s Church, in the matter of “church membership” should faithfully obey 2 Cor. 6:14, “be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” And every member of God’s Church should faithfully obey Ephesians 6:18, and pray with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
Church officers may receive from the members of some particular local assembly the right to induct others into that membership. But only God Himself can receive a person into His Church, that is, cause a believer to be joined to the Body of Christ by being joined to Christ.“So we, being many, are One Body in Christ, and everyone members, one of another.”(Romans 12:5). This means, of course, that ALL SAVED Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Methodists, Baptists and Congregationalists are members one of another. But it certainly does NOT mean that all of the members of these DENOMINATIONS are members one of another.
No intelligent student of the Bible believes that a person is a member of God’s Church because that person has joined some denominational organization. But every such student knows that God’s way of joining God’s Church is told in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, “For as the body is one and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body; SO ALSO IS CHRIST: For by one Spirit are we all baptized into ONE BODY.”
No man can baptize his fellow man into the Body of Christ. This can be done only by almighty God. However, it is true that the Faith cometh by hearing the Word of God and sinners cannot believe unless they hear and they cannot hear unless God’s saints go to them with the saving Gospel, to plant and water, so that God will give the increase, and add such as are being saved. (Romans 10:12-15, Acts 2:47). “And believers were the more added to the LORD.” (Acts 5:14).
In Hebrews 10:10 and Hebrews 13:12 we are told how sinners became saints, “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ.” AND, “Wherefore Jesus also, that He might SANCTIFY the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate.” Then note 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 , how God makes living saints out of dead sinners, how God justifies and sanctifies believing murderers, drunkards, thieves, adulterers, which is the very same in the case of the believing self-righteous, moral, religious person. “Such were some of you; but ye are washed; but ye are SANCTIFIED; but ye are justified in the Name of the LORD Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” In Titus 3:5-8 this is called “by the washing of regeneration,”which God bestows.
The moment God saves the believing sinner, at that very moment, that individual, becomes a saint and a member of the Church, Which is the Body of Christ. (Ephesians 1:23, Ephesians 4:4-5, Colossians 1:25-26). In 2 Cor. 1:21-22 we read that God establishes the believer and anoints the believer, “God, Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” In Ephesians 4:9-13 we learn how God is building up the Body of Christ, “For the building up of the Body of Christ, Till we all come in the unity (oneness) of The Faith, unto a perfect man.”
Now, PAY ATTENTION, God is VERY jealous concerning His Son and His Son’s Body; so be very careful that YOU are not trying to build up something, such as YOUR denomination IN COMPETITION with God, instead of being laborers together with God in building the ONE BODY of Ephesians 4:4.
The word CHURCH is found more than 100 times from Acts to Revelation; twice in Matthew 18:17. The Greek word is EKKLESIA. In the Greek translation of the Old Testament Scriptures this word EKKLESIA is used quite frequently and is generally translated “congregation,” as it is in Acts 19:32, Acts 19:39-41, where the Greek word is used to describe an angry, lawless mob of heathen.
Where the Greek word EKKLESIA refers to God’s Church, it does not refer to an assembly room or meeting place, but to a company of people; for the word EKKLESIA means CALLED OUT. Therefore, God’s Church, God’s Ekklesia, during this Dispensation of Grace, or the Dispensation of the Mystery, is composed of believers, or saints, whom God by the Holy Spirit and the Gospel of Christ has called out of this condemned world to be joined to Christ, as one flesh, to make up the one new man of Ephesians 2:15 and Ephesians 5:31-32.
In Ephesians 5:25-27 we learn that Christ is going to present THE CHURCH unto Himself, a glorious, spotless, blameless, Holy Church. How sad it is to know that many members of church organizations on this earth will not be there. Will you?
***
In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.
So There You Have it!
Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.
Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.
