LLM Question for 1-1-2012, and, THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 3, PART 2 of 3

May this New Year Be Blessed for You in the LORD!

Now, whether or not you decide to address your shortcomings with a New Year’s Day resolution is up to you. But when these resolutions fail, we tend to put off addressing the problem again until NEXT New Year’s Day!

A much better solution is found in the use of the word...HENCEFORTH, used by the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul. It is far better to encourage the people of God to take a moment and reflect when they see a HENCEFORTH and ask, WHENCEFORTH? The answer to WHENCEFORTH should not be limited to the first day of the New Year, but rather every time you read a HENCEFORTH verse. Then when we read the Words of the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul, “henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk” (Ephesians 4:17), and “henceforth we should not serve sin” (Romans 6:6), we should renew our determination to obey these admonitions with EVERY reading of such verses. Remember, “He died for all, that they which live should not HENCEFORTH live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Cor. 5:15).

And Here is the First Question of 2012: The great purpose of The Law of Moses was to show the sinner just how great a sinner he was. True or False?

Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 12-29-2011

Question: No prayer, no agonizing, no religious struggle is required on the part of the BELIEVER in Christ to receive the Holy Spirit. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! By BELIEVING God, the sinner, justified without the law, not only receives eternal life as a free gift but he receives the Holy Spirit, immediately, as God’s free gift! Now, out of the 734 responses we received to this question, 90.3% of you got it right. Praise the LORD! Therefore, now, let us take a look at…

THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 3, PART 2 of 3

When Christ died on the cross He broke down the middle-wall of parti­tion between the Jew and the Gentile. However, the revelation of this fact was NOT given to the Twelve Apostles, in the early chapters of Acts. This we may learn by reading Acts 10:28, which we quote, “And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another na­tion; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” God nailed the law of com­mandments to the cross and took it out of the way. Colossians 2:13-14.

Now we quote Galatians 3:13-14

“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through Faith.”

In the study of the Bible we observe the four-fold curse, The curse when sin entered by Adam; The curse suggested in Galatians 3:10, which is the curse of everyone under the law. Then in Matthew 25:41 we read these words, “then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” But there is another curse which we have quoted in Galatians 3:13, “Christ was made a curse on the cross.” That delivered Israel from the curse of the law. What did it do for the Gen­tile?

By the death and resurrection of Christ, the blessing of Abram, the un­circumcised Gentile, came upon all Gen­tiles through Jesus Christ, namely, righteousness without works or religion.

Compare Galatians 3:14 with Romans 4:22-25, which we quote, “That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through Faith”, and “And therefore it was imputed to him for righteous­ness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our LORD from the dead; Who was delivered for our offen­ces, and was raised again for our justi­fication.”

Also by believing God, the sinner, justified without the law, not only re­ceives eternal life as a free gift but he receives the Holy Spirit as God’s free gift!!! No prayer, no agonizing, no religious struggle is required on the part of the believer to receive the Holy Spirit. Think of the disgraceful con­duct of some in their unscriptural methods. You know who you are.

In Galatians 3:16 we have the truth which is also found in Hebrews 2:16, which we quote, “For verily He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed of Abra­ham.” There are some Christians who object to applying the term “seed of Abraham” to members of the Body of Christ. Gentile members of the Body of Christ are in no way the physical seed of “Abraham.” They are the spiritual seed of “Abram,” which is quite another matter. Some insist that Gentile members of the Body of Christ have nothing to do with anything that is Israelitish, and nothing to do with any covenant that God made with Is­rael.

While it is true that both the Old and the New Covenants have to do with God’s dealings with Israel, it is also true that the Christ, by whose shed blood we are saved, is called, in Romans 9:5, an Israelite. He died as the seed of Abraham and the seed of David. Even the Apostle Paul, in his Gospel, in connection with “the Mystery,” wrote these words in his last Epistle, 2 Timothy 2:8, “Re­member that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead ac­cording to my Gospel.”

Now let us quote this very important verse, Galatians 3:19

“WHEREFORE THEN SERVETH THE LAW? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.”

“THE LAW WAS ADDED TILL.” It was added to the Gospel, mentioned in Galatians 3:8, UNTIL Jesus Christ, on the cross, abolished it. 2 Cor. 3:9-16. Surely we have here the answer to the legalistic teaching of the Seventh Day Adventists and others. There is a great difference between the Law that has been abolished and the new law that has been established and which abides, namely, “the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus”. Romans 8:2; Hebrews 7:11-12. This law enables us to walk in the Spirit and fulfill the righteousness of the law. Romans 8:4. The sum total of the spiritual life of man is to appropriate, to demonstrate, and to propagate “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.”

Nothing has brought more distraction, discomfort and doubt in the hearts of believers than the lack of understanding of the believer’s relation to the Law of Sinai.

“Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

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LLM Question for 12-29-2011, and, THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 3, PART 1 of 3

First the Question: No prayer, no agonizing, no religious struggle is required on the part of the BELIEVER in Christ to receive the Holy Spirit. True or False?

Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 12-23-2011

Question: The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to the BELIEVER. Romans 5:5. The BELIEVER receives the Holy Spirit the very moment he BELIEVES the Gospel of his Salvation. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! A Christian is one who receives the Holy Spirit, and baptism into the Body of Christ, at the time he or she becomes a Christian. Tarrying meetings for the Holy Spirit have no place in the spiritual program which the Risen Christ gave, through the Apostle Paul, for the members of His Body. The earnest, the sealing, or the baptism in, or with, or by, the Holy Spirit is always a PAST experience with the believer. Now, out of the 804 responses we received to this question, 87.8% of you got it right. Praise the LORD! Therefore, now, let us take a look at...

THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 3, PART 1 of 3

“O FOOLISH GALATIANS, WHO HATH BEWITCHED YOU?” Galatians 3:1

The Gal­atians were indeed foolish to permit themselves to be bewitched. And while human instruments were used, we are sure that the ministry of these human instruments was directed by the god of this age. That would be Satan, for those reading this who are yet unsure. How many of us can say, truthfully, what the Apostle Paul wrote concerning Satan, in 2 Cor. 2:11, “we are not ignorant of his de­vices.” In Ephesians 6:11, we are warned against the wiles of the devil. He is not only the father of lies, but he is accused of the crime of deceiving the whole world. Let us note Paul’s warn­ing in 2 Cor. 11:3, “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent be­guiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the sim­plicity that is in Christ.” It is the devil’s business to corrupt, beguile, and be­witch. He always has plenty of ser­vants to do his bidding. Sad to say, many, who are really saved, serve Satan in the matter of frustrating the Grace of God by mixing something else with the Grace message. Remember what we learned in LLM’s Seventh Rule, that God is not making three hundred sectarian denominations and the LORD will not permit any man to have the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to understand the Mystery who contends for or sponsors a sectarian denomination!

How foolish is any sinner who will not receive salvation as the free gift of God. God states that a believer is declared righteous, “without a cause”, by His Grace, on the grounds of a crucified and resurrected Christ. The religious messengers, deceived by Satan, (that is one who contends for or sponsors a sectarian denomination!), say that this is not true; that the believer must add to God’s Grace and Christ’s finished work in order to be saved.

The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to the believer. Romans 5:5. The believer receives the Holy Spirit the very moment he believes the Gospel of his Salvation. Ephesians 1:13. “After that ye believed” in Ephesians 1:13 is: “pisteusantes,” believing. As eternal life is God’s free gift to the believing sinner, so the Holy Spirit is given to any and every sinner who, by Faith, meets God at the cross where Christ put away sin. Galatians 3:13-14. Then and there, by the Holy Spirit, the believer is SEALED unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30

“ARE YE SO FOOLISH, HAVING BEGUN IN THE SPIRIT, ARE YE NOW MADE PERFECT BY THE FLESH?” Galatians 3:3

No Christian needs to importune God for Holy Spirit baptism. A Christian is one who receives the Holy Spirit, and baptism into the Body of Christ, at the time he or she becomes a Christian. Tarrying meetings for the Holy Spirit have no place in the spiritual program which the Risen Christ gave, through the Apostle Paul, for the members of His Body. The earnest, the sealing, or the baptism in, or with, or by, the Holy Spirit is always a PAST experience with the believer. In the light of 1 John 2:27, it is doubtful if any member of the Body of Christ has ever received a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit. A Christian is one who has been anointed. Christ means “anointed”. The dispensational and doctrinal truth, taught in Galatians 3:6-29, should be studied diligently and prayerfully under the direction of the same Holy Spirit who moved upon the Apostle Paul to write it. The child of God, who understands these verses will not be seduced by teachers who are, themselves, deceived concerning the believer’s relation to Abraham, and concerning the hope and calling of members of the Body of Christ.

First let us read Galatians 3:6, changing the name “Abraham” to “Abram.” “Even as Abram believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” It is so important to make this change, if we, as members of the Body of Christ, would know how to interpret and apply the truth of these verses. Now, in Genesis 15:6 we read, “Abram believed the LORD; and He counted it to him for righteousness.” At that time Abram had not become Abraham. As Abram, he was an uncircumcised Gentile. In Romans 4:9-11, we learn that Abram was declared righteous in uncircumcision. The account of Abraham’s circumcision is given in Genesis 17, which was some years AFTER Abram was declared righteous in uncircumcision.

Now we come to the consideration of a very important truth. We quote Galatians 3:8, “And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through Faith, preached BEFORE the Gospel unto Abraham (Abram), saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.” With this, we quote Galatians 3:17, “And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed BEFORE of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.” We have emphasized in these two verses the word “before.” In both cases it means “before God made with Israel the covenant at Sinai”, which we now call the “Law” covenant or the “Old Testament.” We again quote Galatians 3:8, and supply the 430 years “And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through Faith, preached (430 years) before the Gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.” Here we learn that the Scripture foresaw what God was going to begin to do by the Apostle Paul nearly twenty centuries later. And God is still doing the same thing by His messengers who are true to this Gospel of Grace.

While the Scriptures foresaw the ministry and message of the Apostle Paul to uncircumcised Gentiles, at the time he declared uncircumcised Abram righteous by Faith, none of God’s holy prophets ever foretold the fact that the Gospel of the uncircumcision, would be revealed to an apostle to the Gentiles. What was not revealed by the LORD to Israel’s prophets, and not foretold by them to Israel, is called in the Scriptures “The MYSTERY” or “The SECRET.” It was God’s secret which He did not choose to reveal until after the Apostle Paul was chosen to be the special custodian and dispenser of this Divine “deposit”.

Beginning with the circumcision of Abram at the time he became Abraham, at the age of 99, (Genesis 17), God made circumcision a condition upon which His people should enjoy His fellowship and blessing. This continued even after the time when God granted repentance unto life to uncircumcised Cornelius. Acts 11:18. We quote Acts 11:3 to show why the other apostles contended with Peter preaching to Cornelius the Gentile. “Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.”

Now, concerning Galatians 3:17, “And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed BEFORE of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.”, we learn that God added the covenant at Sinai, (with the Law of commandments and ordinances), 430 years after He justified uncircumcised Abram. Abram was NOT under the law. Abram was NOT an Old Testament saint. Abram was NOT an Israelite. Abram was NOT a Jew.

The “Law Covenant” did NOT annul, or declare void, the “Covenant of Grace” which God made with Abram; the promise. The Law was given to Israel. The Gentiles were aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel. Ephesians 2:11-12. They were not under the law. The Holy Spirit would here teach us that the “Law Dispensation” was both parenthetical and temporary.

When Christ died on the cross He broke down the middle wall of partition between the Jew and the Gentile. However, the revelation of this fact was NOT given to the Twelve Apostles, in the early chapters of Acts. This we may learn by reading Acts 10:28, which we quote, “And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” God nailed the law of commandments to the cross and took it out of the way. Colossians 2:13-14.

“Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Subscribe Here to the LLM Newsletter , Follow LLM on Twitter , Subscribe to LLM on Youtube , LLM on MySpace , and FaceBook

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Watching

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD.” Luke 2:11

It is with much praise and thanksgiving to our Great God and Saviour, the LORD Jesus Christ, that we want to convey our appreciation to all those who faithfully pray for us and stand with us in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel of God's Grace in this present Dispensation of Grace, the Dispensation of the Mystery. May you and yours have a truly joyous Holiday Season in the LORD!

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Watching

The Lion and Lamb Ministry Christmas Message

"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, (because he was of the house and lineage of David), to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD.And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."(Luke 2: 4-14)

The Lamb of God in the Heavens - Amazing!

See what was displayed in the heavens the moment that The LORD Jesus Christ shed His Blood on the Cross of Calvary.

The Star of Bethlehem - Full Version

Scholars debate whether the Star of Bethlehem is a legend created by the early church or a miracle that marked the advent of Christ. Is it possible that the star was a real, astronomical event? This presentation as seen by tens of thousands in the U.S. And in Europe explores the exciting truth of scripture and reveals the evidence for God’s existence as seen in the stars above. Presenter Rick Larson walks you through Biblical and historical clues revealing the incredible significance of this celestial event as well as the vastness of God’s creativity. Discover the secret of the Star - a secret of magnificent beauty.

The Unwrapping of Christmas: Its History, Myths and Traditions

Was December 25th really Jesus's birthday? Have you ever wondered why we decorate the Christmas tree, put up lights around the house, and teach our children to believe in Santa Claus and his magical reindeer? This exciting video explores the history of many traditions surrounding the Christmas holiday and examines their connections to paganism. Discover the real story of Christmas.

The King of Kings (1927) - Full Version

What a masterpiece! Visually stunning and deeply moving, even for the non-religious. DeMille was at his best in the silent era, and I have never seen the story of Christ told so beautifully. With more than a passing nod to nineteenth century Biblical painting, DeMille recreates the last days of Jesus' life in painstaking detail. He takes some liberty with chronolgy, and there is his trademark combination of religious fervour and delicious decadence. But the passion and sincerity are so strong that I'll be surprised if you don't shed a tear once or twice.

Jesus of Nazareth - Part 1 (Full Version), Jesus of Nazareth - Part 2 (Full Version)

Jesus of Nazareth is a wonderful dramatization of the birth, life, ministry, death, AND Resurrection of the LORD Jesus Christ based on the accounts in the four New Testament Gospels.

The Gospel Road: A Story of Jesus (1973) - Full Version

Johnny Cash appears in and narrates this version of the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, which was shot on location in Israel. Cash performs a number of original songs in his signature style. There are few films or movies I consider favorites over the years. The Gospel Road was one of them.

“Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Subscribe Here to the LLM Newsletter , Follow LLM on Twitter , Subscribe to LLM on Youtube , LLM on MySpace , and FaceBook

LLM Question for 12-23-2011, and, THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 2, PART 3 of 3

First the Question: The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to the BELIEVER. Romans 5:5. The BELIEVER receives the Holy Spirit the very moment he BELIEVES the Gospel of his Salvation. True or False?

Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 12-20-2011

Question: The BELIEVER in Christ is not justified by the Law before he is saved; nor is he justified by the Law after he is saved. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! To teach that Law mixed with Grace will in any way aid, compliment, or assist, in the justification of a BELIEVING sinner is to frustrate the Grace of God. And the mixed message is a perverted Gospel, another gospel, which subverts the soul, and is therefore ANATHEMA. Now, out of the 714 responses we received to this question, 96.6% of you got it right. Praise the LORD! Therefore, now, let us take a look at...

THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 2, PART 3 of 3

In Galatians 2:11-14 we have the controversy between the Apostle Peter and the Apostle Paul. Notice the statement in Galatians 2:12, “Peter, fearing the circumcision.” Many have asked the question whether or not Paul was consistent in condemning Peter for his compromise and duplicity at Antioch when he himself sought to please the Jews, according to Acts 21:18-27, and went into their temple at Jerusalem, as a religious Jew, for seven days.

First let us state that there is no suggestion anywhere that the Apostle Paul ever confessed that he made a mistake when he visited Jerusalem and took his vow. On the contrary, immediately thereafter the LORD appeared to him and gave this message, “And the night following the LORD stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul; for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.” Acts 23:11. Paul gives the explanation of his two fold ministry in 1 Corinthians 9:20-21. And here it is…

1 Corinthians 9:20-21, “And unto the Jews, I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; to them that are without law, as without law, (being not, without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.”

What the Apostle Peter did was something entirely different. He tried to persuade the Gentiles to live as the Jews. It is very important that we recognize God’s sanction upon the two fold order suggested in Acts 21:25; that is, that during the Book of the “Acts” period there was one order for the believing Jew and another order for the believing Gentile.

We might ask the question why Paul should have referred to Peter’s act, at least, twelve years after it had happened. Surely he was led by the Holy Spirit to tell us of this dissimulation, and there was no malicious intent on the part of Paul to discredit the Apostle Peter. Now Paul comes to the very root of the trouble among the Galatians, the fact which he so clearly presents in the third and fourth chapters of Romans. These chapters should always be read with the Epistle to the Galatians. We quote…

Romans 3:28, and Romans 4:5-6, “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by Faith without the deeds of the law.”, and, “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his Faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works”

We also quote in connection with this Doctrine of Jurisdiction without Religion, the Apostle Paul’s statement in Romans 11:6, “And if by Grace, then is it no more of works; otherwise Grace is no more Grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more Grace; otherwise work: is no more work.”

In all of his writings the Apostle Paul insists that the believing sinner must be the workmanship of God WITHOUT doing any work, WITHOUT any religious activities, BEFORE he can be a workman for God, engaged in good works for God. The Holy Spirit would teach us, in the closing verses of Galatians 2, the truth of Galatians 5:4, “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from Grace.”

The truth of Galatians 2:19 is also declared in Romans 7:1-6, the fact that the believer is dead to the law. Now we quote again Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the Faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.”

In the Epistle to the Galatians we learn that the believer is crucified with Christ FIRST to the law (Galatians 2:20), THEN to the flesh Galatians 5:24), AND THEN, to the world (Galatians 6:14).

If, the Christian is one who perfectly keeps the perfect law of God after he becomes a Christian, then there is no such thing as a Christian. But in this connection we are admonished and guarded by the truth of Galatians 5:13, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion, to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” Now we quote again, Galatians 2:21, “I do not frustrate the Grace of God; for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”

The believer is not justified by the law before he is saved; nor is he justified by the law after he is saved. To teach that law mixed with Grace will in any way aid, compliment, or assist, in the justification of a be­lieving sinner is to frustrate the Grace of God. And the mixed message is a perverted Gospel which subverts the soul, and is therefore ANATHEMA.

“Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Subscribe Here to the LLM Newsletter , Follow LLM on Twitter , Subscribe to LLM on Youtube , LLM on MySpace , and FaceBook

LLM Question for 12-20-2011, and, THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 2, PART 2 of 3

First the Question: The BELIEVER in Christ is not justified by the Law before he is saved; nor is he justified by the Law after he is saved. True or False?

Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 12-18-2011

Question: The Apostle Paul did NOT work under the authority of the Apostle Peter with his keys. But contrariwise. Galatians 2:7. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! We would emphasize the words “but contrariwise.” This suggests the very opposite of what might be expected. The twelve apostles were chosen and commissioned some time before the Apostle Paul was sent by the Risen Christ. But instead of Paul receiving his authority and his Gospel message from the Twelve, the Twelve learned from him, for the first time, just what was the “Gospel of the Un-circumcision”. Many Children of God have derived benefit and deliverance from some religious entanglement by the careful study of Galatians 2:7-9. Now, out of the 703 responses we received to this question, again, amazingly, 100% of you got it right. Praise the LORD! Therefore, now, let us take a look at...

THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 2, PART 2 of 3

Perhaps many people who have been led into some religious delusion by following the Apostle Peter with his program to the Jews, in the early chapters of Acts, have failed to obey the Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 11:1, where it says, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” It is evident that the student of the Word of God, in this Dispensation of Grace, must follow the Apostle Paul and learn from him the LORD’s spiritual program for members of the Body of Christ. Paul was faithful in ministering unto the poor saints at Jerusalem. Note Romans 15:25-28 and Acts 11:29-30.

Perhaps in the light of events that subsequently happened we might question the sanity of the disciples at Jerusalem who sold their possessions and gave their money to the apostles. Acts 2:44-45, and then Acts 4:34-35. Undoubtedly they were led by the Holy Spirit to dispose of their property. However, the restored Kingdom must have been in view.

In Galatians 2:11-14 we have the controversy between the Apostle Peter and the Apostle Paul. Notice the statement in Galatians 2:12, “Peter, fearing the circumcision.” Many have asked the question whether or not Paul was consistent in condemning Peter for his compromise and duplicity at Antioch when he himself sought to please the Jews, according to Acts 21:18-27, and went into their temple at Jerusalem, as a religious Jew, for seven days. First let us state that there is no suggestion anywhere that the Apostle Paul ever confessed that he made a mistake when he visited Jerusalem and took his vow. On the contrary, immediately thereafter the LORD appeared to him and gave this message, “And the night following the LORD stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul; for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.” Acts 23:11. Paul gives the explanation of his two fold ministry in 1 Corinthians 9:20-21. And here it is…

1 Corinthians 9:20-21, “And unto the Jews, I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; to them that are without law, as without law, (being not, without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.”

Now, PAY ATTENTION, what the Apostle Peter did was something entirely different. He tried to persuade the Gentiles to live as the Jews. It is very important that we recognize God’s sanction upon the two fold order suggested in Acts 21:25; that is, that during the Book of the “Acts” period there was one order for the believing Jew and another order for the believing Gentile.

“Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

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LLM Question for 12-18-2011, and, THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 2, PART 1 of 3

First the Question: The Apostle Paul did NOT work under the authority of the Apostle Peter with his keys. But contrariwise. Galatians 2:7. True or False?

Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 12-16-2011

Question: The Apostle Paul did not need instructions from the 12 apostles to give him either his Gospel message, or Divine authority to proclaim that message. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! We observed in Galatians 1:23 that the Apostle Paul at FIRST preached the Faith which once he destroyed. The Faith which once Paul destroyed was the message which Peter and the Eleven were proclaiming in the first seven chapters of the Book of Acts. NOT ONE of them had proclaimed the very same Gospel program which the Apostle Paul preached among the Gentiles, and which HE communicated TO the Apostles at Jerusalem...14 years after. Therefore, we know that Paul was NOT preaching during the first years of his ministry the Gospel to which he refers in Galatians 2:7. Now, out of the 683 responses we received to this question, 100% of you got it right. Praise the LORD! Terrific!! Therefore, now, let us take a look at...

THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 2, PART 1 of 3

THEN 14 YEARS AFTER

The careful student of the Scriptures will give very close attention when he reads, in God’s Book, the word “years.” Frequently there is very valuable information where “years” are recorded. For instance, we read concerning Abraham, “75 years old.” Genesis 12:4; “99 years old.” Genesis 17:24; “100 years old.” Genesis 21:5. “175 years old.” Genesis 25:7. In Galatians, the word “years” occurs several times: “after 3 years.” Galatians 1:18; “430 years after.” Galatians 3:17. We shall refer to the 430 years in studying the third chapter.

Now we will quote together, Galatians 1:18 and Galatians 2:1, “Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days”, and “Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.” There may be some doubt concerning the date from which the Apostle Paul measures the three years; that is, whether it was from the time of his first visit to Jerusalem from Arabia or from the date of his conversion. Likewise, the question is whether the “14 years” in Galatians 2:1 dated from Paul’s conversion or from his visit to Jerusalem mentioned in Galatians 1:18.

The Apostle Paul went up to Jerusalem by direct revelation from the Risen Christ. He communicated unto those there that were in authority, and those of reputation, the Gospel that he preached among the Gentiles. Titus went with him. Titus was a Greek Gentile. In Acts 16:3 we read that Paul circumcised Timothy BECAUSE of the Jews. Timothy was a mixture of Jew and Greek. We note in Acts 16:4 that false brethren were able, in some way, to get in to the conference at Jerusalem. They were brethren of the same kind that had bewitched the Galatians by preaching Judaism to them. Undoubtedly they did not give Titus a cordial greeting because he was uncircumcised. They tried to force his circumcision; but the futility of their endeavors is explained in Acts 16:5. Now let us compare Galatians 1:17 and Galatians 2:6, which we quote, “Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus”, and “But of those who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added NOTHING to me.”

Here we have the information that the Apostle Paul did not need instructions from the twelve apostles to give him either his Gospel message, or Divine authority to proclaim that message. We observed in Galatians 1:23 that Paul at first preached the Faith which once he destroyed. The Faith which once Paul destroyed was the message which Peter and the Eleven were proclaiming in the first seven chapters of the Book of Acts. NOT ONE of them had proclaimed the very same Gospel program which the Apostle Paul preached among the Gentiles, and which HE communicated TO the Apostles at Jerusalem, “14 years after”. Therefore, we know that Paul was NOT preaching during the first years of his ministry the Gospel to which he refers in Galatians 2:7.

...BUT CONTRARIWISE

We would emphasize the words “but contrariwise.” This suggests the very opposite of what might be expected. The twelve apostles were chosen and commissioned some time before the Apostle Paul was sent by the Risen Christ. But instead of Paul receiving his authority and his Gospel message from the Twelve, the Twelve learned from him, for the first time, just what was the “Gospel of the Un-circumcision”.

Many Children of God have derived benefit and deliverance from some religious entanglement by the careful study of Galatians 2:7-9. These verses contain very valuable, instructive and corrective truth. In these three verses alone we have sufficient Divine truth to show the fallacy of the teaching of the Roman Catholic Organization concerning apostolic succession. The Apostle Paul, in no way, received truth concerning the Church, which is Christ’s Body, the Body of Christ, from the Apostle Peter. The Apostle Paul received his instructions from the Risen Christ in heaven. It was Peter who learned from Paul truth concerning the Body of Christ. We quote 2 Peter 3:16, “As also in all his Epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to understand, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction.”

Undoubtedly Peter with the Jerusalem pillars (James, Peter, and John) reached the conclusion, mentioned in Galatians 2:9, about the same time that the Council was held in Jerusalem. The account of this conference is given us in Acts 15. It is rather a perplexing problem for us to reconcile Acts 15:7 and Acts 15:14 with Galatians 2:9. So, we quote these three verses…

Acts 15:7 and Acts 15:14, “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”, and, “Simeon (Peter) hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for His name.”

Galatians 2:9, “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.”

You will observe that after Peter had preached to Cornelius he declared that God was visiting the Gentiles. Those who teach that Acts 15:14 is God’s program for today accept the burden of explaining Galatians 2:9…wherein it is agreed that Peter and his associates will confine themselves to the evangelization of the circumci­sion (The Jews). It was God’s will that they should visit the Gentiles; then why did they limit their ministry to the circumcision?

Although we may desire to dodge the problem we must meet it. We must recognize two Gospel programs: “the Gospel of the Un-circumcision” commit­ted to the Apostle Paul, AND “the Gospel of the Circumcision“ committed unto the Apostle Peter. Undoubtedly, the reference here is more specifically to the Gospel program than to salvation by the shed blood of Christ; for no sinner in ANY dispensation was ever saved on any other grounds. More on this to come in Chapter 2, part 2

“Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

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LLM Question for 12-16-2011, and, THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 1, PART 3 of 3

First the Question: The Apostle Paul did not need instructions from the 12 apostles to give him either his Gospel message, or Divine authority to proclaim that message. True or False?

Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 12-13-2011

Question: Does Acts 15:7 show that the Apostle Peter was called to share the ministry of the Apostle Paul? Yes or No?

Answer: NO! We might think from Acts 15:7, that the Apostle Peter was called to share this ministry with the Apostle Paul, BUT Galatians 2:7-9, proves otherwise. Now, out of the 753 responses we received to this question, 82.4% of you got it right. Praise the LORD! Therefore, now, let us take a look at...

THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 1, PART 3 of 3

Let’s take a look at the Apostle Paul’s defense before Agrippa and the Jews in Acts 26:4-5 and Acts 26:9, “My manner of life from my youth, which was at first among mine own Nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee”, and “I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.”

Paul knew, from his own past, the condition of the Israelites concerning whom he wrote in Romans 10:1-3, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” How true it is that a person may be devout and sincere and be sincerely wrong. Zeal without knowledge may lead to an awful end. There are thousands of religious people going religiously to perdition. Many of them belong to some sect LABELED as “Christian.”

It was the Grace of God that saved Saul and that called him to preach His Son among the heathen. We might think from Acts 15:7, that the Apostle Peter was called to share this ministry with the Apostle Paul, BUT Galatians 2:7-9, proves otherwise. Peter preached to the household of Cornelius. Cornelius was a just man, a devout, man, a praying man, and feared God with all his house. He gave alms to the Jews. He was a proselyte. Acts 10:2-22. His works went up with his prayers as a memorial. And note what Peter preached to him, “But in every nation, he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.” Now compare this with Paul’s Grace message in Titus 3:5:

Titus 3:5, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”

AFTER THREE YEARS I WENT UP TO JERUSALEM

In this first chapter, then, we learn of the Apostle Paul’s visit with the Apostle Peter in Jerusalem. In the second chapter we are going to learn of Peter’s visit with Paul at Antioch, some years later. Peter got into some trouble during his visit. In Galatians 1:18-19, the Apostle Paul is emphasizing a fact that must be known by every student of the Word of God who would rightly divide, interpret, and apply the Scriptures. He must emphasize the fact that in the case of Paul there was no apostolic succession; and that Peter and James, the LORD’s brother, had absolutely no authority to dictate, in any way, as to what and how Paul should preach. In the sixteenth verse Paul clearly declares that he conferred not with flesh and blood. Let us repeat what Paul says, in Galatians 1:11-12, that his message was not after man; that the method by which he received it and was commissioned to preach it was by the direct revelation of the Risen Jesus Christ. So we quote Galatians 1:22, “And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ.”

Acts 22:17, “And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance.”

Acts 22:21, “And He said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gen­tiles.”

Thus we see that while Paul gave his testimony at Jerusalem it was not the LORD’s will that that should be his field of service. In Romans 1:14 we read these words, “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.” Generally Paul first went to the synagogues and testified to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. But his special commission is stated by him in Romans 11:13, which we again quote, “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office.”

In the closing verse of this first chapter we note that the Apostle Paul preached the Faith which he once destroyed. When he was destroying the Faith, Peter and the Eleven were not preaching to Gentiles. They were preaching to Jews only. It is very significant that Saul was converted before Cornelius was converted. The Apostle Paul’s conversion is recorded in Acts 9; and that of Cornelius in Acts 10. And right here it is important to note Galatians 2:8, “For He that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles.” This will perhaps help us to clear up any confusion in our minds as to Paul’s statements concerning his own baptism, and his authority to baptize others. It would be well to compare the two verses, Acts 22:16 and 1 Corinthians 1:17, “And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the LORD.” AND, “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.”

In this respect the Apostle Paul was NOT sent to preach to Gentiles the same message which the LORD Jesus preached to HIM, as Saul.

“Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Subscribe Here to the LLM Newsletter , Follow LLM on Twitter , Subscribe to LLM on Youtube , LLM on MySpace , and FaceBook

LLM Question for 12-13-2011, and, THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 1, PART 2 of 3

First the Question: Does Acts 15:7 show that the Apostle Peter was called to share the ministry of the Apostle Paul? Yes or No?

Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 12-10-2011

Question: Not only was the authority of the Apostle Paul Christ given, but his message was received directly from the Risen Christ in heaven. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! When Stephen, in Acts 7, and Philip, in Acts 8, preached, they were ministering under the authority of the Twelve Apostles. Note Acts 8:12-16. But the labors of the Apostle Paul were independent of the Twelve. Read Acts 22:17-21. He was NOT one of the Twelve. His commission was by direct revelation from the Risen Christ in Heaven. Now, out of the 722 responses we received to this question, 96.3% of you got it right. Praise the LORD! Therefore, now, let us take a look at...

THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 1, PART 2 of 3

“But I certify you, brethren.” Galatians 1:11. Compare these words with Galatians 1:20, “Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.”

“I CERTIFY YOU” - “I LIE NOT”

So deep rooted was the Apostle Paul’s conviction, so sincere and determined was he in his endeavor to impress the Galatians with the Christ-given authority, with which he had proclaimed the unique message of “the Grace of Christ”, that he seems to be trying personally to help the Holy Spirit get the truth into the minds and hearts of his hearers. For the sake of Christ’s blessed truth, as well as for their own spiritual welfare, with fervor, he urges them to believe that he is not lying. Perhaps, like the Corinthians, some of the Galatians were lying about Paul. It is a fact that when religious zealots cannot answer from the Word of God, rightly divided, the message of the messenger of Grace, they lie about the messenger. But the Apostle Paul was not lying.

Not only was the Apostle Paul’s authority Christ­given, but his message was received directly from Risen Christ in heaven. Hear Paul’s confession in his own words, Acts 22:6, and Acts 22:16, “And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me”, and “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the LORD.”

Acts 22:21, “And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gen­tiles.”

Acts 26:15-19, “And I said, Who art Thou, LORD? And He said, I am Jesus Whom thou persecutest. 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: Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee. 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. Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision.” Here the Apostle Paul declares in detail what took place when he, as Saul, was converted. Acts 9:1-16.

“He (Saul) is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles and Kings and the children of Israel.” Acts 9:15.

Note these facts in Acts 9:20-31. Straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues. To the Jews which dwelt in Damascus. Saul was let down by the wall in a basket. Then Saul goes to Jerusalem. The disciples at Jerusalem were afraid of him. Barnabas brought Saul to the Apostles. And Saul was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. Saul was then sent to Tarsus.

It is interesting, instructive and essential to read these facts and follow Saul’s movements recorded in Acts 9:20-31, to better understand Galatians 1:17-18 and Galatians 2:1-2; Paul’s visits to Jerusalem, the first one after his stay in Arabia and his second one fourteen years later. According to 2 Cor. 12:1-5, The Apostle Paul, caught up to the third heavens, received an abundance of revelations. This was about fourteen years before Paul wrote 2 Corinthians (2 Cor. 12:2). Inasmuch as that was about the time Paul was stoned at Lystra, and thought to be dead (Acts 14:19), many have fixed the time of his stoning as the time of his revelations in paradise. Some have even thought, by the language of 2 Corinthians 12:3 and Acts 14:19, that Paul was actually dead and brought back to life. But there is no positive proof of this. But the year of this experience was about 46 A. D. This was several years after Paul was in Arabia. As to just what revelation the Apostle Paul received before his abundance of revelations, is not clearly stated. Neither can we be sure as to just when the Apostle Paul received, from the risen Christ, the explanation of the Gospel of the uncircumcision, mentioned in Ga­latians 2:7. Certainly he had NOT received this at the time of his visit to Jerusalem, mentioned in Galatians 1:18.

When Stephen, in Acts 7, and Philip, in Acts 8, preached, they were ministering under the authority of the Twelve Apostles. Note Acts 8:12-16. But the Apostle Paul’s labors were independent of the Twelve. Read Acts 22:17-21. He was not one of the Twelve. His commission was by direct revelation from the Risen Christ in heaven.

Undoubtedly Paul received a number of separate revelations. Galatians was written at least twenty years after Paul went to Arabia. Therefore as to the exact time that he received the revelation, to which he refers in Galatians 1:11, is not known. But the question that must come to our minds is “why did Paul get a special revelation and commission to go to the Gentiles, if the commission of Matthew 28:19, “disciple all nations”, is the general order under which all Christian ministry is carried on? We also ask why Paul said he would turn; with the Gospel, to Gentiles, because Israel put it from them? Acts 13:46. Why not because the great commission gave the order? Why was salvation sent to Gentiles to provoke Israel to jealousy? Romans 11:11. Why did the Gentiles obtain mercy because of Israel’s unbelief? Romans 11:30. Why not because of the “disciple all nations” of Matthew 28:19? This causes us to ask whether or not Paul labored under the great commission. And, from all of the above, Paul did not.

No one can definitely state when Paul received from Christ the revela­tion of the Divine truth, designated “the Mystery”. There are many phases of “the Mystery.”

Saul obtained mercy because, when he was blaspheming and persecuting Christ and His disciples, “I did it ignorantly and in unbelief.” 1 Timothy 1:13. Note in 1 Timothy 1:12 that Christ Jesus our LORD put Paul in the ministry. Christ sent the Twelve, with, “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” Mark 16:14-16. Why, after this, we learn that the Twelve remained at Jerusalem and did not preach to Gentiles throughout the world, seems puzzling to many. Acts 8:1. Galatians 2:9. Note the Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 15:20, “Yea, so have I strived to preach the Gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation.” Note Paul’s territory in Colossians 1:6 and his special ministry in Ephesians 3:8, “the unsearchable riches of Christ among the Gentiles”, and “in all the world.”

Paul’s persecution of the Church of God is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:9 and Philippians 3:6. That persecution is recorded in Acts 8:1-9 and Acts 9:1-2; and in Acts 26:9-11. It cannot be shown definitely that the Church of God, which Paul persecuted, was the Body of Christ, mentioned later after the revelation of the Mystery in Ephesians, because the Risen Jesus in heaven asked, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?” Acts 9:4. This SAME thought is expressed in Matthew 25:40. This “Matthew” portion of scrip­ture does NOT deal with the Body of Christ. However, there WAS a Church at Jerusalem to which believers were added. Acts 8:1 and Acts 2:47. There were Churches in Judea in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessa­lonians 2:14. Note some in Rome who were in Christ before Paul. Romans 16:7.

Paul declared himself to be the chief of sinners. He was likewise chief of religious Jews, profiting in the Jews’ religion more than his contemporaries. He goes more into detail in Philippians 3:4-6, “If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more.” But note how the Apostle Paul finally looked upon his religion of past years. He was ultimately saved from all religion and all religious practices. Philippians 3:6-12.

“Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Subscribe Here to the LLM Newsletter , Follow LLM on Twitter , Subscribe to LLM on Youtube , LLM on MySpace , and FaceBook

LLM Question of the Day for 12-11-2011, and, THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 1, PART 1 of 3

First the Question: Not only was the authority of the Apostle Paul Christ given, but his message was received directly from the Risen Christ in heaven. True or False?

Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 12-8-2011

Question: In the Epistles of the Apostle Paul he does not deal with the doings and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth on earth. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! "Who gave Himself for our sins". Galatians 1:4. It is interesting and significant to note that in the messages of Paul he does not deal with the doings and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth on earth. He begins with the death and resurrection of Christ. The believer must be identified with Christ in death before He can live with Him. Now, out of the 702 responses we received to this question, 60.9% of you got it right. So, we need some work in this area. Therefore...

THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, CHAPTER 1, PART 1 of 3

Paul, an Apostle, “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the Apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office.” Romans 11:13.

“The Grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the Gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. I have whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed. Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God: so that from Jerusalem and round about Illyricum, I have fully preached the Gospel of Christ. Yea, so have I strived to preach the Gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation.” Romans 15:16-20. Now, go read also 1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Tim­othy 1:11; Colossians 1:24-27; Ephesians 3:1-3.

“Our LORD Jesus Christ Who gave Himself for our sins that He might deliver us from this present evil world (age).” Galatians 1:4.

The believer has been delivered from the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13); from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10); from the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14); from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13; Romans 7:6). The believer is in the world, but he is not of the world. John 17:16, and John 17:11. He is crucified to the world. Galatians 6:14.

“Who gave Himself for our sins.” Galatians 1:4.

It is interesting and significant to note that in Paul’s messages he does not deal with the doings and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth on earth. He begins with the death and resurrection of Christ. The believer must be identified with Christ in death before He can live with Him.

“Called into the Grace of Christ.” Galatians 1:6.

The fickle Galatians were removed to another Gospel. “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if He that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another Spirit, which ye have not received, or another Gospel which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” 2 Cor. 11:1-5.

PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THIS. Those messengers who went among God’s people preaching another Gospel were the servants of Satan (transformed into an angel of light); although they went in the name of the LORD. 2 Cor. 11:13-15. These false prophets, with their perverted Gospel, (of works+Grace), troubled the believers who had received the message of Grace. “Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law; to whom we gave no such commandment.” Acts 15:24. A perverted Gospel subverts the soul. Satan is always the enemy of the Gospel of the Grace of God. He heads up every religious system in the world, not only in the pagan world but in Christendom. Many people confuse that which is religious or moral with that which is spiritual.

Pure Christianity and pure religion are purely different.

“Another Gospel.” Galatians 1:6

Note the anathema of God is upon the messenger of a mixed message. Now listen to me very carefully, the messenger may believe in the inspiration of the Scriptures, in the virgin birth and Deity of the LORD Jesus Christ, in His sacrifice for sins and His bodily resurrection, in the Deity and personality of the Holy Spirit, and still be a heretic, guilty of frustrating the Grace of God and perverting the Gospel of Grace. God is very jealous concerning His own redemptive work.

To the Apostle Paul, the Risen Christ committed the Grace message for Gentiles, “justified without a cause by His Grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:24. “A man is justified by Faith without the deeds of the law”, that is, “without religion.”

Now, take a look and behold Christendom today! Most professing Christians are religious. They are the enemies of the Grace message and many of them are the enemies and persecutors of the Grace messengers. It is a serious spiritual crime to offer to saint or sinner a message of Grace and law, mixed, which is ANOTHER Gospel. The Epistle to the Galatians is the antidote for the Roman Catholicism, Seventh Day Adventism, Church of Christism, and for the false teachings of every other “Law” sect in Christendom.

“If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10.

When Christ was on earth He said, concerning the religious leaders, “they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” John 12:43. Note, in Galatians 2:11-14, Peter’s duplicity and compromise. Why? “fearing them which were of the circumcision.”

How many religious leaders and followers there are today who refrain from preaching and practicing what they really believe to be God’s spiritual program in this day of Grace, because of the fear and favor of men. They please men. They fear the leaders of their denominations. They love the praise of men more than the praise of God. There are comparatively few fearless, uncompromising messengers of Grace today who have the courage of their convictions.

In many instances, the political and spiritual radicals of today are the political and spiritual idols of tomorrow. Any careful student of the second chapter of Galatians and the third chapter of Ephesians will learn that the Apostle Paul was indeed a spiritual radical in his day. Think about it, humanly speaking, if the Apostle Paul had not taken an uncompromising stand against the legalistic Christians of his day, including the Twelve Apostles, the Gospel of Grace would have been lost in Judaism in the first century. And make no mistake about it even Fundamentalists, (such as Baptists), of today, who claim to love Paul’s Grace Gospel, would put out of their assemblies men of God who would dare to preach pure Pauline truth!

“Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Subscribe Here to the LLM Newsletter , Follow LLM on Twitter , Subscribe to LLM on Youtube , LLM on MySpace , and FaceBook

LLM Question of the Day for 12-8-2011, and, THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, THE INTRODUCTION, PART 7 of 7

First the Question: In the Epistles of the Apostle Paul he does not deal with the doings and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth on earth. True or False?

Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 12-6-2011

Question: The Apostle Peter occupies a very prominent place in the first half of the Book of Acts; but he is NOT mentioned after the Jerusalem Council. Acts 15:13-30. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! The Apostle Peter does occupy a very prominent place in the first half of the Book of Acts, BUT he is NOT mentioned after the Jerusalem Council. Acts 15:13-30. In the last half of the Book of Acts, Paul is the principal human actor. In Acts 13-28, we have the record of the Apostle Paul and those who have dealings with him. Now, out of the 723 responses we received to this question, 85% of you got it right. Praise the LORD! Therefore...

THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, THE INTRODUCTION, PART 7 of 7

ISRAEL AND THE GENTILES AFTER CHRIST’S DEATH

The Apostle Peter was a minister of the circumcision with the Gospel of the circumcision. During the “Acts” period Peter and the Eleven remained in Jerusalem. Galatians 2:8-9, and Acts 8:1. Their messages, during the first nine chapters of Acts were addressed to “Israel”. Twelve Apostles for twelve tribes. The “Twelve” is significant. The Apostle Paul was sent out of Jerusalem to the Gentiles. Acts 22:17-21.

In the first half of the Book of Acts, where we have the ministry of the twelve apostles, we have no reference to Adam. They are concerned with Christ as the Seed of Abraham and David and His ministry to the Jews (with the exception of Cornelius), on the basis of circumcision. Galatians 2:8.

Note these words of Peter, “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, Whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to ISRAEL, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:30-31.

Where is there any forgiveness, blessing, or hope for the other sons of Adam in this message? There is a difference between “the kingdom of heaven” given to the Twelve and “the Dispensation of the Grace of God” committed to the Apostle Paul. Matthew 16:16-18. Ephesians 3:1-2.

Paul is mentioned about twelve times as Christ’s chosen messenger to the Gentiles. Romans 11:13; Ephesians 3:1-2; Ephesians 3:8­; Colossians 1:24-27; Romans 15:16; 1 Timothy 2:5-8; 2 Timothy 1:11, and other Scriptures.

Paul was the special Ambassador of Christ with a message for the nations (the world). To him was committed the Gospel of the un­circumcision and the Ministry of Reconciliation. This is a message showing the Old Man and the New Man, man’s identification with Adam, the first man, by natural birth; and his identification with Christ by the supernatural birth, or rather, by the new creation. Wherever reconcili­ation is taught in the Bible, the new creation is taught and the new creature’s identification with the LORD Jesus Christ, dead, buried, risen and seated. We find nothing of the new creation in the Gospel Records of Christ’s earthly ministry or the “Acts” ministry of the Twelve. Dur­ing his earthly ministry very few understood the new birth. Perhaps we do not now fully understand the meaning of 2 Cor. 5:16, “Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.”

So, let us approach this study of Galatians with the assurance that the Apostle Paul received his authority, message, and ministry, from the RISEN Christ in heaven and not from the Twelve. Paul confirmed many of the truths which the Twelve preached to Israel, but he did not continue, with Gentiles, the spiritual program which Christ instructed the Twelve to present to Israel.

Paul, an apostle, by Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is called the Apostle and High Priest of our profession. Hebrews: 3:1. Christ said to those who were apostles before Paul “As My Father hath sent Me, so send I you.” John 20:21. An apostle is “one sent”. Christ is the “Sent One”, about forty times in the Gospel of John. Paul was not one of the Twelve. Matthias was God’s choice to succeed Judas. Acts 1:25. 1 Corinthians 15:5-8. This is the only case of apostolic succession. The Apostle Peter occupies a very prominent place in the first half of the Book of Acts; but he is NOT mentioned after the Jerusalem Council. Acts 15:13-30. In the last half of the Book of Acts, Paul is the principal human actor. In Acts 13-28, we have the record of the Apostle Paul and those who have deal­ings with him. In the Book of Acts he is called “Saul” twenty-three times; “Paul” one hundred and thirty-two times. Let’s read these statements concerning Paul and the Gospel that he preached to the Gentiles:

Romans 11:13, “For I speak to you Gentiles inasmuch as I am the Apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify mine office”

Romans 11:11, “I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.”

Acts 13:46, “Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.”

Acts 18:6, “And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his rai­ment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads: I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.”

Romans 11:30, “For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief.”

Ephesians 3:1-3, “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.)”

Ephesians 3:8, “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this Grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.”

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

In the early part of Paul’s first missionary journey, out of Antioch of Syria, his name was changed from Saul to Paul. Acts 13:8-11. This happened at the time he met a Roman Gentile in company with a Jew with a good name (Bar-jesus); who was NOT true to his name. “Bar­jesus” means “the child of Jehovah Saviour.” But Bar-jesus was a false prophet. He not only rejected Saul’s message concerning Jesus, but did his utmost to keep Paulus, the Roman, from hearing and receiving the Word. Note Acts 13:12 why Paulus believed, “Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the LORD.” Paulus believed because of Bar-jesus unbelief and blindness. Israel was, by type, Bar-jesus, the child of Jehovah. Paul turned to the Gentiles because Israel put the message from them. Because of Israel’s unbelief and blindness, salvation was sent to Gentiles to provoke Israel to jealousy. Gentiles obtained mercy through Israel’s unbelief.

Saul became Paul. He was born out of due season. 1 Corinthians 15:8. The Apostle Paul was NOT a convert of the Twelve Apostles. Neither did he receive from them his authority to preach the Gospel, which he received by revelation from the Risen Christ in Heaven. Apostles were called Apostles of Christ. Paul could never have qualified as an apostle according to Acts 1:21-22. He received a special call.

Acts 26:15-16, “And I said, Who art Thou, LORD? And He said, I am Jesus Whom thou persecutest. 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 halt seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee.”

1 Corinthians 9:1, “Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our LORD? are not ye my work in the LORD?”

2 Cor. 12:12, “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”

Romans 15:16, “That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.”

1 Corinthians 1:17, “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.”

The Apostle Paul wrote more than one half of the Books of the New Testament Scriptures. He mentions himself in the first person pronoun about 1300 times. It is significant that in his recorded ministry he NEVER referred to the kingdom of heaven ministry of Christ on earth, nothing of His Ser­mon on the Mount, His “Our Father” Kingdom Prayer, or His Kingdom Parables. Several times Paul referred to the birth of the Savior, but in the same sentence he immediately passed on to the death and resurrec­tion of Christ. He reasoned with the Jews out of the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. He was a debtor to the Greeks. Christ sent word to the Greeks that He must first fall as the corn of wheat into the ground, die, and be raised. John 12:24.

We must be careful to distinguish between the Grecians (Greek Jews), mentioned in the first chapters of Acts and the Greeks of Acts 13-14. After the company of Greeks believed, Paul went to several other towns and then back to Antioch. Then note this most significant state­ment, “And when they were come, and had gathered the Church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of Faith unto the Gentiles.” Acts 14:27.

All Scripture should be studied Dispensationally, as to whether the events took place before, or after, the important announcement of Acts 14:27. According to our dated Bibles, about five years elapsed between the close of Acts 14 and the Council in Jerusalem, recorded in Acts 15.

Then in Acts 16, Timothy (circumcised), and Luke, the writer of Acts, joined Paul. Acts 16:3-12. In this chapter we read con­cerning the Apostle Paul in Galatia…

Acts 16:5-7, “And so were the Churches established in the Faith, and increas­ed in number daily. Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the Word in Asia. After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithy­nia; but the Spirit suffered them not.”

But now also look at these verses

Acts 18:23, “And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.”

1 Corinthians 16:1, “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the Churches of Galatia, even so do ye.”

2 Timothy 4:10, “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.”

1 Peter 1:1, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia.”

Coming next is part one of our in depth study of The Epistle to the Galatians

“Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

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LLM Question for 12-6-2011, and, THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, THE INTRODUCTION, PART 6 of 7

First the Question: The Apostle Peter occupies a very prominent place in the first half of the Book of Acts; but he is NOT mentioned after the Jerusalem Council. Acts 15:13-30. True or False?

Please take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 12-4-2011

Question: The messages of Peter and the Eleven, in Acts 1-9, were addressed to ISRAEL alone. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! The Apostle Peter was a minister of the circumcision with the Gospel of the circumcision. During the “Acts” period Peter and the Eleven remained in Jerusalem. Galatians 2:8-9, and Acts 8:1. Their messages, during the first nine chapters of Acts were addressed to “Israel” alone. Twelve Apostles for twelve tribes. The “Twelve” is significant. The Apostle Paul was sent out of Jerusalem to the Gentiles. Acts 22:17-21. Now, out of the 712 responses we received to this question, only 68.2% of you got it right. Therefore, let us consider,

THE LLM STUDY OF THE EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, THE INTRODUCTION, PART 6 of 7

The people of God before the birth of Jacob were neither Israelites, Jews, nor Old Testament saints. Abraham is called “the father of us all” (Romans 4:16) because righteousness is imputed to us as it was to Abram in uncircumcision. Romans 4:22-24, and Romans 4:9-12.

Now let us study these Scriptures:

ABRAM---ABRAHAM

Genesis 17:5, 7, 8, 24, “Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.”, “And I will establish My Covenant between Me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”, “And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circum­cised in the flesh of his foreskin.”

Galatians 3:17-19, “And this I say, that the Covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot dis­annul, that it should make the promise of none effect. “For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Wherefore there serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to Whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a Mediator.”

Exodus 6:4-5, “And I have also established My Covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers. And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered My Covenant.”

Exodus 19:5-6, “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep My Covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people, for all the earth is mine. And ye shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak to the children of Israel.”

Exodus 24:8, “And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the Covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.”

Exodus 31:16, “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.”

Exodus 34:27-28, “And the LORD said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights: he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the Covenant, the ten commandments.”

Jeremiah 31:31-35, “Behold the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new Covenant with the House of Israel, and with the House of Judah. Not according to the Covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which My Covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD, But this shall be the Covenant that I will make with the House of Israel: After those days, saith the LORD, I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people, And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, know the LORD: for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their in­iquity, and I will remember their sin no more, Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night.”

AND NOW - THE DAVIDIC COVENANT

2 Samuel 7:12-17, “And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy Seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom, He shall build an house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will be his Father and he shall by My son, If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with stripes of the children of men: And My mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever, According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David,”

DANIEL---ISRAEL---MESSIAH

Daniel 9:24-26, “Seventy weeks are determined upon. thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconcilia­tion for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and anoint the most Holy, Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the com­mandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times, And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for Himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.”

THE PROPHECY OF MALACHI

Malachi 3:1, “Behold I will send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me: and the LORD, Whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His Temple, even the messenger of the Covenant, Whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come, saith the LORD of Hosts.”

Malachi 4:5-6, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and dreadful day of the LORD And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.”

When the Messiah came to earth the first time He fulfilled many of the prophecies given to Israel, concerning Israel; but the literal ful­fillment of the New Covenant, the Abrahamic Covenant, the Davidic Covenant, concerning Israel’s restoration of their peaceful possession of Canaan under the reign of their true King David has not yet been ful­filled.

“Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31, while there is still time!

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide. The time is short

Grace be to you and peace, from God: our Father, and The LORD Jesus Christ.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

Pastor David Picos, D.D.
Minister and Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Subscribe Here to the LLM Newsletter , Follow LLM on Twitter , Subscribe to LLM on Youtube , LLM on MySpace , and FaceBook