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 Arguments IN FAVOUR of the Pauline Authorship of Hebrews are much more weighty than those in favour of all other candidates put together.
1. The thought and reasonings are Paul's, whatever the style and language may be. All his other epistles were written to churches mainly composed of Gentiles. In addressing such an epistle to Hebrews, he would naturally write as an instructed scribe, one brought up "at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers"(Acts 22:3). It is therefore futile to argue that if Paul were really the author, the language and style would have been in exact accord with those of the other epistles. Had this been so, it would be an argument against, and not in favour of, Paul's authorship.
2. Its anonymity is eminently in favour of Pauline authorship. The suspicion with which the Jews regarded Paul, and their furious hatred of him (see Acts 21:21; 2 Cor. 11:24; Phil. 3:2; 1 Thess. 2:15), would be ample reason why, in addressing so important a letter to his own race, he should withhold his name. If it was necessary at the time of it publication to send out such an epistle, equally necessary was it that it should not be handicapped with a name regarded generally by the Jews as that of an infamous renegade. The argument of the value of an unsigned article in any important journal applies with great force in the case of Hebrews.
3. DATE of writing and publication. Owing to the fixed idea in the minds of most commentators that the reference to Timothy in 13:23 must have been connected with the Neronian persecution, the date is usually assigned to a period shortly before the destruction of the Temple, which took place late in A.D. 69. The very latest "guess" is that "it may have been written at any time between A.D 65 and 85". This is vague and unconvincing. The chronological position of Hebrews is, A.D. 53-54. MODERN tradition places it after 2 Tim., around A.D. 68. That the former is correct seems clear for the following reasons:
a. If Hebrews was written in or about the year 68, Paul's ministry had existed for twenty-two years (since his and Barnabas's "separation" for the work, in 46, Acts 13:2) without the aid of a written statement of such paramount importance as this. Then what I ask you, WHAT was the immediate urgency of publishing THEN, (only a year or two before the destruction of the Temple, and very shortly before his own death, 2 Tim. 4:6), so weighty an argument that Jesus was both Messiah and true Man, and as Man must have suffered? That the Old Covenant was ended and its place taken by a New (Heb. 8:13)? It is not believable that the Apostle Paul who was inspired to write and publish Romans at a comparatively early date should not have been allowed to put forth Hebrews till the very end of his ministry. "To the Jew first" is verily applicable in this connection.
b. Paul was at Jerusalem for the Council meeting, when the very subjects of Hebrews had evidently been bitterly discussed (Acts 15:5-7). Shortly thereafter he writes Thessalonians 1 and 2, BOTH of which contain poignant references to "shameful treatment" at the hands of his own people.
c. Some authoritative statement must be placed in the hands of even an early Ambassador in regard to new and altered relationships between his supreme Head and those to whom he is commissioned and sent. Paul, as God's ambassador to the Diaspora and Gentiles, must have had some documentary argument, proof, and testimony, in support of his (and of Timothy's and others') oral teaching and instruction, for circulation among the "many thousands" of Jews who believed at and after Pentecost, yet all of whom were "zealous of the Law" (Acts 2:41; 4:4; 6:7; 21:20), and with whom Paul and his fellow-workers must have come into contact. To Have attached his own name to this would have defeated his purpose, as above mentioned.
d. The approximate time therefore for writing and publishing such a body of doctrine MUST have been shortly after the beginning of his ministry, and, consequently, Hebrews was in all probability written during the eighteen months of Paul's sojourn at Corinth, during which he was "teaching among them the word of God"(Acts 18:11).
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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.
In order to get a better understanding of the progressive revelation of The Mystery given to the Apostle Paul by the Risen Christ, it is SUPER IMPORTANT to lay out the correct timeline of Paul's Ministry.
So, let's begin. The Apostle Paul was saved in Acts 9 when Christ appeared to him on the road to Damascus. Paul would go on to write 13 books in the New Testament (from the Letter to the Romans to the Letter to Philemon). When we remember that the Apostle Paul is the subject of at least half of the Book of Acts, we realize that half of the 27 books in the New Testament are either about him (The Book of Acts) or were written by him (13 Books).
The Apostle Paul's letters are arranged in The Bible two ways: The letters to the churches are put first, nine letters from Romans to 2 Thessalonians, then the four letters written to individuals, from 1 Timothy to Philemon. The letters are also arranged by length, Romans is longest and is first, then the Corinthian letters, then Galatians, etc. Longer letters are first, shorter ones later.
However, in order to get a better understanding of the progressive revelation of The Mystery given to the Apostle Paul by the Risen Christ, we need to read the Apostle Paul's letters in the order that he wrote them. When we arrange the letters in the order that they were written, all becomes clear!
The first 6 of Paul's letters can be fit into the Book of Acts. Therefore, we can read the Book of Acts and then read the Apostle Paul's letters and we can see where Paul was when he wrote these letters.
The Letter to the Galatians is first
In Acts 13-14 Paul and Barnabas went on their first apostolic journey which took them into Galatia, with cities like Antioch, Lystra, Derbe, etc. Soon after Paul returned from this journey he wrote the letter to the Galatians (see Galatians 1:6 where Paul writes to the Galatians and says, you are "so quickly turned."). Galatians was written soon after Paul returned from that first journey, therefore, soon after Acts 14:27. That makes Galatians the earliest of Paul's letters.
Then 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians
The next letters the Apostle Paul wrote are the two letters to the Thessalonians. In Acts 17, Paul, on his second apostolic journey, came to Thessalonica and preached there. Many were saved, but Paul was driven out of town. Paul continued on to Corinth where he wrote the two letters to the Thessalonians. Timothy's return from Macedonia mentioned in Acts 18:5 is also reported in 1 Thessalonians 3:6. And in 2 Thessalonians 2:5 Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his teaching, as if it had not been very long since he had been with them. So the writing of 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians can be placed into Acts 18 during the Apostle Paul's ministry in Corinth, and that makes them the second and third letters that Paul wrote.
Next are 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians
The next two letters that the Apostle Paul wrote are the two letters to the Corinthians. In Acts 18 Paul spent a year and a half ministering in Corinth (Acts 18:11). Also, while here with the Corinthians, I believe the Apostle Paul was led by the Holy Spirit to pen the Book to the Hebrews, but that is another message. Back on point, Paul later returned to his home base at Antioch (Acts 18:22), and later in his third apostolic journey he arrived in Ephesus (his ministry in Ephesus extends all the way through Acts 19, a period of more than two years, see verse 10). It is here in Ephesus, during Acts 19, that Paul wrote 1 Corinthians (1 Corinthians 16:19). Shortly after that the Apostle Paul traveled to Macedonia (Acts 20:1, and 2 Cor. 2:13) and that is where he wrote 2 Corinthians.
Then comes Romans
In Acts 20:2-3 Paul arrived in "Greece," actually Corinth again, and spent three months there enjoying the hospitality of a believer named Gaius, mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:14. In Gaius's home, in Corinth, the Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Romans (Rom. 16:23). This is the last letter written during the Book of Acts. In Acts 21:33, the Apostle Paul was arrested in Jerusalem, and would spend the next 5 years in prison, right through the end of the Book of Acts.
Summary of Above
So, so far, from Acts 9-Acts 28 we read of the earlier ministry of the Apostle Paul and find that during these years he wrote 6 of his 13 letters. Once again, for those not really paying attention…lol, the order of these first six books is: 1) Galatians (end of Acts 14), 2) 1 Thessalonians (Acts 18), 3) 2 Thessalonians (Acts 18), 4) 1 Corinthians (Acts 19), 5) 2 Corinthians (Acts 20),6. Romans (Acts 20). In Acts 21 Paul was arrested and remained a prisoner through to Acts 28, and beyond.
Now, the Prison Epistles: Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, and Philippians
Shortly after the end of the Book of Acts, while he was still a prisoner, now in Rome, Paul wrote four letters, the "prison epistles": Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon and Philippians. In each of these letters he writes of his "chains" (Ephesians 6:20, Colossians 4:18, Philemon 13, and Philippians 1:13).
Then, the Pastoral Epistles: The letters to Titus, First Timothy and Second Timothy
The Apostle Paul was released from this imprisonment and continued his ministry for a few years, maybe 3 years. During this time he wrote the three letters known as the "Pastoral Epistles," because these letters were written to the Apostle Paul's co-workers…Pastor Timothy and Pastor Titus.
Heading Home
At the end of his life he is again in prison. This time he anticipates being beheaded for the Lord and writes the last letter, Second Timothy.
Now let's proceed to our Bibles and READ the epistles in the order the Holy Spirit wrote them by the hand of the Apostle Paul.
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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.
There have been few dramas that can equal the story of the Exodus. Yet while most Christians are familiar with the events of Passover, few of us are probably aware of the significance behind the other nine plagues.
Each of the nine plagues targeted specific ancient Egyptian gods, they were part of an invisible cosmic war against the devils of darkness. The plagues were a powerful and dramatic demonstration of the supremacy of the true and living God of Abraham and Moses.
Waters Turned to Blood
The first of the judgments was upon the waters of Egypt. The Nile was the highway of this ancient land, as it still is today. Not only was the Nile turned to blood, but the other waters of the land were as well, even the water that was drawn for use in the houses in wooden and stone jars. For seven days the whole land was in horror, with dead fish and a stench from the river.
To better appreciate what was going on, we must examine the numerous gods of the river: Osiris, one of the chief gods of Egypt, was first of all the gods of the Nile. He, with his companion, the mother god, Isis, and their child, Horus, were human-headed gods (in contrast to the many that had heads of birds, beasts, and reptiles). There were other gods of the Nile, too: Hapimon in the north, and Tauret at Thebes, and the hippopotamus goddess of the river. There was also Nu , the god of life in the Nile. The supernatural pollution of the waters of the land were a humiliation to the gods the Egyptians worshiped.
The Frogs
The second of the wonders further proved the powerlessness of the gods of Egypt. The land was covered with a plague of frogs in such abundance that they infested the Egyptians’ houses and beds. One of the principal goddesses of the land was Hekt , the wife of the creator of the world, who was always shown with the head and the body of a frog. The frogs came out of the sacred Nile and Egypt’s devotion to them prevented them from dealing with them: they soon had decaying carcasses throughout the land, resulting in a stinking horror. (It is interesting that the climactic war against God in Revelation is assembled by three frog-like spirits.)
The Sand Flies
The third of the judgments on Egypt came out of the soil in Egypt. The Hebrew word ken, is translated "lice" in our English translation, with "sand flies" or "fleas" in some marginal notes. The Hebrew word comes from a root meaning to dig; it is probable that the insect was one which digs under the skin of men. This was an embarrassment to their great god of the earth, Geb, to whom they gave offerings for the bounty of the soil. Also the presence of the fleas or lice were a barrier to their officiating in their priestly duties!
The Scarabs
The fourth of the plagues were "swarms" ("of flies" is not in the original). The word is `arob, a swarm, possibly suggesting incessant motion. The deification of the scarab beetle is still conspicuous – even today – in the jewelry and artifacts celebrating ancient Egypt. Amon-Ra, the king of the gods, had the head of a beetle. Some of the giant scarabs were even accorded the honor of mummification and entombment with the Pharaohs.
This is particularly bizarre since the scarab is actually a dung beetle. The insect is about the size of a nickel and feeds on dung in the fields or the side of the road. When animals defecate, these insects swarm from their holes in the ground and collect their provender for future meals by forming it into round balls about the size of golf balls, which they roll across the ground to their underground dwellings. Since they seemed to "come from nowhere," and perhaps because these perfectly round balls were possibly associated with the sun, these beetles became associated with creation.
The plague of swarms of scarabs, with mandibles that could saw through wood, and destructive qualities worse than termites, must have caused extreme consternation since they were so venerated and thus were not to be interfered with! Pharaoh called Moses, pleaded for a cessation, hinted at the possibility of compromise, and even asked to be prayed for. But God doesn’t compromise; the judgments continued.
The Animals
The fifth plague was against the domestic animals of Egypt, and thus Apis, the bull god, and the cow-headed Hathor, goddess of the deserts. These were so widespread that even the children of Israel had become tainted by their worship, which led to the fiasco of the golden calf in the image of Apis.
The plague was a "murrain," a contagious disease among the cattle, and even the sacred bulls in the temple died. Other domestic animals were sacred also, and their images adorned many of the idols, such as Bubastis, the cat goddess of love, feminine matters and fashion, etc. (The veneration of cows still creates a sight in India, when cows appear on the streets and even in stores and shops.) The cattle of the Hebrews, of course, were not touched.
Ashes
The sixth wonder was manifested against the bodies of men. The plague of shechiyn, translated "boils”, may hide something more terrible. The root means "burning”, and the same word can be translated as leprosy, and as the Egyptian botch, which was declared to be incurable.
Among the gods to which cures would have been ascribed were Thoth, the ibis-headed god of intelligence and medical learning, and Apis, Serapis and Imhotep. Here even the magicians did not escape and could not carry on their priestly functions. It was their custom to take the ashes of human sacrifices and cast them into the air. Borne by the wind over the milling populace, they were viewed as a blessing. (It is inferred by some that this heathen custom was the source of the practice of putting ashes on the forehead on the first day of Lent.) Moses launched this plague with a parody of this practice, and may even have had access to the very furnaces used in the sacred precincts of the royal temple.
Fiery Hail
Egypt is a sunny land with virtually no rain. The seventh wonder was a tempest of hail and fire. Where was Shu, the wind god? And Nut, the sky goddess? Where was Horus, the hawk-headed sky god of upper Egypt? When Pharaoh confessed his sin and the sin of his people, he even used the Hebrew names for God:
"I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked. Intreat the Lord that there be no more mighty thunderings ["voices of Elohim"] (Exodus 9:27, 28)."
(The French have a phrase for one who speaks with spiritual language but whose heart is far from God: le patois de Canaan, the dialect of Canaan.)
Locusts
Some of the earlier plagues may have been separated by extended intervals, but the eighth plague followed immediately on the heels of the seventh: locusts came upon the land. Every twig and leaf that had somehow escaped the hail and fire was now taken by the locusts. Where was Nepri, the grain god? Where was Ermutet, goddess of childbirth and crops? Where was Anubis , the jackal-headed guardian of the fields? And where was Osiris, great head of their senior trinity who was also their agricultural god? Having lost faith in their gods, rebellion was now in the air.
Thick Darkness
The ninth wonder was a darkness that could be felt! Josephus writes:
"But when Moses said that what he desired was unjust, since they were obliged to offer sacrifices to God of those cattle, and the time being prolonged on this account, a thick darkness, without the least light, spread itself over the Egyptians, whereby their sight being obstructed, and their breathing hindered by the thickness of the air, they were under terror lest they be swallowed up by the thick cloud. This darkness, after three days and as many nights was dissipated."
And then in Exodus 10:22-23, "And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings."
Where was Ra, god of the sun? In the school of On, or Heliopolis, city of the sun, the worship of Ra was virtually almost monotheistic. He and Aten, the sun’s disc, were worshiped with the ankh, symbol of life from the sun, as almost a sort of trinity. Where was Horus, the god of the sunrise? Or Tem, the god of the sunset? Or Shu , the god of light? Or the deities of the moon and planets?
The Firstborn
And, of course, the well-known tenth and final plague was the death of the firstborn – on those homes not covered by the lamb’s blood on the doorposts or lintels. We all know the story of the Passover in Egypt, remembered by the Jews to this day. And, of course, Ya-Hweh Yahuwshua, The LORD Jesus Christ, is our Passover: John the Baptist introduced Him twice as "The Lamb of God."
Lessons for Today
The invisible war goes on. These same devils are worshiped today. The Scriptures tell us that we become like the gods we worship. Visit Egypt today and when you leave Cairo you will see villages living on dung hills. And this is not a typical "third world" country: it once ruled the known world! If you worship the world, you, too, will become materialistic, harsh, and unforgiving. You will become like the gods you worship. But if you worship Ya-Hweh Yahuwshua, The LORD Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us, you will become more like Him!
***
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.
The Apostles trained their disciples to respect Paul very highly, as evidenced in the extant writings of Polycarp, Clement, etc.
So, the argument is really about who is more credible, the Apostles and their disciples or these accusers 2000 years removed? These Anti-Paul loons...They only reveal their ignorance.
Read Polycarp's (disciple of John) letter to the Philippians.
Also, Irenaeus (disciple of Polycarp) canonized the writings authorized by the Apostles through their disciples in 180 AD and Paul's writings were included.
***
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.
Please read Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 1:27-33; Luke 2:14; Luke 12:51-52; Romans 5:1; Colossians 1:20; Colossians 3:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-5
Many Christians have been puzzled as to just what the LORD's messengers meant when they delivered the LORD's message to the shepherds 2000 plus years ago, "Glory to God in the highest, and ON EARTH PEACE, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14).
Now, take note...This is so entirely contrary to the words of the LORD Jesus Christ about 33 years later..."Suppose ye that I am come to give PEACE ON EARTH? I tell you, NAY; but rather DIVISION." (Luke 12:51).
"Peace on earth" and "no peace on earth" are contradictory statements. DIVISION is not PEACE. Could it be that the heavenly messenger gave out a false message like the false prophets of Jeremiah 6:14, "Peace, peace, when there is no peace?" Don't be silly!
And then some years after Christ went back to heaven He led the Apostle Paul to warn Christians not to be deceived when certain messengers cry "peace and safety," for there would be destruction instead of peace. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-5).
And in Revelation 6:1-6, we learn positively, that before Christ comes to establish PEACE ON EARTH something big will happen..."And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon TO TAKE PEACE FROM THE EARTH, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword." (Revelation 6:4).
Now let us note this outline and God's "PEACE" program:
1 - PEACE on earth with Christ on David's throne.
2 - PEACE made on the cross.
3 - PEACE with God through Christ.
4 - The PEACE of God that passeth all understanding.
We are currently engaged in some of the most cruel, and brutal, types of warfare of all ages. We are all sick and tired of war. We want peace on earth. But CHRIST is the center of every "PEACE" program of God.
The statesmen and politicians insist that we will have to compromise, sacrifice, be tolerant, and diplomatic and gracious, with a new international spirit, if we are to maintain the peace which we are now trying to win. And even then they are more skeptical than hopeful. The Apostle Paul wrote to some Faithful Christians,"Christ is our PEACE." (Ephesians 2:14).
It was at the time Gabriel announced that the purpose of Christ's birth was to take David's throne and reign over the house of Israel, that the heavenly messenger announced "PEACE ON EARTH." (Luke 1:30-33; Luke 2:14; Luke 1:67-77). Christ's own nation did not know the things that belonged to their PEACE. (Luke 19:42). They knew not the time of their visitation. (Luke 19:44). They said concerning Christ, "we will not have this man to reign over us." (Luke 19:14). They chose to release Barabbas, the notable criminal, and kill the Prince of life. (Acts 3:12 to 15). They cried, "we have no king but Caesar," "let the blood of this man (Jesus), Who claims to be the King, be upon us." (Matthew 27:21 to 25 - John 19:15). It is still there.
Well, of course, Christ did not go to David's throne: but HE WILL. (Acts 15:15-18; Isaiah 9:6-7; Ezekiel 37:24-28). So Christ said, instead of universal peace, there will be division, tribulations, wars, famines. HOWEVER, Peace...for BELIEVERS only. (Luke 12:49-52; John 16:33; John 14:27; Luke 21:24-33).
Instead of going to David's throne to take over the government, Christ went to Calvary. He made PEACE through the blood of His cross. (Colossians 1:20). PEACE on earth was postponed. There is now NO world-wide peace on earth for lost sinners. Their future is NOT PEACE but wrath and misery. Eternal perdition awaits all who refuse to BELIEVE on the LORD Jesus Christ and receive Him as not only your Saviour, but LORD of your life. An interesting little tid-bit is that quite often in the cemetery on the stone over the sinner's grave, the word "PEACE" is carved.
Therefore, note how "PEACE WITH GOD" comes..."Therefore being justified by Faith, we have 'PEACE WITH GOD' through our LORD Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1). There is NO OTHER WAY to be at peace with God. But, this IS the sure guarantee of peace. Then the PEACE OF GOD, "which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7).
In closing, note carefully 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4, "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief."
***
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.
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
***
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.
This short word is aimed at those that CALL themselves "Christian". If you don't know Christ we have something for you here as well.
Now, to those that carry the moniker of Christian, let me say this...ANY assembly, congregation, denomination members...whatever you want to call them...however decent, respectable, moral, kind, gentle, religious and zealous, who then DENY the eternal DEITY (which means that Christ IS God), and the virgin birth of our LORD Jesus Christ, His perfect, sinless life, His vicarious death, His resurrection and ascension in a body, OR give His attributes to another such as the fact that THERE IS ONE MEDIATOR BETWEEN GOD AND MEN, THE MAN CHRIST JESUS, 1 Timothy 2:4-6...those that DENY these things are deceivers and antichrist. 2 John 7; and they make God a liar, because they believe NOT the record that God hath given of His Son. 1 John 5:10.
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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.
In speaking of Salvation, so many Pastors, Preachers, and Teachers recite a litany of methods in order to receive Salvation:
1. You must accept Christ as your Savior
2. You must Accept Christ as your LORD
3. You must accept Christ into your heart
4. You must receive God's gift of Salvation
5. You must Ask Christ into your heart
6. You must Receive Christ into your heart
7. You must repent of your sins
8. You must repent and then accept Christ into your heart
9. You must accept Jesus into your heart as your personal Lord and Savior
ETC ETC ETC...It goes on and on. Who knows what that all means anyway!
To become a Child of God, a member of the Body of Christ...YOU MUST, YOU HAVE TO...BELIEVE. BELIEVE the Record in God's Word that God gave of His Son.
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.
The fact is, that by the work of God, (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit), there has been accomplished and there is available: for any and every sinner who BELIEVES the record that God gave of His Son, an accomplished redemption, a perfect salvation. And we shall see by the same Divine authority the further fact that this perfect salvation can be had by the believing sinner without any additional work, religious endeavor or church ceremony.
The righteousness of God has been made available for any one who will believe the truth of God. "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." Romans 10:4-5.
And to believe means: that upon which a man or woman is prepared to act. Or to put it more simply: believe is to accept as true, to accept as real! You are not Saved if you are secretly NOT believing the record God gave of His Son
THEN let us BELIEVE the fact...that is, "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
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.
Philippians 4:5-7, “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Worrying is as definitely forbidden as theft, according to our verse...and the whole of Scripture. This needs to be carefully considered and realized by Children of God, so that we do not excuse it as an innocent "weakness". The more we are convicted of the sinfulness of anxiety and worry, the sooner are we likely to perceive that it is most dishonouring to God, and "strive against" it (Hebrews 12:4). But how are we to "strive against" it?
We strive against worry by watching its beginning, and as soon as we are conscious of the harassment of our mind, as soon as we detect the unbelieving thought, lift up our heart to God and ask Him for deliverance from it. The best antidote for anxiety and worry is frequent meditation upon God’s goodness, power, and sufficiency. When the saint, the member of the Body of Christ, can confidently realize "The Lord is My Shepherd," he must then conclude, "I shall not want!"
The next part of our Bible verse is, "but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God."The "with thanksgiving" is super important, yet it is the point at which we most fail. It means that before we receive God’s answer, we thank Him for the same: it is the confidence of the child expecting his Father to be gracious.
Now hear the LORD's words from Matthew 6:25-33, "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought (anxious concern) for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:25-33).
Nothing is too big and nothing is too little to spread before and cast upon our great God and our Saviour, the LORD Jesus Christ.
***
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.
Our Dear Heavenly Father, Creator of all things, The LORD God, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, through the LORD Jesus, and in the power of thy Spirit we come before thee. Everything on earth is yours, LORD. We have nothing that can make you richer, for it all comes from you in the first place. We also acknowledge and are thankful that we LIVE thanks to you, and that without YOU we have nothing and can do nothing.
Father we ask that you will bless exceedingly our commission as Ambassadors for Christ, and that the Word of Reconciliation, our Ministry, will be broadcast around the world through this work that you have given us to do. And to make all men see what is the Dispensation of the Mystery, and the Knowledge of the Mystery, whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of the Grace of God. The Mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made known to his saints....members of the Body of Christ....to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is: CHRIST in you, the hope of glory. And it is Christ whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
***
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 is quite obvious to many believers that the Bible itself is under attack. The Bible was the textbook for America for over 100 years and we produced the greatest generation of scholars, scientists, lawyers, judges, doctors, teachers, and preachers that the world had ever seen!
But now, people think they are more sophisticated, and have become "judges" and "critics" of the Bible. Its historicity and accuracy is being challenged by many people, both secularists as well as the religious people. People continue to question the authenticity of the Bible and even the majority of Americans doubt that the Bible IS THE Word of God and that it is inspired of God.
SO, WHAT DO WE MEAN BY "INSPIRATION"?
Inspiration does NOT refer to the writers, but rather to the writings. 2 Timothy 3:16 says "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God." 2 Peter 1:20-21 insists that the writers were controlled by the Holy Spirit so that what was written was accurate and exactly what God wanted to communicate to us.
There is "external evidence" (like manuscripts, historical and archaeological facts, geographical information, etc.) as well as "internal evidence" (what the Bible claims about itself) that affects what we mean by "inspiration."
Here is a possible definition: INSPIRATION IS THE ACT OF GOD BY WHICH HE COMMUNICATED HIS WORD IN WRITTEN FORM AND DIRECTLY CONTROLLED THE WRITERS SO THAT WHAT WAS WRITTEN (original autographs) WAS FREE FROM ERROR!
The Bible is not only "inspired of God" - it is also inerrant (without error in the original autographs). It is the most translated and distributed book before the invention of printing (1450 AD) in the history of the world! No other writing is close to its manuscript evidence. Over 5500 Greek manuscripts, 10,000 Latin manuscripts, and over 1000 manuscripts in other languages - all before the invention of printing! Incredible to say the least!
Inspiration refers to ALL that was written - not just parts of it. If you can't trust the Bible's historical facts, then how can you trust its moral and spiritual teachings? The Bible is the most amazing book of all history - actually it is a library (like an integrated software system!) of 66 books.
The Old Testament has 39 books in the Protestant Bible (exactly the same as the Jewish Bible, the Tanakh, but organized differently in three major sections - the torah, the prophets, and the writings.) The New Testament contains 27 books. The ROMAN Catholic Bible has added some 14 Jewish apocryphal books, but the early church NEVER considered them inspired of God even though some of them do contain valuable history. There have been some modern attempts (Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Judas, etc.) to add books to the Bible as though they were on the level of the Canon of the Scriptures - but it won't work! These "pseudo-graphic" writings clearly reveal that they are outside the realm of Biblical authority and authenticity.
The Bible itself will bring a person salvation Romans 10:17, 2 Timothy 3:14-15, 1 Peter 1:23-25; and give discernment to the believer as to what is right and wrong Hebrews 5:11-14. Through the Bible we gain effectiveness in prayer John 15: 7, 1 John 5:14; and we are enabled to live victoriously over sin Psalm 119:9-11, John 15:3, 1 Peter 2:2-3. Through the Bible the true believer can be equipped for every good work 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Next up, is our message, "The Bible: Which Version?".
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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.
Paul was directed by the Holy Spirit to write to fellow Christians, “ye are not your own, ye are bought with a price.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). What a difference it would make in the life and behavior and service of Christians, if they would permit the Holy Spirit to teach them and constantly remind them that the LORD of Glory, Who suffered on the cross of Calvary, the eternal, omnipotent, sinless Christ, was the Creator of the heavens and the earth; and that this world belongs to Christ by right of creation AND by right of redemption. Little wonder then that God, the Father, desires that God, the Son, in all things should have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:18).
We should be able to understand the meaning of Philippians 4:19 when we read Romans 8:32. Note these two verses: “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”, and, “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?”
Surely now we can understand better Colossians 3:23 and Colossians 3:17: “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily (from the soul), as to the LORD, and not unto men.”, and, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the NAME of the LORD Jesus, giving thanks unto God the Father by Him.”
Some saved church members join with the great number of unsaved assembly members in their comment, “this is taking religion too seriously.” The great majority of saved assembly members give little heed to Colossians 3:16, “let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” There it is again, another very important ‘LET’ in Philippians 4:6-7, which it behooves every Christian to obey in these days of uncertainty, unrest, of international political, economic, and religious confusion, “Be careful (anxious, full of worry) for nothing: but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, ‘LET’ your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth (is greater than, SURpasseth) all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Let us never forget the words of our LORD Jesus Christ, in John 12:26 and John 5:23, and let us, by God’s Grace and power, obey 1 Corinthians 15:58. Note the truth in these verses. Christ said, “if any man serve Me, Him will My Father honor”, “That all men should honor the Son even AS they honor the Father: he that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father Who hath sent Him.” “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always, abounding in the ‘WORK OF THE LORD’, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain ‘IN THE LORD’.”
“Be strong in the LORD, and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10). “Knowing that of the LORD ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the LORD Christ.” (Colossians 3:25).
Surely as we meditate upon what we have quoted from God’s Book, the Bible, we must know that the Christian belongs to Christ; that he is not his own; that he is bought with a price, the precious shed blood of the Eternal Christ. (1 Peter 1:18-23). We should know what the Apostle Paul meant when he said, “the love of Christ constraineth us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14). Before Paul wrote this to the Corinthian Christians he wrote, in 1 Corinthians 16:22, “if any man love not the LORD Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha” (“accursed, the LORD coming”). Another apostle, John, wrote; “we love Him, because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19).
Remember that assembly, congregation, denomination members, (whatever you want to call them), however decent, respectable, moral, kind, gentle, religious and zealous, who DENY the eternal DEITY (that means He is GOD) and virgin birth of our LORD Jesus Christ, His perfect, sinless life, His vicarious death, His resurrection and ascension in a body, are called deceivers and antichrist (2 John 7); and they make God a liar, because they believe not the record that God hath given of His Son. (1 John 5:10).
Inasmuch as the LORD Jesus Christ, Who is now in heaven appearing in God’s presence for Christians (Hebrews 9:24 and Hebrews 7:25), is the Author and Finisher of our Faith, and wants all Christians to be Faithful Ambassadors, witnesses, and laborers, we do not want it said of us what is being said concerning so many denomination members, “they practice Christianity only when it is convenient and entails no sacrifice, hardship nor suffering.” And SHAME on the "spiritual" leaders...Pastors, Preachers, and Teachers, who have changed conviction for convenience. (John 12:43, Galatians 1:10, and Jude 16).
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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.