Timeline of the Apostle Paul's Epistles and Ministry

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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.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

To Those That Call Themselves Christians: Are You Calling God a Liar?

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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 The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Prayer for The Body of Christ: An Exhortation to the Body of Christ's Commission

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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.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

FACT: The Bible IS the Inspired Word of God in Written Form

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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.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

FACT: The Bible IS the Final and Complete Revelation from God

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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.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Christians Belong to Christ: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

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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.

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Romans 11:13: As Christians Are We to Follow The Apostle Paul?

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There has been, and even today still is, MUCH controversy over the teaching of The Mystery, which the Holy Spirit first revealed to and then taught through the Apostle Paul.

MANY "Christian" Fundamentalists have joined with Modernists in attempting to exalt "the teachings of Jesus" (while on earth) above the Word of God through the Apostle Paul. They ask, "Which should bear the greater weight with us, the words of Jesus, or the words of Paul?"

This is the classic straw-man argument. Because, see, they do not ask this because they truly desire to OBEY these "words of Jesus" and to see them obeyed. NO! For they flagrantly disregard and disobey them, from the Sermon on the Mount to the Great Commission.

With regard to the Sermon on the Mount, they do not subject themselves to the Law of God given through Moses (Matthew 5:17-19). They do not bring gifts to altars of sacrifice (Matthew 5:23-24). They do not give freely to all who ask of them, quite the opposite (Matthew 5:42; Matthew 10:8-9). They do not refrain from laying up treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19, and Matthew 6:25-26); And they certainly do not sell what they have and give alms (Luke 6:30; Luke 12:33).

Let's not stop there...then, these hypocrites, while professing obedience to the so called "Great Commission" as "the Church's marching orders", they do not proclaim faith AND baptism for salvation (Mark 16:16); they do not, (they cannot), perform miraculous signs (Mark 16:17,18); they do not give the Jew first place in their ministry (Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8), and they certainly do not teach others to observe all things that Messiah on earth commanded (Matthew 28:20).

So why? Why do these hypocritical fundamentalists and modernists set "the teachings of Jesus" (on earth) over and against the teachings of the RISEN Jesus through the Apostle Paul? Well, it is NOT because they are determined to obey Jesus, but because they are determined to minimize that which God has "magnified", and that is, the authority of the Apostle Paul as "the apostle of the Gentiles" (Romans 11:13).

They seek to exalt the teachings of Jesus during His earthly ministry above those of the RISEN Jesus through the Apostle Paul BECAUSE they have closed their ears to the often repeated and Holy Spirit inspired teaching of the Apostle Paul that the glorified RISEN Christ spoke from heaven, to and through him, committing to him "The Dispensation of the Grace of God". THE program for the day in which we live (Acts 20:24; Acts:22:6-10, Acts 22:17-21; Acts 26:12-18; Romans 11:13; Romans 15:15-16; Romans 16:25-26; 1 Corinthians 3:10; 1 Corinthians 11:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Cor. 5:16; Galatians 1:1, Galatians 1:11-12; Galatians 2:7-9; Ephesians 3:1-9; Ephesians 6:18-20; Philippians 4:9; Colossians 1:23-27; 1 Thessalonians 4:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:14; 1 Timothy 2:5-7; 2 Timothy 2:7-9; Titus 1:2-3).

But MORE than this, they have forgotten the STERN rebuke the Galatians received for failing to recognize the Apostle Paul's teachings as a message from the RISEN, Glorified, Exalted Christ (Galatians 1:6-12). They have taken lightly Paul's words to the Corinthians, "if I come again I will not spare: since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me" (2 Cor. 13:2-3).

These hypocritical fundamentalists and modernists have, as well, distorted the Holy Spirit's admonition through the Apostle Paul as to His own writings, "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, from such withdraw thyself" (1 Timothy 6:3-5).

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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 The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

Determined to be Faithfully Proclaiming the Grace of God

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Some may suppose that it would require little boldness today to proclaim the Grace of God in all its purity. Who is ever persecuted now, at least in free, “enlightened lands”, for preaching God's Grace?

Ah, but do not be deceived. Satan was no less active in his opposition to the truth when Constantine exalted the professing Church to prominence than when his predecessors persecuted the Church and sent its members to death by fire and sword. Indeed, Satan, was doubtless, more successful in Constantine's day than he had been when persecution raged.

Does any believer in the Word of God suppose that Satan has relented in his opposition to the truth today, just because men, at least in this land, are not burned at the stake or thrown to the lions? Do not be misled. Satan's enmity against God and against His Word continues undiminished. His hatred of "the Gospel of the Grace of God," is as bitter, and his opposition to it as determined as it ever was. AND, well does he know that the constant discouragements connected with being in the minority often succeed in silencing those who would stand against physical persecution.

Today Satan uses the new evangelicalism with its highly- organized highly-financed campaigns, and its woeful lack of doctrinal and dispensational teaching of the Word...to neutralize the saints.

Multitudes are attracted to these neo-evangelical extravaganzas, at which the participants are for the most part performers, and those who stand for the truth often feel very small as compared to the vast unthinking majority. But let us never forget that God uses "things that are not" to accomplish His work (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).

Let us, who know and love the truth, then, determine by God's Grace that nothing shall make us unfaithful to our glorious commission; that, whatever the cost, we shall faithfully and boldly proclaim to others the unadulterated Gospel of the Grace of God, "the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery." Romans 16:25

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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 The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

The Last Trump: The Seventh Trump of Rev. 11:15 is NOT called "The Last" Trump

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Due to ALL the speculation, and the wrong and often felonious teaching being spewed out by so many pastors, preachers, teachers, and so-called theologians, regarding the Last Trump of 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 being the same as the Seventh Trumpet Judgment of Revelation 11:15 , we submit to you, here, our exegesis, our teaching, on the matter.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 , "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." AND, Revelation 11:15 , "And the seventh angel sounded his trumpet; and there were loud voices in heaven"

Each seventh Seal, Trumpet, and Vial in the Book of Revelation is marked off from the preceding six by unmistakable signs, sufficient to show us that they are resumptive rather than continuous.

They each go over the SAME ground to give particulars not contained in the others, bringing us to a crisis; and giving the other events in the corresponding period, but from a different point of view. The background details.

In the Book of Revelation, we see in Revelation 11:15 , this Trumpet called the "seventh" Trumpet, and it is the "last" of this special series. But it does NOT mean that there will be none after: or, that a trumpet sounding BEFORE it may not also be called the "last," relative to another subject.

In 1 Cor. 15:51-52 , we read of "the last trumpet: for a trumpet shall sound." In 1 Thess. 4:16, we read that the LORD "shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel's voice, and with the trump of God." This is the "last" Trumpet with regards to the Body of Christ, but NOT the last absolutely.

The Trumpet that is sounded in 1 Cor. 15:51-52 will be sounded LONG BEFORE the Trumpet judgments of the Book of Revelation begin. The Trumpet sounded in 1 Cor. 15:51-52 will be sounded in order to raise His sleeping Body members, and take them up with the living Body members, to be with Him for ever. The Body joined to its Head!

Now, pay attention, there will be ANOTHER great trumpet AFTER the Great Tribulation, immediately connected with the LORD's Revealing. See Matt. 24:31 . This is AFTER this Revelation 11:15 "seventh Trumpet", for that Apocalypse (revealing) is recorded in Revelation 19 .

So, we can CLEARLY see that the seventh Trumpet in Revelation 11:15 is NOT the "last Trump," absolutely, but ONLY relatively; for it is only the last of the particular series of seven seen in Revelation.

FURTHERMORE, this trump of Revelation 11:15 is not called "the last": nor is it necessary for us to call it the last.

However, the Trump in 1 Cor. 15:51-52 , IS called The Last with reference to the Body of Christ. It is the Trump which shall close our connection with the earth; and therefore there is a true sense in which it is OUR, (members of the Body of Christ), last Trump. The Trump of 1 Cor. 15:51-52 , is the same that is mentioned in 1 Thess. 4:16.

We have had so many positive proofs that the Seven Trumpets in the Book of Revelation belong to another Dispensation altogether, therefore we cannot read this into our "calling on high" (Phil. 3:14 ), and confuse it with the trumpet which shall bring on the last of God's plagues and end up His judgment of the earth.

The sounding of the Trumpet in Revelation 11:15 produces great activity and stir in Heaven. Again the Trumpet in Revelation 11:15 is sounded IN HEAVEN, (and NOT in the air above the earth).

It is nothing less than the proclamation of the coming Coronation of earth's rightful King (compare 2 Sam. 15:10 and 1 Kings 1:39 ). It is the signal that, at long last, the hour has come to herald the glorious news of the setting up and establishing of God's Kingdom on earth.

It is the announcement that the prayer of the ages, "Thy kingdom come", is about to receive its glorious answer. For THIS is the subject of the loud voices in heaven.

***

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 The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

PreTribulation Rapture, Conclusion: Is the FIG TREE of Luke 21:29 now shooting forth?

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Now let’s take a look at the Fig Tree (Luke 21:29)

Is the ‘FIG TREE’ of Luke 21:29 now shooting forth? Is Israel’s redemption nigh? The ‘sign’, Pre-Tribulationists say, that nothing like the return of the Jews to Israel, in 1948, and the re-capturing of Jerusalem in 1967, has taken place since Titus, in the year 70 AD, destroyed the holy city, in fulfillment of Matthew 22:7, since which time the Jews have been scattered all over the world, in fulfillment of Luke 21:24. Behold the other trees. (Luke 21:29). Look what is going on in the U.N., and in the United States. Look at what is going on in the Middle East, and in Europe. Look at what is going on with the Economies of nations around the Globe. Can there be any possible solution other than the return of the King? And, must that coming not be preceded by the reign of the Antichrist?


The talk about Pakistan, North Korea, and Iran, having Nuclear Weapons may cause many to fear and have heart‑failure, looking after those things that are coming on the earth (Luke 21:26), and there is no doubt that political leaders all over the world seem helpless and hopeless, like actors without a viable script. Surely God is going to plant His ancient nation in their own land and they are never to be plucked up again (Amos 9:11-15), but are we to believe that God is going to lead them there through the deceit, trickery, violence, and bloodshed now being carried on, and that only a small percentage of the world’s population of Jews will return to the Land?

And again we ask the question, what about the Pre-Tribulation Children of God, in the 20^th, 19^th, 18^th, and 17^th, and even earlier centuries, who had Scriptural right to believe in the any-moment appearing of Christ to remove them, as living saints, to glory? They all had plenty of signs and many of them in certain centuries thought they were in the Great Tribulation.

Last week I read the testimony of a Bible teacher, who wrote 100 years ago, and he was sure that the end of the ‘Church’ age was at hand. He saw plenty of “signs”.

The people, who are instructed, in Luke 21:28, ‘look up, and lift your heads; your redemption draweth nigh,’ are Jews in the midst of the Great Tribulation, with signs and wonders on earth and in the heavens. They are there in the time of Jacob’s Trouble. This is right before the coming of the Son of man to earth; for judgment and for Israel’s redemption.

The Day of Redemption for members of the Body of Christ, the realization of the blessed hope, the Mystery coming of Christ in a moment in the twinkling of an eye (Ephesians 4:30; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54) is NOT the ‘redemption’ mentioned in Luke 21:28. This is agreed to by most Pre-Tribulationists, who preach and teach the Gospel of Grace in this Age of Grace.

But, still, many of them ask, whether it’s not possible and probable that members of the Body of Christ might see some of the signs of the coming of the Son of man to earth, and should they not, with the warning in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9, and knowing that the Body of Christ will be Raptured before God pours out His wrath and fury on the nations, believe that this proves that the Rapture is very, very near? We again bring to mind Romans 16:25.

However, whether we walk by Faith or by “signs”, let all of the members of the Body of Christ, be looking for the Blessed Hope, the appearing in glory of the LORD Jesus Christ, at any moment.

***

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 The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

PreTribulation Rapture, part 10: Body of Christ NOT on Earth for Tribulation. Period!

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In the days of Moses it is recorded, ‘God spake all these words,’ and centuries later the Apostle Paul declared that Christ was speaking in him (2 Cor. 13:3). All members of the Body of Christ should know that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God. No Scripture is unimportant, unprofitable or uninspired, and every believer should diligently study every word in the Bible, under the direction, of the Holy Spirit; HOWEVER in rightly dividing the Word of Truth every Child of God should know that much of God’s inspired Word does NOT refer to the hope and calling of the members of the joint-Body of Ephesians 3:6, the Body of Christ, the Mystery.

The workman, who is not ashamed, studies, interprets, appropriates and applies all other Scriptures in the light of ‘THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF CHRIST’ (Ephesians 3:8); and seeks to be established by the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the Revelation of the Mystery, kept secret since the world began, the ‘REVELATION’ ministry of the Apostle Paul.

When Paul wrote of that which was given us ‘BEFORE THE WORLD BEGAN’ (2 Timothy 1:9) he added that he was appointed messenger (2 Timothy 1:11). Eternal life promised ‘BEFORE THE WORLD BEGAN’ (Titus 1:1-2), ‘WHICH IS COMMITTED UNTO ME (PAUL)’ (Titus 1:3). “How that by revelation He (Christ) made known unto ME (Paul) the MYSTERY.” (Ephesians 3:3). “I (Paul) have laid the foundation.” (1 Corinthians 3:10). “The MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL for which I am an ambassador in bonds.” (Ephesians 6:9-20; Colossians 4:3-4). “Whereof I (Paul) am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given unto ME (Paul), THE MYSTERY, which hath been hid.” (Colossians 1:25-26).

These wonderful truths are to be understood and taught by faithful stewards of the Mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 4:1-4), every one of whom is to do his utmost to make all saints see what is ‘the dispensation (not fellowship) of the Mystery.’ (Ephesians 3:9).

And surely, no true, spiritual, intelligent, faithful steward will teach that ‘all things work together for good to them that love God’ unless they add (and know why), ‘to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.’ (Romans 8:28). He is a workman that needed to be ashamed who does not know the difference between Divine Truth, ‘ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES’ (Prophecy) and ‘ACCORDING TO GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE’ (Predestinated but not prophesied).

Regardless of what the preachers, leaders, and pastors teach, or do not teach, let each of us, who are saved by the Grace of God, be established by the preaching of Jesus Christ, ‘ACCORDING TO THE REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY,’ which had been hid from all men until the risen Christ revealed it to the Apostle Paul and gave him his Gospel by revelation (Galatians 1:11-13; Ephesians 3:1-4).

If we really believe that the prophesied spiritual‑political Kingdom of Heaven has been postponed and that the clock of prophecy really stopped with the fall of Israel, after the Apostle Paul’s warning in Acts 13:40-41 and the great turn of Acts 13:46, let us be sure that the Lord will have the Church of the Mystery (unprophesied) safe, and in Heaven, before the awful time described in Luke 21:25-33; Matthew 24; and Revelation 6-13.

Surely the ‘MYSTERY’ should convince any spiritual, intelligent student of the Scriptures that members of the Body of Christ, will NOT be here on earth during the prophesied period called ‘the Great Tribulation.’

We should not expect anything but confusion, in any explanation that the Church will be saved from the Great Tribulation, from Bible teachers who teach that ‘the Dispensation of the Mystery’ (Ephesians 3:9), ‘the dispensation of the Grace of God for Gentiles’ (Ephesians 3:1-4), began on the day of the Pentecost several weeks after the death and resurrection of Christ.



The great events foretold by Joel, David, Moses, Samuel and all the prophets, including Amos, and proclaimed by Peter and the Eleven, ‘the times of the restitution of all things’ (Acts 3:19-21), had nothing to do with God’s purpose and Grace given to Gentiles in Christ before the world began (2 Timothy 1:9).

The Grace that Peter preached, he wrote, was prophesied Grace. (1 Peter 1:10-11). There was NO mystery in what God began, or continued, with Peter and the Eleven on the day of Pentecost. Little wonder then that Pre-Tribulation brethren, who teach that the Mystery began with Acts 2, are becoming Post-Tribulationists. If the Apostle Paul told the truth, that the MYSTERY was revealed to him, surely it was not revealed to him BEFORE he was saved. The Apostle Paul told Gentiles to be saved by Grace and be raised up to sit with Christ where He is, in the Heavenlies. The Apostle Peter preached to Israel to repent and God would send Christ back to earth where they were, in their land. (Ephesians 2:5-8, and Acts 3:19-21). Even a babe in Christ should know the difference between the ‘Restitution’ and the ‘Rapture.’

***

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 The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

LLM - Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20)