Important Message: The Faith of Jesus Christ

"Therefore by the deeds of The Law there shall NO flesh be justified in his sight: for by the Law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the Law is manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference" Romans 3:20-22

“….knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST, even we HAVE BELIEVED IN JESUS CHRIST, that we might be justified by THE FAITH OF CHRIST, and not by the works of the Law: for by the works of the Law shall NO flesh be justified.” Galatians 2:15-16

“But the scripture hath concluded ALL under sin, that the promise by FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST might be given to THEM THAT BELIEVE.” Galatians 3:22

“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through THE FAITH OF CHRIST, the righteousness which is of God BY FAITH.” (Phil. 3:9)

Why is this important?

Because it is NOT OUR faith in Jesus which justifies us, but the Faith OF Jesus Christ in us which justifies us.

In other words, it is HIS Faith at work in us and in our hearts which produces righteousness and the God kind of life. And what is most important about this is the implications it has for us and our faith.

First of all, it explains why Faith is a gift and why we are saved through Faith by Grace and not as a work of our own. It is not our faith which justifies, but the Faith of Jesus given to us, which resides in us. Since it is not our faith that justifies, but the Faith of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ, whose Faith is now at work on the inside of us, we are not called upon to believe God out of our own miserable resources or self generated faith or mental efforts, or our attempts to believe.

We are only enabled to believe God through and because of the Faith of Jesus Christ as working in us. It is Jesus' Faith upon which we are dependent and upon whom we rely. It is upon His Faith, which is perfect and never fails, upon which we can rest and fully trust, because we know His Faith is sufficient for every need and greater than every obstacle.

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

So There You Have it!

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

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

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

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

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LLM Question of the Day for 9-13-2011, and, Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, part 7 of 10

First the Question: Acts 3:25 says, "Ye are the children of the covenant". Should this be preached to Gentiles? Yes or No?

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

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 9-8-2011

Question: Christ was NOT the Head of the joint-Body, (the Sussoma of Ephesians 3:6), in Acts 5:29-32. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! In Acts 5:31 Christ is NOT mentioned as Head of a joint-Body of Jews and Gentiles, but as Prince and Savior to give repentance and forgiveness to Israel. In Philippians 1:10, the Holy Spirit writes (Greek) “test things that differ.” Christ certainly was NOT the Head of the joint-Body in Acts 5:29-32. Therefore Acts 5:29-32 was NOT in any way connected with “The Mystery” FOR WHICH the Apostle Paul was in jail. Colossians 4:3-4. On this question, out of 713 responses, 56.7% got it right. Therefore…

Today let us consider, Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, part 7 of 10

Before we get to the next TEN Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study contained in this message, here, once again, are the FIVE different groups or classes of people who are addressed from the first chapter of Matthew to the last chapter of Revelation:

1) To unsaved Israelites who were under the Law.

2) To saved Israelites who were under the Law before they became members of the Body of Christ.

3) To unsaved Gentiles who were aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, and not under the Law.

4) To carnal saints and babes who were members of the Body of Christ.

5) To those who were of full age, called “the faithful in Christ Jesus.”

Remember, for an in-depth explanation of these five different groups I urge you to read “Super bible Facts for Super Bible Study, part 1”. Keep these five different groups in mind, and you will derive both blessing and benefit as you carefully study this fourth set of 10 Super-Facts.

Ok, here we go:

1) We learn in Matthew 23:33-40 that Christ denounced the rulers of Israel, calling them “serpents” and “vipers”, and some months later he instructed Peter to tenderly address them as “the children of the covenant.” Acts 3:25. There is a great difference between “snakes” and “children.” God's changed attitude toward Israel was be­cause of Christ's prayer on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34. Israel's sin against the Son of man was pardonable; but not their sin against the Holy Spirit. Matthew 12:32.

2) Because of Christ's prayer on the cross, note the LORD's message to Israel in Acts 3:17-19, “And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things, which God before hath shewed by the mouth of all His pro­phets, that Christ should suffer, He hath so fulfilled. Repent ye, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” If they would repent the LORD was willing to forgive Israel on the grounds of ignorance and send their Messiah and King back to bring about the restitution of all things. Then the Twelve would be on twelve thrones as judges. Matthew 19:28. This was also because the sacrifice of Christ for the salvation of lost humanity was inevitable, having been foretold in the Scriptures and foreordained before the foundation of the world. Acts 4:28 and Acts 2:22. And so far as redemption, justification or salvation is concerned let us ever remember that without the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ NO one from Abel down to the present time was ever saved.

3) All that the Lord offered to Israel, in Acts 1-9, was in fulfillment of God's promises to Israel, by the mouth and pen of Moses, Samuel, David, Joel, Amos and all the prophets. Acts 2:26-32, Acts 2:11-16, Acts 3:21-24, Acts 15:14-15. There is NOTHING in Acts 1-9 of the GRACE message for Gentiles. When Saul was converted he was told to “arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins.” Acts 22:16. This is NOT part of the Apostle Paul's message to Gentiles. In the first chapters of Acts we have a repetition of John 1:11-12, “Christ came unto His own and His own (Israel as a Nation) received Him not, but as many (Israelites) as received Him etc.”

4) Moses, Samuel, David, Joel, Amos, and the rest of Israel's prophets knew nothing, said nothing, and wrote nothing, concerning the Dispensation of Grace and the Dispensation of the Mystery which the RISEN Christ revealed to the Apostle Paul. Ephesians 3:6-11, Colossians 1:24-27. Christ's ministry on earth was a “confirmation” ministry. Paul had a two-fold ministry, one of which was the “confirmation” ministry, and the other “the mystery”, by revelation. This he called “the unsearchable riches of Christ.” Ephesians 3:8. The LORD worked in Peter to the apostleship of the Jews. Galatians 2:8.

5) In Acts 15:13-18 is recorded God's Kingdom program, which was FORETOLD by Amos, in Amos 9:11-15, that Christ would come as King, build the tabernacle of David, save an Israelitish remnant and THEN the Gentiles. This is exactly the kingdom program of Acts 2-11. The program of Acts 1-11 does NOT fit into Paul's Dispensation of the Grace of God. The Twelve were preaching before Acts 13:2, repentance, the new birth and restitution, but NOT reconciliation and the NEW CREATION.

6) If we teach that God's purpose, concerning the Body of Christ, in this age, is stated by Peter and James, in Acts 15:14, “to take out from among the Gentiles a people for His name,” which was foretold by Amos, then Paul was mistaken when he declared that Amos knew nothing of God's “Body” program in this age (Colossians 1:24-26), and Peter and James were out of the will of God when they agreed to go to the Jews (Galatians 2:9), when God's purpose was to take out Gentiles. The Baptizing by the Holy Spirit of Jews and Gentiles in ONE Body (1 Corinthians 12:13), or making of the two One New Man (Ephesians 2:15), is NOT taking out from the Gentiles a people for His name in fulfillment of Amos 9:11-15. God is visiting Jews as well as Gentiles during this Age of Grace, although it is a period of special Divine favor for the Gentiles.

7) After God has accomplished, during this age, “the eternal purpose of Christ”, concerning the joint-Body of Ephesians 3:6, He WILL fulfill His kingdom program, of which Acts 2:2-11 is the pattern. The Apostle Peter had the keys of the Kingdom of heaven. Matthew 16:16-18. In the first chapters of the Book of Acts, Peter, by Divine authority, was presenting anew the kingdom of heaven to Israel. Christ was raised from the dead to take David's throne. Acts 2:27-33. On that throne Christ is to reign over the house of Jacob for ever. Luke 1:33. When Christ returns to Israel as King He will accomplish what He WOULD have done, if Israel had repented. Acts 3:19-21. Then the remnant of Jews and the Gentiles will come to the Lord in accordance with Acts 15:13-18. THIS will be accomplished by preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom. Matthew 24:12-14.

8) On the day of Pentecost the LORD's message by the Apostle Peter and the Eleven was for “all the house of Israel.” Acts 2:36. In the first part of that message Peter declared “this is that which is spoken by the prophet Joel.” Acts 2:16. Note the “last days” of Acts 2:17. Joel prophesied concerning Israel's “last days”, Israel's tribulation, and Israel in their own land under Kingdom blessings on earth. Joel did not prophesy as to the last days, or the first days, of the Church which is His Body. What foolishness then to teach that the Dispensation of Grace began on the day of Pentecost!

9) The word “church” is from the word “Kurios”, which is interpreted several hundred times “Lord.” The Greek word FROM WHICH “church” is translated is “ekklesia”, meaning, literally, “called out.” It is used in Acts 19:32, Acts 19:39, and Acts 19:41, and is there translated “assembly,” referring to a mob of disorderly sinners. “Ekklesia,” referring to Israel, is used a number of times in the Old (Greek translation) Testament. Israel's Ekklesia in the wilderness is mentioned in Acts 7:38. Now, very important, with that said, therefore, the expression “the Church of God” may, OR MAY NOT, refer to the Body of Christ. Note Nehemiah 13:1, in the Greek, “the ekklesia (congregation) of God.” God had a Church before Pentecost, but NOT the Body of Christ. The Samaritans persecuted the ekklesia of God when the Jews were rebuilding the temple in the days of Nehemiah, let’s not forget that. Nehemiah 13:1, Nehemiah 4:1-7, Nehemiah 6:1-12.

10) In Ephesians 1:19-23, we read of Christ FAR ABOVE in the heavenlies made Head over all things unto the Church which is His Body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all. But note Acts 5:30-31: “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, Whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance TO ISRAEL, and forgiveness of sins. “To ISRAEL?!?” Where did the Gentiles come in? They did NOT come in. Ephesians was written principally concerning Gentile salvation and their oneness with Christ, and with redeemed Israelites in the joint-Body (Sussoma) of Ephesians 3:6. But in Acts 5:31 Christ is NOT mentioned as Head of a joint-Body of Jews and Gentiles, but as Prince and Savior to give repentance and forgiveness to Israel. In Philippians 1:10, the Holy Spirit writes (Greek) “test things that differ.” Christ certainly was NOT the Head of the joint-Body in Acts 5:29-32. Therefore Acts 5:29-32 was NOT in any way connected with “The Mystery” FOR WHICH the Apostle Paul was in jail. Colossians 4:3-4.

More Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study coming up quick!

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

So There You Have it!

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

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

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

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

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

LLM Question of the Day, and, THE GOSPEL OF JOHN....THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, pt. 12 of 24

First the Question: Christ was NOT the Head of the joint-Body, (the Sussoma of Ephesians 3:6), in Acts 5:29-32. True or False?

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

and NOW, Today let us consider….

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN....THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, pt. 12 of 24

SALVATION, RECONCILIATION, and DIVINE MERCY FOR GENTILES

After the Apostle Paul informed Israel that Christ had been raised from the dead to give to Israel “the sure mercies of David” (Acts 13:33-37), and how they could have forgiveness of sins and complete justification from all things through the crucified and risen Christ (Acts 13:38-39), Paul warned them not to do what the prophets had foretold, “behold, ye despisers and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.” (Acts 13:38-41). But Israel was filled with envy, they contradicted, opposed and blasphemed. They were setting the stage for the crisis of Romans 11. It is interesting and informative to compare Paul’s words to Israel, in Acts 13:46, with all the truth recorded in Romans 11. Note Acts 13:46, “It was necessary that the Word of God should ‘FIRST’ have been spoken to you (Israel); but seeing ye put it from you and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, Lo, we turn to the Gentiles.”

With Acts 13:46 think of Romans 11:7-10, that God blinded Israel. Think here of John 12:37-41. According to Romans 11:11, when and because of the ‘FALL’ of Israel, God sent salvation unto the Gentiles. In Romans 11:30 we read that, because of Israel’s unbelief, Divine mercy was extended to Gentiles. In Romans 11:15 we learn that when and because Israel was cast away, reconciliation was sent to the world. In Romans 11:12 we learn that because of the ‘FALL’ of Israel, God offered ‘riches’ to the Gentiles. So repeat with Paul Romans 11:33-34.

FOR THIS CAUSE CAME I UNTO THIS HOUR

Let us again read the words of Christ, in John 12:27, “for this cause came I unto this ‘HOUR’”, and His words, in John 3:14, “the Son of man ‘MUST’ be lifted up.” We know that the vicarious death of the LORD of Glory was neither premature nor accidental. Standing before the human Judge, Pontius Pilate, before whom we are told, in 1 Timothy 6:13, Christ witnessed a good confession, the LORD Jesus said to Pilate, “thou couldest have no power against Me, except it were given thee from above.” (John 19:11). The eternal, Divine, omnipotent Christ was not the helpless victim of circumstances in the hour of His death, which took place not one hour before God’s appointed time or one hour thereafter.

Note the charge of the religious rulers against Christ when they urged Pilate to put Him to death: “we have a law, and by our law He ought to die because He made Himself the Son of God.” (John 19:7). This question presents itself to any intelligent, thinking person who has examined the Bible Record: “if Jesus of Nazareth was not God, the Son, should He of have been put to death in accordance with the law which God gave to Israel, as recorded in Leviticus 24:16?” Hear Leviticus 24:16; “he that blasphemeth the Name of the Lord, he shall surely be put to death, and all of the congregation shall surely stone him.” Israel tried in vain several times to stone the Lord Jesus to death. In John 10:28-33 they declared they were doing this because of Christ’s blasphemous claim that He was equal with God.

Pilate knew that Jesus of Nazareth had not broken the laws of Rome and Caesar, for ‘blasphemy’ was not forbidden by the Roman law unless it was rebellion against Caesar. Christ had instructed His own nation to render to Caesar things that were Caesar’s. (Matthew 22:21). Therefore, said Pilate unto Israel’s rulers; “take Him (Jesus) and judge Him according to your law.”, “The Jews therefore said unto Pilate, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death.” (John 18:31). With these words Israel tried to escape the responsibility for the awful crime of the death of the Son of God. But the Holy Spirit directed the LORD’s servant to say that by Israel’s wicked hands Christ was slain. Acts 2:22, and Acts 3.29-30. “Pilate was determined to let Him go; Ye killed the Prince of Life.” (Acts 3:12-15).

THE HOUR IS COME

It is most interesting, and it should prove informative, to compare Christ’s statement to His mother in John 2:4, “Mine ‘HOUR’ is not yet come,” with His statement in Matthew 26:18, “My ‘TIME’ is at hand.” Christ’s statement concerning His ‘HOUR’ to His mother followed the question He asked her, “Woman, what have I to do with thee?” Think prayerfully of this question. Then turn to John 19:26-27 and read what the suffering Christ on the cross said to John, the apostle, and to His mother: “Woman, behold Thy son!”; “To the disciple, Behold thy mother.” When the Savior called Mary ‘woman’, in John 2:4, His ‘HOUR’ had not yet come. When He said, “Woman, behold thy son!”, His ‘HOUR’ had come.

Read again, “Woman, what have I to do with thee?” and the statement, “Mine ‘HOUR’ is not yet come,” and you will see that Christ did not call Mary, “mother,” but “woman.” Mary had to come to Christ in His ‘HOUR’ on the cross to be saved. Then note that after Acts 1:13-14, right after Christ’s ascension, Mary is never again mentioned in the Bible.

Now read John 7:30, “Then they sought to take Him (Jesus): but no man laid hands on Him, because His ‘HOUR’ was not yet come.” Why did they not lay hands on Christ? Because His ‘HOUR’ was not yet come. Again in John 8:20, “No man laid hands on Him: for His ‘HOUR’ was not yet come.” His ‘HOUR’ did not come, and could not come, UNTIL He truthfully said, “I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do.” (John 17:4). When that work was finished the LORD Jesus said, “The ‘HOUR’ is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.” (John 12:23). “Jesus knew that His ‘HOUR’ was come that He should depart out of this world.” (John 13:1).

It seems that the Lord Jesus was tempted to ask deliverance from the agony of Gethsemane and Calvary when He asked, “shall I say, Father save Me from this ‘HOUR’?” (John 12:27). He answered His question by saying, “For this cause came I unto this ‘HOUR’.” (John 12:27). So in His prayer to His Father, the Son, Who was obedient unto the death of the cross, said, “Father, the ‘HOUR’ is come.” (John 17:1).

In John 10:31 we read that the Jews took up stones to stone Him (Jesus). In John 5:18 we read that the Jews sought the more to kill Him, because He made Himself equal with God. In Luke 4:28-30 we read that they sought to kill Him.

In Acts 7:57-60 we read that the Jews did stone Stephen to death. In Acts 14:19 we read that Paul was stoned, “having stoned Paul, drew him out of city, supposing he had been dead.” In 2 Cor. 11:25 Paul wrote of this stoning.

By reading Exodus 19:13, Leviticus 20:2 and Leviticus 20:27, Exodus 24:14-23, Numbers 15:36, Deuteronomy 17:5, Deuteronomy 22:21-24 and Joshua 7:25, we learn why Israel was supposed to use stones in putting to death a law‑breaker. They considered Christ worse than a law breaker. By God’s decree He was numbered with the transgressors.

In Luke 13:34-35 and in Matthew 21:35 the LORD Jesus accused Israel of stoning His faithful prophets. Of course, if they had had their way, they would have done to Christ what they did to Stephen. But note the words of Israel spoken to Pilate, after they had unsuccessfully attempted several times to stone Christ to death, they said, “it is not lawful for us to put any man to death: That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which He spake, signifying what death He should die.” (John 18:31-32).

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

So There You Have it!

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

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

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

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

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

LLM Question of the Day for 9-8-2011, and, Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, part 6 of 10

First the Question: Christ was NOT the Head of the joint-Body, (the Sussoma of Ephesians 3:6), in Acts 5:29-32. True or False?

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

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 9-4-2011

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

Answer: TRUE! Galatians 2:7, "But contrariwise, when they saw that the Gospel of the Uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the Gospel of the Circumcision was unto Peter." Now on this question, out of the 747 responses we received, only 92.4% of you got it right! Much better! Therefore,

Today let us consider, Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, part 6 of 10

As I have with each of these messages, before we get to the next TEN Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study contained in this message, here are the FIVE different groups or classes of people who are addressed from the first chapter of Matthew to the last chapter of Revelation:

1) To unsaved Israelites who were under the Law.

2) To saved Israelites who were under the Law before they became members of the Body of Christ.

3) To unsaved Gentiles who were aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, and not under the Law.

4) To carnal saints and babes who were members of the Body of Christ.

5) To those who were of full age, called “the faithful in Christ Jesus.”

Remember, for an in-depth explanation of these five different groups I urge you to read “Super bible Facts for Super Bible Study, part 1”. Keep these five different groups in mind, and you will derive both blessing and benefit as you carefully study this fourth set of 10 Super-Facts.

Ok, here we go:

1) Note the commission which Christ gave to the Twelve in Matthew 10:6-8, “But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” Note what He said in verse 23, “Ye shall (may) not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.” Then note Christ's command in Luke 12:33, “Sell that ye have and give alms.” An intelligent student of the Scriptures must see that this spirit­ual program does NOT FIT into the Dis­pensation of Grace committed to the Apostle Paul. Ephesians 3:1-3. The Apostle Peter had the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Paul did NOT work under the authority of Peter with his keys. “But contrariwise.” Read Galatians 2:7.

2) By studying Acts 1-9 we shall learn that the twelve Apostles were still working under the orders of Matthew 10:6-8, in that they were still preaching the kingdom message to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, “repentance unto baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)” and “repent and God will send Christ back to establish the kingdom of heaven on earth.” Acts 3:19-21. They were healing the sick, casting out demons, etc. The disciples were still selling their earthly possessions and giving away the money. Compare Luke 12:33 and Acts 4:34. Remember 12 men stood up on the day of Pentecost to address 12 tribes of Israel. Acts 2:14 and Acts 2:36.

3) For an intelligent understanding of the Scriptures we must know the two-fold program of Christ while He was preaching on earth to Israel. This was true also after His crucifixion and in the first chapters of Acts. Namely, God was offering salvation to individual Jews while presenting the kingdom to the Nation Israel. We must learn in the Book of Acts when this two-fold program ceased and when God's order was no longer “to the Jew first.” But note the offer of the kingdom to Israel in Acts 3:19-21.

4) When we teach Hebrews 13:8, that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and for ever, we must empha­size that this refers particularly to His eternal Deity, but that He changes as to His form and ministry. He was in the form of God and then became flesh, the God-man. On earth He was a Minister of the circumcision, but NOW He is Head of His Body. Compare Romans 15:8 and Ephesians 1:19-22. Take note that In Ro­mans 15:8 Jesus Christ WAS a minister of the circumcision….not IS.

5) Note the so-called “great com­mission” in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and teach all nations, baptiz­ing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” This was given to the Eleven (Matthew 28:16-18). They were to disciple all nations. They preached to representatives from every nation under heaven on the day of Pentecost. But they were Jews. Acts 2:5. The Eleven remained at Jeru­salem. Acts 8:1. They were still there in Acts 15:4. Therefore, during the “Acts” period they did NOT disciple all nations. Note what they agreed to do in Galatians 2:9.

6) The Apostle Peter and his fellow apostles were to disciple all nations and yet about seven years later Peter declared it was unlawful for a Jew to come to a Gentile. Acts 10:28. Then how strange that Peter and his fellow apostles agreed that they would go to the Jews and let the Apostle Paul take the responsibility for the evangelization of the Gentiles. Gala­tians 2:9. Question: Can you reconcile this agreement with the so-called “great commis­sion”?

7) In Mark 16:11-18 is recorded Christ's commission to the Eleven, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth AND is (water)baptized shall be saved.” Now PAY ATTENTION….Observe that Christ did NOT say, “He that believ­eth and is saved shall receive water baptism as a witness to the world.” IF we are to obey Mark 16:14-18, (which we are not), let us require water baptism for salvation and require signs as the evidence of salva­tion. On the day of Pentecost the pen­itent Jews had to receive water bap­tism BEFORE Holy Spirit baptism.

8) Compare Acts 8:1 and Acts 22:15-21. The Twelve remained at Jeru­salem and the Lord worked mightily in Peter unto the apostleship of the circum­cision. Galatians 2:8. The LORD said to the Apostle Paul, “Get OUT of Jerusalem,” “I will send you far hence to the Gentiles.” Note Paul's words in Romans 11:13 that he magnified his office as the apostle to Gentiles.

9) According to Acts 13:46 and Ro­mans 11:11, Paul preached salvation to the Gentiles because the Jews put it from them, because they fell, and NOT because of the commission of Matthew 28:19-20. Very carefully compare these Scriptures and also compare Paul's Dispensation of Grace (Ephesians 3:1-3) with Matthew 28:19-20. Also note Matthew 24:14 concerning the Gos­pel of the Kingdom and the End of the Age and compare with Paul's statements in Colossians 1:6 and Colossians 1:23 the Gospel “in all the world” . . . “to every creature which is under heaven.” Did the end come? If not, why not?

10) The RISEN Christ in heaven directly gave the Apostle Paul his Gospel for the Gentiles and Apostolic authority, by special revelation, and not through those who were apostles before him. This is a SUPER DUPER important Bible Fact. Galatians 1:11-12. Galatians 1:17-24. Galatians 2:7-9. In Acts 28:25-28 is recorded God's judg­ment (blindness) upon the Jews, follow­ed by the statement “salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles.” Certainly after Acts 28:28 salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles as never before. No longer were the Jews given any priority rights or special privileges.

More Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study coming up quick!

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

So There You Have it!

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

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

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

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

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

LLM Question of the Day, and, THE GOSPEL OF JOHN....THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, pt. 11 of 12

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

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

Today let us consider, THE GOSPEL OF JOHN....THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, pt. 11 of 12

THIS IS THE LORD’S DOING

In Acts 5:29-30 we learn that God raised up Christ in incarnation, the Seed of Abraham (Hebrews 2:16), the Seed of David, to be Israel’s Savior. (Acts 13:23). In 1 John 4:14 we read, “we do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.”

Did the Apostle John, in 1 John 4:14, intentionally contradict what the Apostle Peter said in Acts 5:30 or what the Apostle Paul said in Acts 13:23?

At the time the LORD Jesus declared that “the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which is lost” (Luke 19:10), He said He saved the publican, “forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham.” (Luke 19:9). Most Christians do not believe that Christ meant what He said in Matthew 15:24, “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Surely the risen LORD led the apostle Paul to confirm this truth in Romans 15:8 and Galatians 4:4, as well as in Acts 13:23 (which we have mentioned). In Romans 15:8 we read these words of the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul, “Jesus Christ was a Minister of the circumcision (the Jews) for the truth of God to confirm promises unto the fathers.” Now note the words of Galatians 4:4-5, “God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law.” Who was under the law? Israel.

Perhaps, we should not say that the majority of Christians do not want to believe Matthew 15:24, but they prefer to believe John 3:16, “for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” They find it very difficult, if not impossible, to reconcile Matthew 15:24 with John 3:16.

CHRIST RAISED UP IN RESURRECTION TO BE ISRAEL’S SAVIOUR

If Christians have difficulty in reconciling Matthew 15:24 with John 3:16, we are not surprised that they have more difficulty with the statement in Acts 5:31-32, that Christ was raised from the dead to be Israel’s Prince and Savior, to give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. The first mission and work of the Holy Spirit was to witness to this all important truth.

Let us note Christ’s words in Matthew 21:42, quoted from Psalm 118:19-24, “Jesus saith unto them, did ye never read in the Scriptures, the Stone Which the builders rejected, the Same is become the Head of the corner? This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” Surely when we read in 1 Peter 1:18-23 that we are redeemed by the precious blood of the LORD Jesus, Who was, by God, foreordained to be the spotless Lamb, we know that the rejection, the death, the resurrection and the ascension of the sinless Christ was the “LORD’s doing.” And surely all of this is marvelous in our eyes. Surely the day that Christ, the Creator of all things, cried on the cross “Finished,” is the day in which sinners should rejoice and acknowledge that it is the day which the LORD made.

HOWEVER, what made Paul break forth with Romans 11:33-34, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past-tracing-out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? and who hath been His counselor?” The apostle Paul uttered these words AFTER he quoted, in Romans 11:7-10, what is quoted in John 12:39-41, concerning the fulfillment of Isaiah 6:9-10; the truth that God blinded Israel.

In Matthew 21:42 we have recorded the words of the LORD Jesus, stating that ‘blinded’ Israel’s rejection of Jesus as their Messiah, in incarnation (in the flesh), was the LORD’s doing. What Paul said in Romans 11:33-34, was to let us know that blinded Israel’s rejection of Jesus their Messiah, in Resurrection, was likewise the LORD’s doing. (Ephesians 1:11).

Do we really believe that God is omnipotent and omniscient? Do we believe Ephesians 1:11, that God worketh all things after the counsel of His own will, and that members of the Body of Christ have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of God? We learned in 1 Peter 1:18-23 that the LORD Jesus, from BEFORE the foundation of the world, was foreordained to be the Lamb of God to shed His precious blood that BY THAT SHED BLOOD believing sinners should be redeemed.

Now let us note something else that God purposed in Christ from before the foundation of the world, His eternal purpose concerning the Church, Which is the Body of Christ, “according as He hath chosen us in Him (Christ) before the foundation of the world, having predestinated us unto the adoption of children (sons) by Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will.” As we read this wonderful, profound truth in Ephesians 1:4-5, we should know that this was The Eternal Purpose of God which He Purposed in Christ Jesus our LORD (Ephesians 3:11).

We read in 2 Timothy 1:9-10, “God hath saved us and called us with a HOLY calling (Not an Earthly Calling or a Heavenly Calling), not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and Grace which was given us in Christ Jesus BEFORE the world began. But is NOW made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, Who hath abolished death, and hath brought life an immortality (incorruptibility) to light through the Gospel.” (2 Timothy 1:9-10).

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

So There You Have it!

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

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

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

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

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LLM Question of the Day for 9-4-2011, and, Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, part 5 of 10

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

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

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 9-2-2011

Question: There is no scriptural record of signs nor suggestions of...to the Jews first...after the close of Acts. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! You all did better on this question. out of the 714 responses we received, only 77.8% of you got it right! That's better! Therefore,

Today let us consider, Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, part 5 of 10

Once again, before we get to the TEN Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study contained in this message, here are the FIVE different groups or classes of people who are addressed from the first chapter of Matthew to the last chapter of Revelation:

1) To unsaved Israelites who were under the Law.

2) To saved Israelites who were under the Law before they became members of the Body of Christ.

3) To unsaved Gentiles who were aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, and not under the Law.

4) To carnal saints and babes who were members of the Body of Christ.

5) To those who were of full age, called “the faithful in Christ Jesus.”

Remember, for an in-depth explanation of these five different groups I urge you to read “Super bible Facts for Super Bible Study, part 1”. Keep these five different groups in mind, and you will derive both blessing and benefit as you carefully study this third set of 10 Super-Facts.

Ok, here we go:

1) After the Holy Spirit separated Saul (Acts 13:2) he became the apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13 and Ro­mans 15:16), Paul. And then God's order was “to the Jew first” and “also to the Gentiles.” Romans 1:16, Acts 13:46, Acts 18:5-6. Even in Rome, about 27 years after the death of Christ, Paul addressed the Jews first. Acts 28:15-28.

2) After the casting away of Israel into darkness, (Acts 28:25-28, Romans 11:8, Romans 11:11, and Romans 11:25), God's order was “to the Gentiles and also to the Jews.” Note Ephesians 2:17, “to you afar off” and “to them nigh.” There is no scriptural record of signs nor suggestion of any order “to the Jews first” after the close of Acts.

3) Compare Matthew 15:26 with Romans 10:12, “But He answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and cast it to dogs.” (The woman was a Greek.) Mark 7:26 Matthew 15:26, and, “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek; for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him.” Romans 10:12. Note also that the Lord called the Israelites “serpents” in Matthew 23:33 and after His prayer on the cross for their pardon they were addressed as “children.” Acts 3:25.

4) Do not fail to see the great significance and the radical change sugg­ested in Romans 11:15, that the falling away of Israel meant the reconciling of the Gentiles. This is one of the most significant statements in the Bible. Linked with the Doctrine of Reconciliation are the Doctrines of the New Creation and Identification. When Israel was cast away, the Ministry of Reconciliation was sent to Gentiles. The “Reconciliation” ministry is linked with the believer's identification with Christ and the new creation in 2 Cor. 5:13-21. About the same time this Epistle was written, Romans was written. In Ro­mans 5:11 the word “Atonement” should be “Reconciliation.” This is followed by a statement concerning “Adam.” The Jews came from Abraham. The whole human race came from Adam. Hence Colossians 1:20-21. Reconciliation for all (believers). In Romans, chapter six, follows the “new creation” and “identification,” after “reconciliation,” in chapter five. This ministry was never mentioned by Israel's prophets.

5) More than 85% of the facts recorded in the Gospel of John: are not found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, generally called the “Synoptic Gospels.” There are sixteen solid chapters of facts in John, not one of which is mentioned in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Seven miracles of Christ are recorded in John before the death of Christ. Five of them are found in “John” only. In John the message of Grace is presented, and there we find a man blind from birth, impotent, unregenerated, and dead, suggested by the four miracles found only in John.

6) According to most authorities, Matthew was written before 40 A.D., before Cornelius was converted; whereas John was written about 95 A.D., nearly 20 years after the Apostle Paul died: therefore, after the saints were thoroughly indoctrinated with the Pauline “Grace” message. In the very first chapter of John we see Christ rejected and Grace and Truth coming by Him (John 1:10-18), although the Reign of Grace UNMIXED did not begin until Saul became Paul. The Reign of Grace UNMIXED certainly did not begin with Peter and the Eleven on the day of Pentecost.

7) Unlike Matthew, Mark, and Luke, many of the statements of John were not what Jesus Christ or His disciples said while He was on earth, but what the Holy Spirit led John to write many years after Christ had gone back to heaven. The Grace messages of Salvation in John are on the grounds of John 1:29, the blood of the Lamb of God. So here is an interesting question....Was John 3:16 said while Christ was on earth or given to John by the Holy Spirit to write years later?

8) Note carefully Matthew 16:20, “Then charged He (Christ) His disciples that they should tell no man that He was Jesus the Christ.” Here we should observe a turning-point in the ministry of the LORD Jesus Who had tried in every way to. convince Israel that He was Christ, or Messiah. Now the Twelve were no longer to give out this to testimony to Israel. And then another turning point came after Christ's prayer on the cross for Israel's forgiveness. Then the command of Matthew 16:20 was rescinded, and the Twelve and Paul testified to Israel that Jesus was the Christ. Acts 2:36, Acts 9:22, Acts 17:3, Acts 18:5-6.

9) In Luke 21:24-33 we have the record of the coming of the Son of man to save Israel. In these verses we find Israel in the throws of the Great Tribulation. In saying, “lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh,” the LORD Jesus was speaking to Israel. If this is a message to the Body of Christ, then the Body of Christ is headed for the Great Tribulation, which it is NOT! The Great Tribulation was included in prophecy. But no prophet spoke of The Mystery of 1 Corinthians 15:51, the change, “in a moment in the twinkling of an eye.”

10) Compare Luke 2:14 with Luke 12:48-52, “peace on earth”, and, “no peace on earth.” In Luke 1:28-33 we learn that Christ was born to reign on David's throne over the house of Israel; to deliver Israel from Gentile domination (Luke 1:67-77). The “peace on earth” of Luke 2:14 would prevail, IF and WHEN Christ should go to David's throne in fulfillment of Isaiah 9:6-7. BUT Luke 12:50 spoke of His death on the cross as His Baptism. Because of that “DEATH” Baptism there is peace with God for individual believers. Romans 5:1, Colossians 1:20. The “peace on earth” of Luke 2:14 has been POSTPONED until Christ as King returns to occupy David's throne.

More Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study coming up quick!

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

So There You Have it!

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

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

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

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

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

LLM Question of the Day for 9-2-2011, and, Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, part 4 of 10

First the Question: There is no scriptural record of signs nor suggestions of...to the Jews first...after the close of Acts. True or False?

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

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 8-31-2011

Question: Was the Roman centurion, of Luke 7:1-9, the only GENTILE man to received a blessing from Christ while on earth?

Answer: YES! Well a little better on this question. out of the 702 responses we received, only 50% of you got it right! We still have a LOT of work to do in this area. Therefore,

Today let us consider, Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, part 4 of 10

Before we get to the next 10 Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, here they are again, the FIVE different groups or classes of people who are addressed from the first chapter of Matthew to the last chapter of Revelation:

1) To unsaved Israelites who were under the Law.

2) To saved Israelites who were under the Law before they became members of the Body of Christ.

3) To unsaved Gentiles who were aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, and not under the Law.

4) To carnal saints and babes who were members of the Body of Christ.

5) To those who were of full age, called “the faithful in Christ Jesus.”

Remember, for an in-depth explanation of these five different groups I urge you to read “Super bible Facts for Super Bible Study, part 1”. Keep these five different groups in mind, and you will derive both blessing and benefit as you carefully study this third set of 10 Super-Facts.

Ok, here we go:

1) Jesus Christ was born a Jew, dedicated as a Jew, lived in a Jewish home, was a Jewish worshipper in a Jewish synagogue, lived under the Jewish law, kept the Jewish passover, died by the Jewish law, and was buried in the manner of the Jews. Matthew 2:4-5, Luke 2:23, Luke 2:39, Luke 2:41-42, Luke 4:16, Luke 22:7, and John 19:40. Christ was made under the law and recognized the authority of Moses seat. Galatians 4:4. Matthew 23:1-3. It is important to recognize that Jesus Christ, on earth, took His place among Israel as a worshipping Jew.

2) In John 4:22 is recorded the statement of Christ, “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship, FOR SALVATION IS OF THE JEWS.” Read Romans 9:4-6 in answer to the question “Who are Israelites?” Note in Luke 4:16 that it was the custom of Jesus to attend the Jewish synagogue on the sabbath.

3) Note this very important fact in Matthew 15:24, “I am not sent BUT unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Christ said this. And Matthew 10:5, “These twelve Jesus sent forth and commanded them, saying, GO NOT INTO THE WAY OF THE GENTILES, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not.” Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision, made under the law. Romans 15:8. Galatians 4:4. Christ specifically commanded his disciples, “go not into the way of the Gentiles.” Some years later he permitted Peter to preach to the household of Cornelius, and then He sent Paul to the Gentiles some years AFTER HE WENT BACK to heaven. Read Romans 11:13, 1 Timothy 2:3-7.

4) Note Luke 19:9, “And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, FORSOMUCH AS HE ALSO IS A SON OF ABRAHAM.” Although a publican, Zaccheus was eligible for salvation, because he was a son of Abraham. The woman was healed because she was the daughter of Abraham. Luke 13:16. Christ and His apostles preached to the sons of Abraham while on earth and during the first nine chapters of Acts. Acts 3:25.

5) Note what a certain Gentile man said and did, “And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto Him THE ELDERS OF THE JEWS, beseeching Him that He would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus they besought Him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom He should do this: FOR HE LOVETH OUR NATION AND HE HATH BUILT US A SYNAGOGUE.” Luke 7:3-5. The Gentile knew that Christ was a Jew sent only to Jews. He was of great faith. Read Matthew 8:5-13. The Jews were the children of the kingdom. Matthew 8:12.

6) This Roman centurion is the ONLY Gentile man who received a blessing from Christ while on earth, so far as there is any definite statement in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. The woman at the well was not a Gentile. Note the difference between Samaritans and Gentiles. Matthew 10:5. The word “Jew” is used in John about 70 times and in Acts about 80 times. To the one Gentile woman (a Greek), whom the LORD on earth blessed, He spoke of the Jews as “children,” and of the Gentiles as “dogs.” Matthew 15:21-27, Mark 7:24-30. There is a great difference between “children” and “dogs.” But when we reach Romans 10:12, there is NO difference between Jews and Greeks. Something happened, something CHANGED in God's program between Matthew 15:24 and Romans 10:12. Read about it in Acts 13:46 and Acts 18:5-6. The change was the Dispensation of Grace, the Dispensation of the Mystery, coming in.

7) We must reconcile John 3:16 and Matthew 15:24 by studying the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, as recorded in the Four Gospels, and the ministry of the Twelve UP TO THE TIME Cornelius, the God-fearing, Jew-loving Gentile, (Acts 10:1-2, and Acts 10:18) was saved, about seven years AFTER Christ died. It was by His vision to Peter that the Lord made it lawful for His messenger to preach to Gentiles. Read Acts 10:28-29. Then Peter preached “WHOSOEVER” Acts 10:43. In Matthew 15:24, it is “Jews only.” In John 3:16, it is “whosoever.” But remember Christ's words in Matthew 10:5-6, “go NOT to Gentiles.” Compare with Acts 11:18, Acts 14:27, and Acts 22:21.

8) The Gentile of Luke 7 and Matthew 8 was a man of GREAT FAITH. Matthew 8:10. The only other Gentile to whom Christ gave a blessing while on earth, so far as the Record is concerned, was a woman of GREAT FAITH. Matthew 15:21-28. Mark 7:27. Christ was not seeking this woman. She sought Him. Mark 7:24-25. To this Gentile woman Christ said, “let the children (Jews) first be filled.” Mark 7:27. To the Gentile man Christ said, “the children of the kingdom (Jews) shall be cast into outer darkness.” Matthew 8:12. These two Gentiles speak of God's program from Matthew 1 to Acts 18:6 and Acts 28:25-28. Remember that Christ and His apostles on earth were preaching the gospel of the Kingdom. Matthew 9:35. Peter preached in Acts, the gospel of the circumcision. Galatians 2:7.

9) Up to the latter part of the Book of Acts, the Jews were being filled first. Acts 3:26, Acts 13:46, Acts 18:5-6. In Acts 28:25-28 the Jews were cast into darkness. This program is suggested by Christ's experience with the only two Gentiles to whom He ministered before His death, so far as we have any record. Read and study carefully Romans 11:11 and Romans 11:15-21.

10) While Christ was on earth, God's order was “TO THE JEW ONLY.” Matthew 15:24. Up to Acts 10:28, for about seven years after Christ died on the cross, God's order was “TO THE JEW ONLY.” Note Acts 10:28; “It is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come to one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” Acts 10:28. Note carefully Acts 5:31, “Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance TO ISRAEL, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:31. Again; Acts 11:19, “Now they which were scattered abroad, upon the persecution that arose about Stephen, travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the Word to none but UNTO THE JEWS ONLY.” Acts 11:19. Note that the first Gentile to whom Peter preached was a God-fearing man who loved the Jews. Acts 10:1-2, Acts 10:18. Many have called Cornelius an uncircumcised proselyte. So far as there is any record in Acts the Twelve preached to no Gentiles except to the household of Cornelius, and not one of the Twelve preached outside of the land of the Jews. They remained in Jerusalem. Acts 8:1.

More Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study coming up!

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

So There You Have it!

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

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

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

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

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