LLM Question of the Day, and, THE GOSPEL OF JOHN....THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, pt. 14 of 24

First the Question: Stephen saw Christ standing in Heaven. Was Christ, STANDING, ready to come back as King then, at that moment. Yes or No?

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. 14 of 24

MY FATHER WORKETH HITHERTO AND I WORK

In John 5:18 we read that the Jews sought to kill Jesus, because He healed the impotent man on their Sabbath and because He said, “My Father worketh hitherto: and I work.” (John 5:17). They understood from this statement that the Lord Jesus made Himself equal with God. (John 5:18). Again they sought to stone Him when He said, in John 10:30, “I and Father are ONE.” The Lord Jesus said to Philip, His apostle, “he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father.” (John 14:9).

In speaking to and concerning His Father, in John’s Record, the Lord Jesus called Him ‘FATHER’ about ten times, ‘THE FATHER’, about 70 times, and ‘MY FATHER’ about 38 times. In John’s Record God, the Father, is mentioned 122 times. No other Book in the New Testament Scriptures mentions the ‘FATHER’ even half this number; in fact God is mentioned as ‘FATHER’ a greater number of times in John’s Record than in Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts and in all of Paul’s Epistles combined. “FATHER” is in John’s five Books 144 times. We have already observed that God, the Son, is called ‘JESUS’ more than 250 times in John which is far more than in any other Book in the Bible. It is interesting to note that God is called ‘FATHER’, 269 times in Books from Matthew to Revelation.

At Sinai the Lord God gave man some work which he was never able to do. (Acts 15:10). The people had said to Moses, “All that the Lord hath spoken, we will do.” (Exodus 19:8). A short while after this pledge the same people said to Moses, after God had given him the ten commandments, “speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” (Exodus 20:19). About 1500 years later Christ said to the same nation, “Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law?” (John 7:19). But in rejecting their Messiah, by Whom came Grace and Truth, they said, “we are Moses’s disciples.” (John 9:28). “Being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” (Romans 10:3). They made the fatal blunder mentioned in Romans 9:32, “they sought not righteousness by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone.” (Romans 9:32).

So now, here’s the question: In this year, 2011 A.D. how many church members even try to understand Romans 4:4? How few of them receive and believe this truth of God, “Now to him that worketh is the reward NOT reckoned of Grace, but of debt?”

“But to him that worketh NOT but believeth in Him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness.” (Romans 4:4-5). In Romans 10:4 we read that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. As to how this was accomplished, we are told in 2 Cor. 5:21, that the Lord Jesus, Who knew no sin, was made sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. Jesus Christ, the Righteous (1 John 2:1), became our Sinbearer, bearing our sins in His own Body on the tree. (1 Peter 2:24).

LONG BEFORE God “sabbathed” on the seventh day, after six days of creation, “resting from all His work which He had made” (Genesis 2:1-2), He and His Son, Who before the foundation of the world was in the form of God, entered into an agreement that that Son was to come to this earth as the spotless Lamb of God to bear away the sins of the world. (1 Peter 1:18-23).

When God’s sabbath was ENDED at the time sin entered, by Adam, into the world (Romans 5:12), God promised that His Son would come as the Seed of the woman (Genesis 3:14-15). Later on, the obedient Son of the Father said, “Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God.” (Hebrews 10:7). The whole creation was travailing in pain. (Romans 8:22). The whole world was lying in the Wicked One. (1 John 5:19). God was working. Satan was working. The children of Adam were being conceived in sin and shapen in iniquity. At the time of the flood “God saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6:5).

Again after the flood the human race decided to give up God; and God gave them up. (Romans 1:21-32). Out of the wreck and ruin of humanity God established one Nation on the earth. Through this Nation (Israel) God continued to work. Within a few centuries God said to that people, “Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, they have forsaken the Lord.” ”The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but ISRAEL doth not know, my people doth not consider.” (Isaiah 1:1-4). Then this appraisal of God’s chosen nation (chosen to be His peculiar nation) is recorded in the verses that follow, “The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness, but wounds and bruises and putrifying sores” (Isaiah 1:5-6).

This was God’s holy Nation, through whom He was to do His work for the rest of the human race. This was the Nation, who said at Sinai, “all that the Lord hath spoken we will do.” (Exodus 19:8). God gave them a perfect work to do, the ten commandments. With that perfect work God included a Sabbath. God rested in His perfect work of creation. In Hebrews 10:10-14 we learn that Christ rested in a perfect work of redemption. To accomplish that perfect work of redemption, the Author (Causer) of eternal salvation, (Hebrews 5:8-9), had to become the Man of Sorrows acquainted with grief, had to be despised and rejected by His own chosen nation and forsaken by His own Father, crying on the cross, “My God! My God! Why hast Thou forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46). In Gethsemane the Lord of glory sweat as it were great drops of blood. He was very heavy and said, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death.” (Mark 14:34). As He contemplated Calvary He prayed to His Father, “take away this cup from Me: nevertheless not what I will, but what Thou wilt.” (Mark 14:36). All of this was included in the Father’s Will concerning His Son’s work for a condemned human race. That Son, Who was obedient unto death (Philippians 2:5-11), said “I came down from heaven not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me.” (John 6:38).

As we seriously consider Him Who suffered such contradiction of sinners, bleeding in Gethsemane and on the cross ( Hebrews 12:1-5), we should know the truth of Romans 3:19 and Galatians 2:21, “what things soever the law saith, it saith to them that are under the law: that EVERY MOUTH MAY BE STOPPED, and all the world become guilty before God”. “I do not frustrate the Grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ has died in vain (for nothing).” With these statements we should read Romans 4:15 and Colossians 1:20; that the law worketh wrath, but that Christ made PEACE through the blood of His cross.

So we read in Romans 8:3, “what the law could NOT do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.”

And what is the result? The result: believing sinners freed from the law of sin and death; then the righteousness of the law could be fulfilled IN BELIEVERS who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1-4).

“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

Bible Doctrine Audio Messages from the Lion and Lamb Ministry

Here, for your edification, and to the edification of the Body of Christ, is a collection of select messages from the Lion and Lamb Ministry website in AUDIO, (MP3), format

The Lion and Lamb Ministry (LLM), is an online organization and home for members of the Body of Christ for the training and promotion of the Children of God as Ambassadors for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-20 ). At the LLM website, in obedience to Ephesians 3:2-11 , you will learn and be instructed in, particularly but not exclusively, The Mystery of the Body of Christ, The Dispensation of the Mystery, The Dispensation of Grace, and serious study of The Bible as the inerrant Word of God.

LLM's First Rule: Test The Things That Differ, click here to listen

The Investment of God, click here to listen

How to Become a Child of God, click here to listen

The Child of God and The Heavenly Father, click here to listen

The Child of God and The LORD Jesus Christ, click here to listen

The Child of God and The Holy Spirit, click here to listen

The Child of God and Security of Salvation, click here to listen

The Child of God, and, Satan, click here to listen

The Child of God and The Ten Commandments, click here to listen

The Child of God and the Two Natures Within, click here to listen

The Child of God and The Holy Scriptures, click here to listen

Four Magnificent Verses from The Bible, Click Here to listen

The Child of God as Ambassador for Christ, click here to listen

The Irrefutable Rapture of The Body of Christ, click here to listen

Free Will, Sin, and God in This Dispensation of Grace, click here to listen

The Difference Between Paul's Gospel and Peter's Gospel, click here to listen

When Ye Pray, BELIEVE!, click here to listen

*Bonus Message for Men and Women*

What Men Need to Know About Women, click here to listen

“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 these messages 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

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 9-17-2011, and, Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, part 8 of 10

First the Question: Stephen saw Christ standing in Heaven. Was Christ, STANDING, ready to come back as King then, at that moment. 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 9-13-2011

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

Answer: NO! Certainly NOT! On this question, out of 742 responses, 68.8% got it right. Therefore…

Today let us consider, Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, part 8 of 10

Tonight we present the next TEN Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, but first, once again, here are the very important 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 seventh set of 10 Super-Facts.

Ok, here we go:

1) 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. In this connection note carefully, in Acts 2:26-32, that the Apostle Peter declared to devout Jews from every nation under heaven, to all the house of Israel, that Christ was raised from the dead to sit on David's throne. On David's throne Christ will be Israel's King. On the Father's throne He is now Head of the Body. The Israel’s prophets foretold the reign of Christ on David's throne, but said NOTHING concerning the Headship unto the Church which is His Body, during this present reign of Grace.

2) The slogan of some Christians is, “back to Pentecost”, for the pattern Church and the ideal Christian program. If we are to follow that program twelve men would stand up before the congregation. Read Acts 2:14, “But Peter standing up WITH THE ELEVEN, lifted up his voice and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words.” Why was it necessary for twelve men to stand up that day and only one is sufficient for today? Because in all the house of Israel there were 12 tribes. AND why not insist that believers sell their houses and lots and bring their money to the treasurer? Acts 2:45 and Acts 4:34.

3) Should we preach to Gentiles, “Ye are the children of the covenant” of Acts 3:25? Should we say concerning this period of Grace and the Body of Christ, “yea' and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days?” Acts 3:24. CERTAINLY NOT!! God tells us, “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.” Ephesians 2:12. And God's purpose in this age was not made known to Israel's prophets. Colossians 1:24-26. Should we preach to Gentiles “repent and be baptized for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit?” “This is God's promise to you and all who are far off?” Acts 2:38-39. Again, CERTAINLY NOT!! This was NOT the Gospel of Grace which the Apostle Paul received from the RISEN Christ and preached to Gentiles who were declared righteous WITHOUT A CAUSE by God's grace. Romans 3:24. Compare Acts 2:39 with Daniel 9:7, and note that the “far off” of Acts 2:39 were “far-off” Israelites. The “far off” of Ephesians 2:13 were NOT the “far off” of Acts 2:39. The first were Gentiles and the second Israelites.

4) In this connection compare Peter's message to Cornelius, the Gentile, in Acts 10:34-35, with Paul's message in Romans 4:4-5. First Acts 10:34-35, “Then Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respector of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and WORKETH RIGHTEOUSNESS IS ACCEPTED WITH HIM.” Acts 10:34-35. And now Romans 4:4-5, “Now to him that WORKETH IS THE REWARD NOT RECKONED OF GRACE, but of debt. But to him THAT WORKETH NOT, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5. Test things that differ. Read Titus 3:4-7 for Paul's clear message of Grace, “NOT by works of righteousness.” There is a difference between Grace in a dispensation and the “Dispensation of Grace.” Ephesians 3:1-3. Surely we should know the difference between a sinner praying for mercy and seeking salvation and the Ministry of Reconciliation in 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, in which the Lord and His Ambassadors are seeking the sinner and beseeching him to be reconciled to God.

5) Test the difference in the Gospels in 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.” Some say this should read “TO” the uncircumcision and “TO” the circumcision, but the Greek is “OF”.

6) Let us learn a very important lesson: that the word “GOSPEL” is a very indefinite term unless it is qualified. There is a difference between the Gospel of the Kingdom (Matthew 9:35), the Gospel of the Grace of God (Acts 20:24), and “the Mystery of the Gospel” of Ephesians 6:19 to 21. Moreover, the Gospel includes every spiritual benefit and blessing which the believer enjoys. The Apostle Paul was NOT in jail for preaching salvation by the blood of Christ but for “the MYSTERY of the Gospel.” Ephesians 6:19-20.

7) The Gospel, by which sinners are saved, as declared in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, is the fact that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose the third day. NOW PAY ATTENTION! Note the reaction when Christ preached this the first time to the twelve apostles, “And they understood NONE of these things: and this saying was HID from them, neither KNEW they the things which were spoken.” Luke 18:31-34. But note, that although they were wholly ignorant of this particular Gospel, they HAD been preaching the Gospel for months. Luke 9:6. Meditate prayer­fully on this statement. The 12 apostles were preaching the Gospel before they knew anything about the Gospel declared by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. So do not be guilty of the folly of stating that there is only ONE GOSPEL IN THE BIBLE.

8) Concerning the Reign of Grace, 6 things had to take place before God could inaugurate His Reign of Grace WITHOUT ANY RELIGION or preference for the Jews.

1. Christ had to put away sin.

2. Christ had to abolish death.

3. Satan's power had to be destroyed by Christ's death and resurrection.

4. The law had to be taken out of the way.

5. Christ had to go back to heaven to send the Holy Spirit.

6. The Nation Israel had to be set aside.

As Israel was not set aside until AFTER Saul became Paul and proclaimed the truth of Romans 11:15, it is a serious blunder to begin the Dispensation of the Grace of God on the day of Pentecost. But most assuredly the Dispensation of Grace began with the Ministry of Reconciliation before the proclamation of Acts 28:25-28. Ever keep in mind Romans 11:15, and then note the words of Ephesians 3:2, “if ye have heard.” It seems that right down to the present date most Christians have not heard.

9) Let us compare John 7:39 with Acts 1:5. “(But this spake He of the Spirit which they that believe on Him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given: because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” John 7:39. AND, “For John truly baptized with water: but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” Acts 1:5. From these Scriptures we learn WHY the disciples of Christ, who were saved during the days of the Son of man on earth, had to wait for the advent of the Holy Spirit, and for Holy Spirit baptism. HOWEVER, after Paul went out with the Gospel of the Grace of God, NO ONE was EVER told to tarry, or wait, for Holy Spirit baptism. “After that ye believed”, is what it says in Ephesians 1:13 and is translated from the Greek participle “Pisteusantes” and should be translated “on believing”, that is, on believing the Gospel of their Salvation, they received the Holy Spirit and became members of the Body of Christ by the ONE Divine baptism, (not of water), of Ephesians 4:5. No Gentiles in Asia and Europe were told by the Apostle Paul to tarry for Holy Spirit baptism. Understand this, there is a difference between “back to Pentecost” and “on to perfection.” Hebrews 6:1-3.

10) IF members of the Body of Christ today receive the Holy Spirit in fulfillment of Joel's prophecy, Joel 2:28-32 (which they do not), then the Body of Christ and Israel's Messianic Kingdom are one and the same, and “the first days” of the Body of Christ and “the last days” of the Body of Christ began on the day of Pentecost, (which they did not), when Peter said, “this is that which was spoken by the Prophet Joel.” “And it shall come to pass “in the last days”, saith God, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.” So, was the Apostle Peter mistaken when he preached “this is that”? NO! Was the Apostle Paul mistaken when he declared Joel knew NOTHING of The Mystery that was revealed to him by the RISEN Christ? (Paul was NOT mistaken!) IF Peter on the day of Pentecost and Paul under the Reign of Grace both presented the program prophesied by Joel and Amos, then we are in error when we teach the postponement of the Kingdom, AND Paul was deluded when he wrote concerning the Dispensation of the Mystery that it was hid in God. Ephesians 3:9. Now note: We DO GREATLY err when we make “the last days” of Acts 2 “the first days” of The Mystery of Ephesians 3:6.

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. 13 of 24

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, Today let us consider….

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN....THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, pt. 13 of 24

CHRIST ON THE CROSS FULFILLING THE SCRIPTURES

When the LORD of Glory was crucified (1 Corinthians 2:8), not only was the saying of Jesus in John 12:27-33 and John 3:14 fulfilled, but Psalm 22:1-18 was fulfilled as well.

This Psalm, Psalm 22, begins with the very words Christ cried unto His Father when He was dying on the cross, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” Then note Psalm 22:16, “they pierced My hands and My feet.”

When Saul of Tarsus was saved near Damascus there was a ‘pattern’ fulfillment (1 Timothy 1:16) of Zechariah 12:10, “they shall look upon Me Whom they have pierced, and shall mourn for Him.” A future fulfillment of this is mentioned in Revelation 1:7, “Behold He cometh with the clouds: and every eye shall see Him, and they which pierced Him, and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him.”

In the last few minutes of Christ on the cross we read, in John 19:28, “Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scriptures might be fulfilled (Psalm 69:21), saith, I thirst.” Then note Psalm 69:34-37, “one of the soldiers pierced His side; these things were done, that the Scripture should be fulfilled; “A bone of Him shall not be broken; And again another Scripture saith, They shall look on Him Whom they pierced.”

From Christ’s birth of the virgin Mary in a borrowed bed in Bethlehem to His burial in a borrowed sepulcher (the tomb of Joseph), the events in the birth, life, rejection, death and resurrection of the LORD Jesus were “that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.” Christ said, in Matthew 26:24, “The Son of man goeth, as it is written of Him.”

In Romans 11:25-26 we read that He will return for Israel’s redemption, “as it is written.” So concerning the first advent of the LORD Jesus and the truth that His own (Israel) received Him not, we read in Acts 13:29-30, “when they had fulfilled all that was written of Him, they took Him down from the tree, and laid Him in a sepulchre….But God raised Him from the dead.”

Hear the record concerning Israel, in John 12:37-38, “Though He (Christ) had done so many miracles before them, YET THEY BELIEVED NOT ON HIM; that the saying of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, Lord, who hath believed our report?”

How sad to know that today, after more than 2000 years, the majority of the members of so-called Christian churches do NOT believe the full report concerning the Eternal, Omnipotent, Divine, sinless Christ, Who appeared ONCE in the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. (Hebrews 9:26). The RISEN Christ is still saying, “O fools and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.” (Luke 24:25).

There are many religious church members who give mental assent to some of the glorious truths concerning the LORD Jesus, while they seem to be apathetically indifferent as to genuine soul devotion and devoid of an intelligent, spiritual, testimony concerning His eternal Deity. Many church members are suffering with dead orthodoxy. Remember the words of the Son of God, in John 12:26, “if any man serve Me, him will My Father honor”.

“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

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)

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 9-13-2011, 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)

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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)

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