LLM Question of the Day for 10-7-2011, and, THE GOSPEL OF JOHN....THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, pt. 17 of 24

First the Question: There is ONE God, and ONE mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5. That means NOT Mary, Angels, Priests, Shaman, or any one or any thing else. 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 10-4-2011

Question: When we, by Faith in Christ, meet God at Calvary, we become the sons of God, a relationship which is established once and for all. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! As the LORD Jesus Christ, the Righteous, was delivered for our offenses and was raised again for our justification (Romans 4:24-25) to establish our relationship, He has for more than 2000 years been the living Intercessor in the presence of God in heaven to maintain the believer’s fellowship. Only justified, redeemed people have an Advocate, (and only Christ can maintain that relationship, NOT US!). Now, on this question, out of 702 responses, 95.5% of you got it RIGHT! PRAISE GOD! Therefore,

Today let us consider, THE GOSPEL OF JOHN....THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, pt. 17 of 24

THE TRINITY IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

We read these interesting words in 1 John 2:1, “if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” Here we learn that the LORD Jesus Christ is the Christian’s ‘ADVOCATE’ with the Father.

Now, there is MORE here than the implication, that those redeemed by the Grace of God and the Faith in Christ, Who is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world, need an Advocate with God, our Father in heaven. (1 John 2:2). In Hebrews 7:25 we learn that the Father and the Son are able to save to the uttermost (all the way to end), believers who come unto the Father through the Son. Because the Son ever liveth to make intercession for them. In Hebrews 9:24 we learn that Christ has entered into heaven itself, there to appear in the presence of the Father FOR Christians. Prayerfully consider this wonderful, blessed truth.

The LORD Jesus on the cross put sin away by the sacrifice of Himself (Hebrews 9:26), there suffering for sin ONCE, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18), there making peace by the blood of His cross (Colossians 1:20) and becoming the propitiation for the sins of the whole world. He, by the Grace of God tasted death for every man (Hebrews 2:9). Christ gave Himself a ransom for all (1 Timothy 2:6). Every person should know that when we by the Faith in Christ meet God at Calvary we become the sons of God, a relationship which is established once for all. (Hebrews 10:10). As the LORD Jesus Christ, the Righteous, was delivered for our offenses and was raised again for our justification (Romans 4:24-25) to establish our relationship, He has for more than 2000 years been the living Intercessor in the presence of God in heaven to maintain the believer’s fellowship. Only justified, redeemed people have an Advocate, (and only Christ can maintain that relationship, NOT US!).

When we read in Hebrews 7:25, that, because of the ceaseless intercession of the Son of God in heaven, God is able to save believers ‘all the way to the end’, we think of Christ in John 13:1 and John 17:24, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1), “having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them to the end”, and “Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am, that they may behold My Glory.” Inasmuch as no one is able to pluck believers out of the hand of the Son or the Father (John 10:28-29), Christ’s prayer will be answered. Believers will be saved all the way to the end. (Philippians 1:6, and Romans 8:38-39, 1 Corinthians 11:32).

The Greek word translated ‘ADVOCATE’ in 1 John 2:1 is ‘PARAKLETOS’. ‘PARAKLETOS’ is from “PARAKALEO,” meaning ‘CALL NEAR’. So the believer has a Paraclete in heaven in the presence of the Father.

In John 14:16-26, John 15:26, and John 16:7, the Greek ‘PARAKLETOS’ is translated ‘COMFORTER’, referring to the Holy Spirit. Of course you and I would like to know why the word ‘PARAKLETOS’, referring to the Second Person of the Trinity, is translated ‘ADVOCATE’, and referring to the Third Person, the Holy Spirit, is translated ‘COMFORTER’. But we do know that they are both ‘INTERCESSORS’, as we learn in Hebrews 7:25 and Romans 8:26-27.

We have already quoted the words of Hebrews 7:25. Now let us note prayerfully and carefully Romans 8:26-27, “The Spirit, also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: the Spirit Himself maketh intercessions for us (Christians) with groanings which cannot be uttered. He maketh intercession for the saints according to will of God.” When the LORD Jesus Christ, as the believer’s ‘PARACLETE’, was washing the feet of believers in John 13, He was indeed a ‘PERSON’. So a ‘PARACLETE’ is a ‘PERSON’. This ‘PARACLETE’ promised that the Father would send ‘ANOTHER PARACLETE’. (John 14:16). Although God does not have a body of flesh, He is a ‘PERSON’. Although the HOLY SPIRIT does not have a body of flesh and blood He is a ‘PERSON’, “ANOTHER PARACLETE.” Each word, ‘another’ and ‘Parakletos’, proves that the Holy Spirit is a ‘PERSON’.

A believer who is born of God through the Faith in the LORD Jesus Christ (John 1:12-13, Galatians 3:26), is at the same time born of the Holy Spirit (John 3:5) and BAPTIZED BY the Holy Spirit INTO the BODY OF CHRIST. Every member of that BODY is sealed by the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption, the Holy Spirit being the earnest of that Body member’s inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession. Ephesians 1:13-14, Ephesians 4:30, 2 Cor. 1:22.

“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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“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 10-4-2011, and, THE GOSPEL OF JOHN....THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, pt. 16 of 24

First the Question: When we, by Faith in Christ, meet God at Calvary, we become the sons of God, a relationship which is established once and for all. 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 10-1-2011

Question: In the Gospel of John it is NOT recorded that Satan met the LORD Jesus Christ in the wilderness to tempt Him. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! In John’s Gospel it is NOT recorded that Satan met Christ in the wilderness to tempt Him. This temptation is mentioned in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. But NOT John! Now, on this question, out of 723 responses, 72.7% of you got it RIGHT! Therefore,

Today let us consider, THE GOSPEL OF JOHN....THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, pt. 16 of 24

NEVER MAN SPAKE LIKE THIS MAN

In John 7:44-48 we learn that the religious enemies of Christ were sorely displeased because Jesus, the Messiah, had NOT been apprehended. It is recorded in these verses, “some of them would have taken Him: but no man laid hands on Him.” “The chief priests and the Pharisees said unto them, Why have ye not brought Him?” “The officers answered, “Never man spake like this Man.” John 7:46.

If you will carefully and prayerfully read, in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, about 50 times that the Lord Jesus said, “verily, I say unto you,” and follow through with what He said, you too will join with those who said, “they were astonished at His doctrine; for he taught them as ONE having ‘AUTHORITY’, and not as the scribes.” (Matthew 7:29).

Then the religious rulers challenged His authority when He said unto the palsied victim, “thy sins be forgiven thee.” He proved His authority by saying, “that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, He saith to the sick of the palsy, take up thy bed, and immediately he arose.” (Mark 2:5-12).

A little later when the great storm at sea filled the boat of His disciples and they were sore afraid, Christ arose and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, “Peace! Be still”, “the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:36-39). Compare ‘great storm’ and ‘great calm’ and then say with those who saw the great miracle, “what manner of Man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” (Mark 4:41).

Then note a very sudden great change in Luke 4:22-29. First, they ‘‘wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth”. Second, the religious rulers were filled with indignation and tried their utmost to kill Jesus. He escaped their murderous attack and reached Capernaum where His hearers were AGAIN “astonished at His doctrine; for His word was with power.” (Luke 4:31-32).

If you will carefully study the words of the Lord Jesus, in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, in the verses where He said, “verily, I say unto you,” you will say, “never man spake like this Man.” (John 6:47).

After you have finished this little assignment then note that, in John’s Record, we read more than 100 times these words, “Jesus saith”, “Jesus said”, “Jesus answered.” About 30 times it is recorded in John, “He saith”, “He said,” the ‘HE’ referring to Jesus. Then as we find, in John’s Record, that of the 28 times the LORD Jesus said, “I say” or “I said,” it is most interesting and significant to note that 25 times He emphasized the truth and authority with which He spake, by using the double ‘Verily’. “Verily, verily, I say unto you.”

“Verily” is the Greek word elsewhere translated ‘Amen’.

In John 7:43 we read concerning Christ, “there was a division among the people because of Him.” Yes, “there was much murmuring among the people concerning Him: for some said, He is a GOOD MAN. Others said, Nay, but He deceiveth the people.” (John 7:12). The division and murmuring are still going on today.

However, if people are deceived concerning Christ, it is not Christ who has deceived them, but His great enemy, Satan, who hates Christ with a vicious hatred. If Christ said He had Glory with the Father before the world was, that He had power on earth to forgive sins, if He claimed unity and equality with God, if He permitted His disciple to worship Him as ‘my LORD and My God’ (John 20:28 ), then, He was either God, or a crazy person deceiving the people.

If Christ deceived the people, He was NOT a GOOD MAN. Christ was both GOOD and GOD, or, He was neither GOOD nor GOD. Only the GOD-MAN could say, “I have power to lay, down My life; and have power to take it up again”, and do it. (John 10:17-19). Only the GOD-MAN could truthfully say, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” (John 8:58). He also said, “If ye believe NOT that I AM, ye shall die in your sins.” (John 8:24). Read each one of Christ’s more than twenty “I AM’S” in John’s Record, and you will agree with the Jews of His time who said, “Never man spake like This MAN.” (John 7:46). Christ claimed to be the ONE and ONLY way to God and eternal life and heaven. (John 14:6, John 11:25-26, John 14:3). In the wonderful prayer of the High Priest, recorded in John 17, we read Christ’s words in John 17:24, “I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am: that they may behold My glory.” With this prayer read Christ’s statement in another prayer to His Father, in John 11:42, “I knowest that Thou hearest Me ‘ALWAYS’.”

As we read these prayers of the LORD Jesus, we think of Colossians 3:4, “When Christ, Who is our LIFE, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.”

The Father spoke from heaven concerning His Son, saying, “This is My Beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased. Hear ye Him.” (Matthew 17:5). This is the Son Who said, “the dead shall hear the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.” (John 5:25). This is the Son Who said, referring to His bodily resurrection, “destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19). “Verily, verily, I say unto you, hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” (John 1:51).

With the more than twenty “I AM’s” in the twenty one chapters of John, it is interesting to visit John on the Isle of Patmos in the first few chapters of The Book of Revelation and learn, in the closing verses of Revelation 4, that everything was created by the LORD Jesus and for His pleasure. After seeing Him as the great Creator in Revelation 4, then see Him in the closing verses of Revelation 5 as the Great Redeemer, “for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” (Revelation 5:9). Little wonder then that the RISEN Christ said to John, “I AM Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the LORD, Which is, and Which was, and Which is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:11). This testimony of Christ includes all the “I AM’s” of John’s Record. Note His “I AM” in John 11:25-26 and compare with His “I AM” of Revelation 1:18, “I AM the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.”, AND, “I AM He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I AM alive forever more, Amen: and have the keys of hades and of death.”

Now note John 1:14, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His Glory, the Glory of the only Begotten of the Father, full of Grace and Truth.” The Word became flesh that He should, by the Grace of God, taste death for every man (Hebrews 2:9); that He might, through death, destroy him who had the power of death, the devil. (Hebrews 2:14-15).

The LORD of Glory, in the shadow of the cross, said, “now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.” (John 12:31). Then the LORD added that the Holy Spirit would reprove the world of judgment, “because the prince of this world is judged.” (John 16:11). In John 14:30 the LORD said, “the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me.” In Matthew 12:24 Beelzebub is called “the prince of demons”; but for some reason, in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Satan is NOT called the prince of the world. However Satan does claim to have authority over the kingdoms of this world in Luke 4:5-7. In John’s Gospel it is not recorded that Satan met Christ in the wilderness to tempt Him. This temptation is mentioned in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

In John 1:9 the LORD Jesus is called “the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” We learn in John 3:19-20 and throughout John’s Record that Israel would not come to the Light, to Jesus, Who called Himself, “The Light of the World.” (John 1:12). We find ‘LIGHT’ in John 23 times.

In the twenty one chapters of John the LORD Jesus, in referring to Himself, used the first person pronoun “I” and “ME” about 550 times. “MY”, ”MINE”, ”MYSELF,” about 110 times. Then adding the number of times He spoke of Himself in the third person pronoun and by various titles He referred to Himself well over 700 times.

Surely the eternal, Divine, self existent, omnipotent, omniscient, Christ spake as never man spake, testifying that He had Glory with the Father before the world began (John 17:5); that He came down from heaven (John 6:38); that he always pleased His Father (John 8:29); that He had power to lay down His life and take it up again. (John 10:17-19). If you will carefully and prayerfully list all the sayings of Christ in John’s Record, you will join Thomas in, “my LORD and my God.” (John 20:28).

“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 10-1-2011, and, Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, part BONUS of 10+

First the Question: In the Gospel of John it is NOT recorded that Satan met the LORD Jesus Christ in the wilderness to tempt Him. 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 9-27-2011

Question: The Apostle Paul was imprisoned for proclaiming Divine Truth, which he called The Mystery, or my Gospel. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! In Ephesians 6:19-20 and in Colossians 4:3-4, the Apostle Paul was in jail for proclaiming Divine Truth which he called “The Mystery.” In 2 Timothy 2:8, Paul writes of “my gospel”, and then adds, “wherein I suffer trouble as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the Word of God is not bound.” Thus we see that the Apostle Paul was a prisoner in Rome for proclaiming “The Mystery.” Now, on this question, out of 758 responses, 82.9% of you got it RIGHT! Praise the LORD! Therefore,

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

Here is the BONUS, the tenth set of Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study.

First, as always, 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 BONUS tenth set of Super-Facts.

Ok, here we go:

1) In Romans 2:16, Romans 16:25 and 2 Timothy 2:8, the Apostle Paul referred to the Gospel which he preached as “MY gospel.” In the Greek, in 2 Timothy 1:12, he referred to “MY deposit.” In his oral and written ministry Paul used the first person pronoun about 1100 times. Note his statement in 1 Timothy 1:11, “According to the glorious Gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to MY trust.” Now take note in 1 Timothy 5:23, Paul instructed Timothy to take medicine for his sickness. Compare this with an entirely different program in Luke 9:6, “And they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing every where.” In Luke, the Kingdom Gospel, with healing, was preached before any of the Twelve told sinners that Christ would die for their sins. Read Luke 18:31-34. Note one of the Apostle Paul's last statements in 2 Timothy 4:20. He left Trophimus sick at Miletum. Our point is: Test things that differ.

2) In the study of the Book of Acts we note that the LORD permitted the Apostle Paul to perform miracles similar to those done by the hands of the Apostle Peter, and just as many of them. They both spoke with tongues, they both healed all manner of diseases, with or without the imposition of hands. They both had miraculous experiences in jail. They both raised the dead. They each cured one lame from his birth. They both had special visions from the LORD and angels. Paul, in 2 Cor. 12:12, declared that his miracles were the signs of an Apostle. It is significant that there is NO record of signs and miracles done in Jerusalem among the Jews AFTER Stephen's message and martyrdom (Acts 7), and no record of signs, miracles, tongues, etc., in any place after the Divine judgment pronounced upon Israel in Rome. Acts 28:25-28.

3) In the study of the Epistle of James, four statements should be considered.

1. The Epistle is addressed to the scattered twelve tribes.

2. James' words of Acts 15:19, “my sentence is, trouble not Gentile believers with Jewish religious practices.”

3. James, with Peter, was a minister to the circumcision, with the Circumcision Gospel. Gala­tians 2:7-9.

4. It was James, according to Acts 21:18-28, who, about 60 A.D., persuaded Paul to act Jewish in the Jerusalem temple.

Also note that the word, “assembly”, in James 2:2, is “synagogue.” Referring to James 5:14, anointing the sick with oil, there is NO record in any Scripture that oil was put on any Gentile for any purpose UNLESS it was on a proselyte, BEFORE Paul became the Apostle to the Gentiles.

4) During the “Acts” period, the Apostle Paul became a Jew under the Law, to the Jews under the Law. 1 Corinthians 9:20-22. In taking a Jewish vow he shaved his head. Acts 18:18. He circumcised Timothy. Acts 16:3. He wanted to get to Jerusalem for Pentecost. Acts 20:16. He apologized to Israel's high priest more than 25 years after the death of Christ. Acts 23:5. He sat for seven days in the temple at Jerusalem as a Jew. Acts 21:24-29. Paul never did any of these things AFTER his declaration of Acts 28:25-28. Up to the close of the “Acts” period God preserved and protected Israel in their own land, permitting their temple to stand; and they continued with their temple worship. During those years there was one order for the believing Jews and a somewhat different order for the Gentiles that believed. Acts 21:24-25 and Acts 15:11-24.

5) In Ephesians 6:19-20 and in Colossians 4:3-4, the Apostle Paul was in jail for proclaiming Divine Truth which he called “The Mystery.” He wanted saints to pray that his mouth might be opened and doors of opportunity might be opened for the proclamation of “The Mystery.” In 2 Timothy 1:12, he called it “my deposit”. In 2 Timothy 2:8, Paul writes of “my gospel”, and then adds, “wherein I suffer trouble as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the Word of God is not bound.” Thus we see that the Apostle Paul was a prisoner in Rome for proclaiming “The Mystery.” It is STILL necessary to pray for open doors for the proclamation of this glorious truth. And it is the duty of EVERY servant of the LORD to make others see the Dispensation of the Mystery. Ephesians 3:9. They can see by having God give unto them the spirit of wisdom and revelation. Ephesians 1:16-23.

6) Look at 2 Timothy 1:9, “Who hath saved us and called us with an HOLY 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.” Then read Ephesians 3:11, “According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our LORD.” Ephesians 3:9, “And to make all men see what is the Dispensation (fellowship) of the Mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, Who created all things by Jesus Christ.” Here we learn something, more of “The Mystery”, which had to do with God's eternal pur­pose in Christ Jesus, God's Grace and purpose for members of Christ's Body, before God called Israel and gave to Israel their program. In connection with “THE MYSTERY” in Ephesians, God speaks of predestination and the believer's position in the heavenlies.

7) Now note Ephesians 3:8, “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this Grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the UNSEARCHABLE riches of Christ.” And Acts 17:11, “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and SEARCHED the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” The word “UNSEARCHABLE”, in Ephesians 3:8, means untraceable, that is, not found in the messages the Holy Spirit gave to Israel's prophets. In Acts 17:11, the Bereans could read Israel's prophets and check up on Paul, but NO ONE could search the Scriptures and find “The Mystery” of Ephesians. That truth was NOT made known to Israel. Colossians 1:24-27. That Mystery, revealed first to the Apostle Paul, the LORD declared, was to complete His Word. Colossians 1:25-26. God wants his saints to know the truth of Ephesians and Colossians, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried away with every wind of doctrine, by the slight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” Ephesians 4:14.

8) Every true Christian believes in the verbal inspiration of the Bible and that all Scripture is profitable for instruction in righteousness, but every intelligent student of the Scriptures knows that MANY of the Divine instructions given to Israel, about to enter Canaan in Leviticus, and Numbers, and Deuteronomy, are NOT to be obeyed by members of the Body of Christ who are seated in the heavenlies in Christ. Ephesians 2:6. They should also know that many of the instructions in Matthew, Mark, and Luke are not for the obedience of these Body members and that the program for the first ten chapters of Acts is not God's spiritual program for members of Christ's Body, under the present reign of grace. Therefore, God's principle for Bible study, for the appropriation and application of all other Scriptures, is to study all other Scriptures in the light of Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, and other Epistles of Paul in which are found the UNMIXED messages of Grace and the Divine Truth designated “The Mystery.”

and here is The Mystery….

Before Israel was created for God’s glory, before all of the promises concerning Israel’s coming glory and the millennial reign of Christ on earth, even, before Adam had sinned, or was created, God PREDESTINATED that members of the Body of Christ should be conformed to the image of His Son. (Romans 8:28-29). They would be SEATED in the Heavenlies in Christ. God’s eternal purpose is to have a company of redeemed sinners SEPERATE and DISTINCT from ALL OTHER companies. Dwell on this.

These predestinated and justified believers are to be JOINED to Christ as ONE flesh, to make ONE New Man, the Perfect Man, with HEAVENLY citizenship, to appear with Christ in glory. (Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 5:31-32; Ephesians 2:5; Ephesians 4:13; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 3:1-4).

THIS the Father wants every Christian to make known (Ephesians 3:9). And, of course, Satan hates this message with a vicious hatred.

In closing this series of Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, we quote several statements from the Holy Spirit through the pen of the Apostle Paul:

1 Corinthians 3:10, “According to the Grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.”

1 Timothy 1:16, “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me FIRST Jesus Christ might shew forth all long-suffering, FOR A PATTERN to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting.”

1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be ye followers of me even as I also am of Christ.”

2 Timothy 2:2, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among my witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

Colossians 1:25-26, “Whereof I am made a minister, according to the Dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the Word of God: Even The Mystery which hath been HID from ages and from generations, but NOW is made manifest to His saints.”

Then note the Holy Spirit speaking through the pen of the Apostle Peter in 2 Peter 3:15-16, “And account that the long-suffering of our LORD is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his Epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction.”

“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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SPECIAL MESSAGE. Are Members of the Body of Christ Under the Law of Moses?

We receive many questions about The Law (of Moses) and whether or not it applies to members of the Body of Christ today. So let's take a look...

The word “Law” appears 523 times in the Bible of which 223 are in the New Testament. The Hebrew word “TORAH” appears 219 times in the Jewish Bible and primarily refers to “teaching.” To Jewish people, the “law” refers to both “oral” and “written” Law.

There are several synonymous terms that include the following:

commandments...Hebrew word “mitzvah”....used 181 times
testimonies.......…Hebrew word “yedah”.......used 25 times
statutes..............Hebrew word “choq”........used 126 times
judgments...........Hebrew word “mishpat”....used 417 times
word...................Hebrew word “dabar”.... used 1447 times

The “Law” refers to 613 commandments, the Ten Commandments, the first five books of the Bible, and to the entire Old Testament (Jewish Bible - TANAKH). The “Law” is forever settled in the heavens (Psalm 119:89) and is “perfect, right, pure, clean, true, righteous, holy, good, just” and “endures forever” (Psalm 19:7-9; Romans 7:12). The “Law” cleanses, revives, warns, gives direction and understanding (Psalm 119). It does NOT refer to tradition, be sure to read Matthew 15:6-9. The “Law” is more desirable than gold (Psalm 19:10).

THE PROBLEM WITH THE LAW

1. It CANNOT give spiritual life - 2 Cor. 3:6; Galatians 3:21

2. It CANNOT make us righteous before God - Romans 3:20, Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:16; James 2:10

3. It CANNOT take away our sin - Hebrews 10:1-4

4. It CANNOT cancel the promise of God to Abraham - Galatians 3:16-17

THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW

1. It relates primarily to Israel - Deuteronomy 4:1-2, Deuteronomy 4:8, Deuteronomy 4:44-45; Deuteronomy 5:1-3; Deuteronomy 6:1-3; Romans 9:4

2. It removes our ignorance of sin - Romans 3:20; Romans 7:7; Galatians 3:19; 1 John 3:4

3. It reflects the character of God Himself - Romans 7:12, Romans 7:22, Romans 7:25; Romans 8:7

4. It regulates society - made for the non-believer - 1 Timothy 1:9-10

5. It reinforces our need of a Savior and that Justification is by Faith ALONE - Matthew 5:17-18; Galatians 2:19-21; Galatians 3:19-25

TWO GREAT DANGERS

It is difficult to be “balanced” in our understanding, interpretation, and application of the “Law.” A person can wind up falling into one of two great ditches in relationship to the “Law.”

The First Ditch: LEGALISM - This is the belief that keeping the Law and its requirements is essential for salvation and/or Christian life and growth.

Galatians 3:1-3 speaks of this danger and warns the believers about it.

The Second Ditch: LIBERTARIANISM - This is the belief that our freedom in Christ allows us to sin without facing any consequences.

Pay attention….Believers are NOT free to sin or to disobey God. We don’t make up the rules...God does! But, we also need to understand that our forgiveness comes through the shedding of Blood, the Death, and the Resurrection of our LORD Jesus Christ, and NOT through our works or performance. We cannot earn, maintain, or deserve the Grace of God, and we cannot be Righteous, or maintain righteousness, by what we do or do not do. That comes solely through the work of our LORD Who declares us righteous on the basis of our exercising of The Faith in the finished work of our LORD Jesus, Who died for ALL of our sins, and rose again for our justification.

MAY GOD GIVE US ALL WISDOM FROM HIS WORD ALONE!

“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. 15 of 24

First the Question: The Apostle Paul was imprisoned for proclaiming Divine Truth, which he called The Mystery, or my Gospel. 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. 15 of 24

FULFILLING THE LAW, AND, RIGHTEOUSNESS

As we, in this message, 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.” 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).

THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST

When Jesus came to John the Baptist to be baptized, John forbade. “And Jesus answering said unto him (John): suffer it now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.” (Matthew 3:13-15). In Matthew 5:17 these words were spoken by the Lord Jesus, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.”

In Luke 12:50 we learn that when the LORD Jesus was thinking of the agony of Calvary He said, “I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished.” This ‘death’ baptism of God’s Son was part of the work which He had to finish. It was the principal part; for in the shadow of the cross He said, “For this cause came I unto this hour.” (John 12:27). Christ testified that He must be lifted up as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness (John 3:14), “signifying what death He should die.” (John 12:33).

Christ’s death on the cross was His ‘baptism’. (Luke 12:50). Think on this.

Christ called the death of James, the brother of John, by Herod’s sword, James’ ‘baptism’. (Matthew 20:20-24, Acts 12:1-2). Later on Peter received his ‘martyr’ baptism. (John 21:18, and, 2 Peter 1:14). John was told that he would receive his ‘martyr’ baptism. (Matthew 20:23). However, James and Peter and John did not fulfill all righteousness when they received their ‘death’ baptism. They did become righteous when they were baptized BY the Holy Spirit INTO the death of Christ.

“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 9-27-2011, and, Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, part 10 of 10+

First the Question: The Apostle Paul was imprisoned for proclaiming Divine Truth, which he called The Mystery, or my Gospel. 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 9-22-2011

Question: The Dispensation of the Grace of God did not begin with Peter and Pentecost, but with Saul after his name was changed to Paul. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! And not only that, but, NOT ONE of the twelve apostles referred to the “Church” as the “Body.” The Greek word “Soma” is used exclusively in the writings of the Apostle Paul and is found in his Epistles many times, referring to the Church. The “Body” thus used is always the “Church,” but the “Church” is not always the “Body.”

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

Here is the NINTH set of Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study, but first, as always, 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 ninth set of 10 Super-Facts.

Ok, here we go:

1) Note Acts 28:28, “Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.” And Ephesians 3:8, “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” The word “unsearchable” is literally “untraceable” or “not to be traced.” It means NOT prophesied in the Scriptures. After the Apostle Paul's statement in Acts 28:25-28, salvation was sent to the Gentiles with a program and order NEVER BEFORE mentioned. Paul preached to Gentiles a two fold message; namely, Divine Truth prophesied in the Old Testament Scriptures and Divine Truth which had NEVER been revealed to one single person UNTIL the RISEN Christ revealed it to Paul; hence, the “mystery” (secret). Paul preached the “searchable” riches AND the “unsearchable” riches of Christ.

2) Now note Ephesians 3:1-2, and Ephesians 3:9, “For this cause I, Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye heard of the dispensation of the Grace of God, which is given me to you-ward.” “And to make all men see what is the fellowship (Dispensation) of the Mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, Who created all things by Jesus Christ.” Surely these messages were not proclaimed before Paul told of the door opened by God for the Gentiles. Acts 14:27. Take note, for preaching THESE messages was the jail door was opened for Paul and closed ON him. Colossians 4:3-4, Ephesians 6:19, Ephesians 6:29, 2 Timothy 2:6-9. IF YOU proclaim them very few if ANY denominational doors will be opened for you. Galatians 1:10.

3) In connection with these glorious truths, we have God's message against sectarianism (denominations), against any and all divisions of the Body of Christ. Ephesians 4:3-6. “There is one Body.” And remember that by the ONE Divine baptism of Ephesians 4:5, the member of that ONE Body, of which Christ is the Head, has been raised to sit in the heavenlies in Christ. He is complete in Christ, identified with Him in crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection, with heavenly citizenship, waiting to appear with Christ in glory.

4) We can never understand the Bible until we learn from God's Word and by God's Spirit that the “Dispensation of the Grace of God”, the “Dispensation of the Mystery” did NOT begin with Peter and Pentecost, but with Saul after his name was changed to Paul. The realization and application of this most important truth will keep God's children out of fanaticism and deliver them from religious delusions and dispensational blunders; and cause them to begin to understand the truth of Ephesians 4:13-14.

5) Now note 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife and DIVISIONS, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” Compare Ephesians 1:1 and Ephesians 1:17, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus. “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lay in wait to deceive.” Ephesians 4:13-14.

Please pay ATTENTION: From Matthew 1 to Revelation 22, five groups of people are addressed:

1. Israel under the law.

2. Individual saved Israelites from Matthew 1 to Acts 9, under the law.

3. Gentiles, not under the law.

4. Carnal members of the Body of Christ, babes in Christ.

5. To the faithful in Christ Jesus in Christ's Body; those of full age. Hebrews 5:12-14.

Only those in group 5 intelligently apply the Scriptures to the particular group for whom God intended them, and thus obey 2 Timothy 2:15, “rightly dividing the Word of truth.”

6) Note in 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, the sign-gifts found among the Corin­thian saints: “wisdom,” knowledge,” “faith,” “healing,” “miracles,” “prophecy,” “discerning of spirits,” “tongues,” “interpretation of tongues.” Note in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, and 1 Corinthians 6:8, that the Corinthian saints were CARNAL, able to take only the milk which belonged to babes in Christ, and that they were defrauding one another. But they exercised all the sign gifts. This is proof that the exercise of sign gifts by a saint does NOT prove that that saint is either unusually spiritual or peculiarly faithful. In fact, these sign-gifts can NOT be found among even the most spiritual members of Christ's Body today. Remember Christian teaching and prac­tice may be Scriptural but un-dispensational.

7) Again note that the Corinthians were addressed as “saints” and “sanctified” ones. 1 Corinthians 1:1. They had been washed, sanctified, justified (1 Corinthians 6:11). Here “sanctified” preceded “justified.” This is true also in 2 Thessalonians 2:13, “sanctified unto salvation.” Many of the sanctified Corinthians did wrong (1 Corinthians 6:8): they “walked as men” (1 Corinthians 3:3), they were carnal and defrauded one another. Some of them were chastened unto sickness and physical death for their disobedience; BUT THEY COULD NOT BE CONDEMMED WITH THE WORLD! 1 Corinthians 11:27-32. This is PROOF that sanctification, does not mean sinless perfection, or a Divine work subsequent to salvation!

8) Note, in 1 Corinthians 12:13, “For by ONE Spirit are we all baptized into ONE Body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bound or free; and have been all made to drink into ONE Spirit.” By (in) one Spirit believing Jews and Gentiles have been baptized into ONE Body. By that baptism they had put on Christ. Galatians 3:27. By that baptism they had been baptized into the death of Christ; their old man had been crucified, and they had been raised to walk in newness of life. Romans 6:3-7. Compare this “death” baptism with the death baptism of Christ in Luke 12:50 and the ONE baptism of Ephesians 4:5 and Colossians 2:12. Compare this ONE Divine baptism with the one baptism in the first chapters of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, “baptism unto repentance for the remission of sins.” There was one baptism while Christ was on earth. There was one baptism after Israel was set aside, as recorded in Romans 11:13 and Acts 28:25-28. These baptisms were different. Ephesians 4:5. John 1:31.

9) Note three reasons why believing Jews and Gentiles were NOT baptized in ONE Spirit in ONE Body while Christ was on earth in the flesh.

1. The Holy Spirit not yet given. John 7:39.

2. No mention of the Body of Christ until Saul became Paul.

3. Go not into the way of the Gentiles. Matthew 10:5.

In Romans 10:12 (about 60 A.D.) we see no difference between Jews and Gentiles as to God's salvation and blessing; BUT in Matthew 15:21-27, a GREAT difference.

10) Note that NOT ONE of the twelve apostles referred to the “Church” as the “Body.” The Greek word “Soma” is used exclusively in the writings of the Apostle Paul and is found in his Epistles many times, referring to the Church. The “Body” thus used is always the “Church,” but the “Church” is not always the “Body.” Some Christians endeavor to prove that the Body of Christ began, HISTORICALLY, on the day of Pentecost, because the Apostle Paul declared that he persecuted the Church of God. 1 Corinthians 15:9. Philippians 3:6. Galatians 1:13. The Body of Ephesians 1:19-22 began with the Dispensation of the Grace of God (Ephesians 3:1 to 3), and the Dispensation of the Mystery (Ephesians 3:9). The Body of Christ did NOT begin with Peter at Pentecost, but with the RISEN Christ's revelation to Saul AFTER he became Paul. Once the Church is called the Sussoma or joint-Body. Ephesians 3:6.

A BONUS number of Super Bible Facts for Super Bible Study will be coming up, so stay tuned.

“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