LLM Question, and, Romans 8:28-32 Predestination and Free Will in this Age of Grace

First the Question: There is only ONE case of apostolic succession in The Bible. True or False?

Take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And Now...

Romans 8:28-32 Predestination and Free Will in this Age of Grace

Quite frequently we hear a Child of God quote Romans 8:28, especially when some sorrow or disappointment has been experienced. But it is interesting to note the “FOR” that connects this verse with the three verses that follow. Note Romans 8:28 and the three verses that follow, Romans 8:29-32:

“AND WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD, TO THEM WHO ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE. FOR WHOM HE DID FOREKNOW, HE ALSO DID PREDESTINATE, TO BE CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON, THAT HE MIGHT BE THE FIRSTBORN AMONG MANY BRETHREN. MOREOVER WHOM HE DID PREDESTINATE, THEM HE ALSO CALLED: AND WHOM HE CALLED, THEM HE ALSO JUSTIFIED: AND WHOM HE JUSTIFIED, THEM HE ALSO GLORIFIED. WHAT SHALL WE THEN SAY TO THESE THINGS? IF GOD BE FOR US WHO CAN BE AGAINST US” ROMANS 8:28-32.

Here we note that God had, and has, a purpose. Note the words of Acts 15:18: “Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world.” Surely if God is omniscient, He knows all things. God not only knew the end from the beginning, but God had a secret purpose from before the foundation of the world.

Note Ephesians 3:9, Ephesians 3:11, and Ephesians 1:12. “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. According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. In Whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him Who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will.”

Then note 2 Timothy 1:9 and Ephesians 1:4-5. “God 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, according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.”

So, God’s Word tells us very definitely that God purposed in Christ BEFORE the world began that which He has revealed in the Epistle to the Ephesians. Look at Ephesians 1:9: “Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself.”

God has made known the secret of His will. Then all Children of God should diligently search the Scriptures and learn that revealed Divine secret. The sons of men in other ages and generations did not have this wonderful privilege; for God did not choose to disclose His eternal purpose to them, “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.” Colossians 1:25-26.

Now go to Ephesians 3:5 and Ephesians 3:8, “Which in other ages was NOT made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 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"

God wants all members of The Body of Christ to see this glorious truth NOW and to know the hope of His calling and what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. Ephesians 1:17-18.

Again in Ephesians 1:11, “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him Who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will. An inheritance, being predestinated according to God’s purpose."

We should know, and be well studied in, God’s revealed secret, the Mystery of His will, His eternal predestinated purpose. And if we honestly endeavor to walk worthy of our calling, as members of the Body of Christ, and constantly endeavor to make others see the Dispensation of the Mystery, we can know and say positively, that all things work together for good for such Children of God who love God and are the called according to God’s purpose. For....for what? “For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29.

Now, look at the questions in Romans 8:31: “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” What blessed truth to know. BUT, what appalling ignorance among Children of God concerning God’s purpose and grace given us in Christ before the world began. Most of the Children of God in this age and generation, are as ignorant of this glorious Divine Truth as were the sons of men in other ages and generations to whom it was never revealed.

Perhaps you have observed that Children of God who are opposed to the Doctrine of Eternal Security actually HATE the Doctrine of Predestination, for the two truths are inseparably connected. No Child of God should hate the Word of God. And every Child of God who really knows and believes the truth concerning God’s predestinated purpose believes in the eternal security of the believer.

“All things work together for good.” Note it, “for good.” To whom? To those who are the CALLED according to God’s purpose. And note the good things that God has on deposit for those who are called according to His purpose, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ: According as He hath CHOSEN us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” Ephesians 1:3-4

We can never appreciate either of these facts until we know both of them, namely, that those who are blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ, were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” Ephesians 1:5.

When we learn these facts then we will begin to comprehend “with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:18-19.

How many Children of God are filled with all the fullness of God? How many Children of God know what is meant by the fullness of Christ in Ephesians 1:23: “Which is His Body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all?”

Note the climax of the wonderful Mystery of God’s will. The magnificent purpose and grace given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. Note Ephesians 4:12-13: “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ. 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 fullness of Christ.”

We shall come to the fullness of Christ in the unity of faith. There is ONE Faith. Ephesians 4:5. God will permit no Child of God to see this glorious profound truth until that Child of God will receive the truth from the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures, that there is but ONE Body, even as there is but one Head of the Body, that there is ONE baptism (NOT water), for this age, even as there is but one Spirit for this age. Children of God have been blinded by sectarianism and traditions of men and have made very little earnest effort to keep the unity of the Spirit on the basis of the seven-fold unity of Ephesians 4:3-7. Therefore, they could not obey Ephesians 3:9 even if they wanted to!

The present Divine program concerning the Body of Christ the hope and calling of its members was not prophesied by the men of old. Therefore the Apostle Paul speaks of this distinctive ministry as “the unsearchable riches of Christ.” Ephesians 3:8. “Unsearchable” means “untraceable” and has the meaning of “un-prophesied,” NOT made known to other ages and generations.

So the Body of Christ, and the heavenly position and possession of members of this Body, were NOT prophesied; but they were PREDESTINATED, “According as He hath CHOSEN us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Having PREDESTINATED us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” Ephesians 1:4-5.

“Moreover whom He did PREDESTINATE, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.” Romans 8:30.

So, we see that all the way from foreknowledge to glorification, Salvation is of God, and is by His grace from beginning to end, “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.” 2 Timothy 1:9

There is also the human responsibility!

Note Romans 10:13-14, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” “How then shall they call on Him in Whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of Whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”

And 1 Corinthians 3:8, “Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.”

WHO GAVE HIMSELF FOR US, THAT HE MIGHT REDEEM US FROM ALL INIQUITY, AND PURIFY UNTO HIMSELF A PECULIAR PEOPLE, ZEALOUS OF GOOD WORKS.” Titus 2:11 and Titus 2:14.

How often have we heard, “How are we to reconcile the ‘predestination’ message, with the ‘whosoever’ message?” Look, they are both the TRUTH of GOD! They are both Bible doctrines. JUST preach them, and teach them, and let the Holy Spirit do the reconciling!

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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

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

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

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 RULES for BIBLE STUDY Message Series

What we have here is just overflowing with good stuff. First up, we have the ALL of the Illustration Charts for the LLM RULES for BIBLE STUDY Message Series. These charts are outstanding, please check them out. And, THEN we give you the complete LLM RULES Message Series, as well. OK! So let's get started...

LLM RULES Message Series Illustration Charts

The LLM RULES Message Series covered the seven fundamental points that the Child of God and member of the Body of Christ needs to know in order to be a more effective Ambassador for Christ in the Ministry of Reconciliation. (2 Cor. 5:18-20; Ephesians 3:2, Ephesians 3:9). The Illustration Charts presented here convey, in images, important aspects of The LLM RULES Message Series. They partner with the Message Series to bring further depth and clarity.

Here are all SEVEN of the "LLM RULES" Series of Messages

LLM’s FIRST RULE: Test the Things That Differ

This, (the first of seven messages), Study, for Lion and Lamb Ministry (LLM) members and visitors, is going out with the purpose, desire and hope that through it the Holy Spirit may stimulate, encourage, or provoke, real, honest, and diligent Bible study among you all, the Children of God, members of the Body of Christ. The profound ignorance of the Bible among “church” members is appalling, shocking, and to a degree, sickening. Read More...

LLM’s SECOND RULE: Be No Respecter of Persons

"Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons." Acts 10:34; "My brethren, have not The Faith of our LORD Jesus Christ, the LORD of Glory, with respect of persons." James 2:1. I beg of you, do not follow any man, or group of men, in the matter of the interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. Hear spiritual men of God and then search the Scriptures and check up on them. Do not let those of reputation scare you away from the high and holy truths contained in God’s Word. Read More...

LLM’s THIRD RULE: Be Not Thou Therefore Ashamed

Is there the need for this kind of an exhortation? Almighty God, who knows the treachery of the human heart, knows that there IS the need. So, let us ask ourselves: “Am I ashamed? That is, do I fear the consequences for proclaiming the Gospel of Grace of The LORD Jesus Christ, and taking God at His Word?” Well, do you?

LLM’s FOURTH RULE: The Prayer That The Body of Christ Should NOT Pray

Down through the centuries many sincere Children of God have spoken this prayer, "Come, Lord Jesus; come quickly" but we, at The Lion and Lamb Ministry have not joined them in this, and will not. Find out why.

LLM’s FIFTH RULE: TRY THE SPIRITS

It is the duty of every Christian to obey 1 John 4:1. Read this verse very carefully, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” Then, so many times we hear this question, “Why is it that spiritual or religious men, who use the same Bible and claim to be led by the same Holy Spirit, give different interpretations to the same Bible doctrines?” Read More...

The Lion's Forums, We're Waiting For YOU. Come on, Check it out...Let's Go Already...

LLM's SIXTH RULE: This is That

Should the Child of God today preach what Peter and the Eleven preached to Israel on the day of Pentecost, or what Peter preached eight years later to Cornelius? NO! Should the messenger of the Gospel of the Grace of God be preaching, with the approval of God (that's the key), “repent and be baptized for the remission of sins?” NO! Should Christian Pastors, and Preachers, be preaching to individual Gentiles today what Peter preached to the Nation Israel, in Acts 3:19-26? NO!

LLM’s SEVENTH RULE: Know the Enlightening Unifying MYSTERY

When God revealed His great mystery, about two thousand years ago, He made it known, that members of the Body of Christ “be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men.” Ephesians 4:14. God never intended this great truth to be the mysterious mystery, but the enlightening unifying Mystery. In the Mystery, the Ekklesia of the Age of Grace is the fullness of Christ, and one flesh with Christ. Ephesians 1:23, and Ephesians 5:30-32. God, during this Age is making ONE NEW MAN. Ephesians 2:15. God is NOT making three hundred sectarian denominations and the Lord will not permit any man to have the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to understand the Mystery who contends for or sponsors a sectarian denomination! THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE MYSTERY WILL DELIVER MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST FROM THE LAST VESTIGE OF JUDAISM AND RELIGION, AND BRING UNITY!!!

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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

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

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

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

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LLM Question for 3-11-2012, and, The Apostle Peter and the KEYS of the Kingdom of Heaven, part 2 of 3

First the Question: There is only ONE case of apostolic succession in The Bible. True or False?

Take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 3-9-2012

Question: The joint Body of Christ, was a Mystery UNTIL the revelation was sent down from Heaven by the RISEN Christ to and through the Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! The revelation of this program came to the Apostles of Christ on the installment plan. It is true that Christ had said to Simon Peter, “Upon this Rock I will build my Church”. Matthew 16:18. BUT concerning the Body of Christ, into which both Jews and Gentiles were to be baptized by ONE Spirit, Peter was wholly ignorant; not only before he received Holy Spirit baptism, but for some years thereafter. The Church, or Body of Christ, was a Mystery UNTIL the revelation was sent down from Heaven by the RISEN Christ to and through the Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul. OK, now, out of the 723 responses we received to this question, a very nice 96% of you got it right! Praise the LORD! Therefore, NOW, let us take a look at,

The Apostle Peter and the KEYS of the Kingdom of Heaven, part 2 of 3

The Apostle Peter was intimately associated with the LORD Jesus Christ during all of His public ministry, and just before the Savior ascended to Heaven, Peter’s last question was, “Wilt thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:6. Simon Peter had more than a Jewish interest in the restoration of the Kingdom to his nation. He had a selfish interest, or perhaps we should say, a personal interest; for the LORD had plainly told him that in that Kingdom age, he would, be sitting with the other eleven apostles, on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Matthew 19:28.

Most assuredly Simon Peter is still living and is coming back to this earth to share the earthly glory of Israel’s Messiah. He certainly should have been concerned as to when the Messiah was going to occupy David’s throne and establish his reign of righteousness, peace and glory. When Peter asked the question, “Wilt thou at this time the Kingdom to Israel,” he had not the faintest conception of God’s program to postpone the establishment of that Kingdom until He spent twenty+ centuries visiting the nations and electing a company to constitute the Body of Christ.

The revelation of this program came to the Apostles of Christ on the installment plan. It is true that Christ had said to Simon Peter, “Upon this Rock I will build my Church”. Matthew 16:18. BUT concerning the Body of Christ, into which both Jews and Gentiles were to be baptized by ONE Spirit, Peter was wholly ignorant; not only before he received Holy Spirit baptism, but for some years thereafter. The Church, or Body of Christ, was a Mystery UNTIL the revelation was sent down from Heaven by the RISEN Christ to and through the Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul.

After the Apostle Peter received the Holy Spirit, who was to guide him into all truth, he preached to the Jews concerning the resurrection of Christ in this language, “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.” Acts 5:29. We note two facts concerning this message; the first is, that Peter never proposed to forgive their sins; and the second, he had nothing to offer to the Gentiles. Several years before this the Prince and Savior had said to Peter, “Go NOT into the way of the Gentiles.” Matthew 10:5. Peter was still obeying this command, because the risen LORD was not yet ready to open the door to the Gentiles.

In Acts 3, we have the record of another message of Peter to Israel, the children of the prophets and the covenants, “Unto you first, God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his (your) iniquities.” Acts 3:25-26. This was a message...for a nation: ISRAEL. They were told in this message to repent and bring Christ back from Heaven to establish His Messianic Kingdom. Acts 3:19-21. The Holy Spirit gave this message though a Spirit filled and Spirit led messenger.

This was the message of first importance, a message concerning the Kingdom of Heaven. Already individual Jews had been added to the church. Acts 2:47 And more were to be added to the LORD. Acts 5:14. But the Nation of Israel, itself, was appealed to. There were at that time in Jerusalem devout Jews from every nation under Heaven; and associated with them were the Temple priests and officials of authority. Acts 2:5.

HOWEVER, in all of this, there is still no offer of salvation made to the Gentiles. Someday, in the future, Israel is going to repent and God is going to send the LORD Jesus Christ back to take the throne of David, restore the Kingdom to Israel, and bring about the restitution of all things. Following this national repentance, and the return of Israel’s Messiah to earth, salvation will be sent to the Gentile nations in the Gospel of the Kingdom. The Apostle Peter knew the Old Testament Scriptures as to this program; but he did NOT know that within a few years God would do a new thing and Peter himself would be preaching to a Gentile household; to begin that new thing. It was not lawful for the Apostle Peter to come unto one of another nation, but after his experience with God on the housetop, as recorded in Acts 10, he perceived that God was no longer a respecter of persons, and preached to Cornelius words where by he and his house were to be saved. Acts 10:34, Acts 11:14-15.

At first Peter was condemned by the believing Jews for giving this message to the Gentiles SEVEN years after the resurrection of Christ. Acts 11:1-17. But after his detailed explanation of God’s instructions from Heaven, “They held their peace and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.” Acts 11:18. This was certainly something new for Peter and the other Jewish Christians. Here is the beginning of a new program. “Also to the Gentiles” God was now beginning to visit the Gentiles to take out from them a people for His name before He would restore the Kingdom to Israel. Acts 15:14-18.

He was now going to send salvation to the Gentiles to provoke Israel to jealousy. Romans 11:11.

God knew all this from the beginning of the world. Acts 15:18. It was HID in God. Ephesians 3:9. It was not made known unto the sons of men, in other ages. Ephesians 3:5. It was HID in God from men. The LORD Jesus Christ did not make known to the Apostle Peter the Mystery among the Gentiles. This was the Apostle Paul’s ministry. Peter preached to the first Gentile family. That was his task.

The Apostle Peter was one of the twelve apostles, Paul was not. Peter and the eleven remained at Jerusalem. Acts 8:1.

The Book of Acts covered a period of thirty years from the resurrection of Christ until the Apostle Paul pronounced God’s judgment of blindness upon Israel. Acts 28:25-27. To Paul, the LORD said, “Get thee out of Jerusalem.” Acts 22:18. He kept Peter IN Jerusalem. The RISEN Christ said to Paul, “I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles”. Acts 22:21.

The Gospel of the Circumcision (the Jew) was committed to the Apostle Peter. Galatians 2:9. Peter agreed with Paul that Paul should go to the Gentiles and Peter would go to the Jews. Galatians 2:9. In this early history, the Book of Acts, we have no record that Peter preached to anyone outside of the land of the Jews. We have no record that he preached to any Gentiles other than the household of Cornelius. We DO have the record that he was sent to the Jews. We have no record in Acts that any of the eleven apostles, associated with Peter, preached to a single Gentile. They all remained at Jerusalem until AFTER the “Body” truth was revealed to the Apostle Paul.

When Peter preached on the day of Pentecost, there were present some visiting Jews from Rome. Acts 2:10. But Peter never went to Rome. It was the Apostle Paul who wrote to the Romans, and later visited Rome; where he died. Paul, by no means, preached to the Gentiles at Rome what Peter preached twenty five years before at Jerusalem. The believing Gentiles at Rome were justified without a cause. They received what uncircumcised Abram received without the deeds of The Law, which was the Righteousness of God by Faith. Romans 4:3-11.

The true Church of God at Rome in the first century believed in God’s truth in the Epistle to the Romans, BUT, the Roman Catholic Organization has drifted FAR AWAY from the Gospel of Grace contained in that Epistle.

Well, what has this to do with Simon Peter? He has been accused of having something to do with the establishment of the present Church of Rome. Their claim is, that the papal authority has been handed down from Peter and that the present pope, Benedict, is on St. Peter’s throne by the process of apostolic succession. The “holy see” is the seat of Peter, the first bishop of Rome.

PAY ATTENTION: There is only ONE case of apostolic succession in the Bible...Matthias succeeded Judas. Acts 1:21-26. PERIOD!

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In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

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

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

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 for 3-9-2012, and, The Apostle Peter and the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, part 1 of 3

First the Question: The joint Body of Christ, was a Mystery UNTIL the revelation was sent down from Heaven by the RISEN Christ to and through the Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul. True or False?

Take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 3-6-2012

Question: Simon, (the Apostle Peter), was introduced to Jesus by Philip. True or False?

Answer: FALSE! Simon (Peter) was introduced to Jesus by his brother Andrew. John 1:41-42, “And he (Andrew) brought him (Simon) to Jesus.” That was a full day’s work for Andrew. And, it was more than that for Simon. So, out of the 771 responses we received to this question, only 64.3% of you got it right! WHY, only 64.3%? Therefore, NOW, let us take a look at,

The Apostle Peter and the KEYS of the Kingdom of Heaven, part 1 of 3

Doubtless you have heard of the Apostle Peter; but you must not believe all that you have heard about him. He is not here to defend himself against all these false reports, so it seems unfair to take advantage of him during his absence. He is still living and he is coming back to earth some day. Now this is not a false report. This is the truth.

It is safe to estimate that 450 million people have heard something about Simon Peter during the last 100 years, and far more than one billion people have heard of him since that day about 2000 years ago when Andrew introduced him to Messiah the Christ. The story of his life is today printed in more than 900 languages.

Peter has been accused of being the first pope of Rome. He has been written up as the Fisherman Philosopher. By millions bearing the name of Christ he has been worshipped as a great saint who stands guard at the door of Heaven. Millions of jokes have been told by the ungodly concerning those who have gone up to Saint Peter for reward in Heaven or judgment in hell. To many of these he is in the class with Santa Claus. To the superstitious, religious multitudes it is very difficult to make the true Simon Peter known; for they do not want him stripped of his mythical ecclesiastical priestly garments. They will take no chance of losing their Rome-ish fiction and superstition, which are so precious to them. They will not even read what Simon Peter writes about himself in their own Bible.

For anyone who really desires to rid the story of Simon Peter of falsehood and fiction, there is first hand information, and it will do your soul good to get acquainted with this intensely human character; not a myth, but a natural man, just like the rest of us, who came in contact with the Supernatural Power that transformed his life.

You will not read the story of an intellectual star. Simon was not a leading scholar of his day. He was not a politician of influence. He was not an outstanding business man. He was in no way classed with the wise, mighty, noble, or rich. On the contrary; he was just a plain ordinary, unlettered man of his day. By nature he may have been a bit unusual in some respects, but yet he was not what the world would call a strong character. He might have been described as a vacillating, impetuous blunderer, with plenty of zeal and self-confidence. There was in him the mixture of courage and fear. As already stated, he was intensely human; but withal an interesting personality.

As an old man, Peter, in writing of God, mentioned Him as the “God of all Grace.” 1 Peter 5:10. He needed just such a God. As do we! The Apostle Peter had not forgotten that moment when, recognizing that God of all Grace in human form, he had cried out, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man.” But instead of complying with Simon’s demand, that Savior said, “Come unto me and I will give you rest.”

This sinful man did become the Apostle Peter, Saint Peter; for every sinner who obeys this gracious call immediately becomes a Saint. But when Peter wrote his last word, he called himself Simon Peter and addressed his epistle, “to them that have obtained like precious faith”. 2 Peter 1:1.

So let's begin by gathering a few facts from the Bible concerning Simon, who was surnamed Peter. Acts 10:5.

We have already learned that Simon was introduced to Jesus by his brother Andrew. John 1:41-42. “And he brought him to Jesus.” That was a full day’s work for Andrew. And, it was more than that for Simon.

In addition to the Scriptures we have quoted above, quite often we find this expression; “Peter said”...Sometimes Peter said some very wise things. At other times it seems it was difficult for him to obey James 1:19, “Wherefore my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak.” But when we read his epistles we receive messages from a gentle, loving, servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, faithful unto death. “Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath showed me.” 2 Peter 1:13-14.

As we read in Acts 3 and Acts 4, we learn that Peter and John remained partners...fishing together...for the Lord. They were pillars of the church at Jerusalem. Galatians 2:9. Peter and John were Galilean Jews, who had the unique experience of living in TWO DIFFERENT Dispensations. They lived under the Old Testament, or “Law” Age: and then under the New Testament Dispensation of Grace, as well as during those several years of transition during the earthly ministry of Jesus of Nazareth and after, whom Peter declared was a man, approved of God, in the midst of Israel. Acts 2:22-23.

Some years after Simon Peter had seen the Lord Jesus ascend through the clouds, he made this confession, “Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation.” Acts 10:28. And at a later date, the Apostle Paul said to the Apostle Peter, “If thou being a Jew.” Galatians 2:14.

So Simon Bar-jona son of Jonas was a Jew. He was brought to Jesus by his brother Andrew, John 1:41. Andrew introduced Jesus as Israel’s long looked for Messiah. This Messiah was to bring national redemption to Israel, and take the throne of David as King of the Jews. But instead, He was put to death on a cross and went back to Heaven in a glorified body.

***

In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

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

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

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 for 3-6-2012, and, THE DISPENSATION OF GRACE: Beginning and Ending, part 3 of 3

First the Question: Simon, (the Apostle Peter), was introduced to Jesus by Philip. True or False?

Take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 3-4-2012

Question: The LORD committed the Dispensation of the Grace of God to Peter for Gentiles when He gave him the kingdom keys. True or False?

Answer: Absolutely FALSE! The LORD never committed the Dispensation of the Grace of God to Peter for Gentiles when He gave him the kingdom keys, nor when He gave the Eleven the so-called “Great Commission." Nor at any other time. Read and take note, in Colossians 1:23, who had the responsibility for preaching the Gospel to every creature under heaven! So far as we are concerned, in 2 Cor. 5:18-20 and Ephesians 3:1-11, we find a Commission far greater for us, today, than Matthew 28:19-20 or Mark 16:14-18. Now, out of the 711 responses we received to this question, only 73.9% of you got it right! Therefore, NOW, let us take a look at,

THE DISPENSATION OF GRACE: It's Beginning and Ending, part 3 of 3

What a great difference between “the Gospel of the circumcision” and “the Dispensation of the Mystery”!

In order that we might recognize this great difference, we must keep in mind that “the Gospel of the circumcision” was given to Peter AFTER the resurrection of Christ. All of the message of Peter on the day of Pentecost to devout Jews from every nation under heaven, was in fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy and David’s prophecy. He preached in the third chapter of Acts concerning days prophesied by all of Israel’s prophets. Acts 3:24.

All of this is SO VERY different from THE DISPENSATION OF THE MYSTERY concerning the Gentiles, about which all of Israel’s prophets were both silent and ignorant. Why did the LORD instruct Peter to continue with the Gospel of the circumcision on and after the day of Pentecost? Because, He had not yet cast away (temporarily) His circumcised nation Israel!

After Saul’s name was changed to “Paul”, the RISEN Christ committed unto him the Ministry of Reconciliation. 2 Cor. 5:18-20. This was after Israel was set aside. Romans 11:15, “For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?”

As long as the Gospel of the circumcision was proclaimed, the LORD’s messengers went back to the Abrahamic Covenant and the Covenant of Circumcision. Acts 7:8. When Israel was set aside and the LORD committed to Paul the dispensation of the Grace of God and the Ministry of Reconciliation, then for the first time reference is made to Adam. Note Romans 5:11-12, “And not only so, but we also joy in God through our LORD Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the reconciliation (atonement) Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Romans 5:11-12.

The LORD never committed the Dispensation of the Grace of God to Peter for Gentiles when He gave him the kingdom keys, nor when He gave the Eleven the so-called “great commission.” Nor at any other time. Note in Colossians 1:23 who had the responsibility for preaching the Gospel to every creature under heaven? So far as we are concerned, in 2 Cor. 5:18-20 and Ephesians 3:1-11, we find a commission far greater for us than Matthew 28:19-20 or Mark 16:14-18.

The Gospel of the Kingdom, which is NOT the Gospel of the Grace of God (Acts 20:24), will be proclaimed AFTER the present economy of the Grace of God has been brought to an end. This Dispensation of Grace will end. After that “the times of the Gentiles” will be fulfilled.

The Dispensation of the Grace of God did NOT begin on the Day of Pentecost, or with the salvation of Cornelius, or with anything that the Twelve preached or did. It began with the casting away of Israel (temporarily), when that nation committed the unpardonable sin.

The beginning of the end of national Israel was Stephen’s message in Jerusalem and the Apostle Paul’s message in Acts 13:46, “Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the Word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing you put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to ‘the Gentiles.’” And Acts 18:6, “And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads: I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.”

Then came the END of Religion (and everything that goes with it), the END of Circumcision, the proclamation of the Gospel of the un-circumcision, the beginning of the times of the Gentiles spiritually, the Dispensation of the Grace of God for Gentiles. Then followed the revelation of “the dispensation of the Mystery.” Note 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.”

What are YOU, Christian, doing about Ephesians 3:9?

Look at the glorious Divine Truth in Ephesians 1:23 and Ephesians 4:13, “WHICH IS HIS BODY, THE FULNESS OF HIM THAT FILLETH ALL IN ALL.” “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.”

We would emphasize the word “FULLNESS.” The Body of Christ is the fullness of Christ. Here we have the very HEART of the Mystery.

***

In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

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

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

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 for 3-4-2012, and, THE DISPENSATION OF GRACE: Beginning and Ending, part 2 of 3

First the Question: The LORD committed the Dispensation of the Grace of God to Peter for Gentiles when He gave him the kingdom keys. True or False?

Take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 3-2-2012

Question: After Acts 13:2, the mention of ANY of the 12 Apostles in the Book of Acts is ONLY when they had dealings with the Apostle Paul. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! Note The Commission of Acts 13:2, “As they ministered to the LORD and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them” After that, the only mention of any of the twelve Apostles in the Book of Acts is when they had dealings with the Apostle Paul. Paul is the chief human actor in the last sixteen chapters of Acts. Now, out of the 768 responses we received to this question, 77.3% of you got it right! Therefore, NOW, let us take a look at,

THE DISPENSATION OF GRACE: It's Beginning and Ending, part 2 of 3

Let's read the following verses:

1. “AND ALL THINGS ARE OF GOD. WHO HATH RECONCILED US TO HIMSELF BY JESUS CHRIST, AND HATH GIVEN TO US THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION” 2 Cor. 5:18.

2. “THAT I SHOULD BE THE MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST TO THE GENTILES, MINISTERING THE GOSPEL OF GOD THAT THE OFFERING UP OF THE GENTILES MIGHT BE ACCEPTABLE, BEING SANCTIFIED BY THE HOLY GHOST.” Romans 15:16.

3. “AND IT CAME TO PASS THAT WHEN I WAS COME AGAIN TO JERUSALEM, EVEN WHEN I PRAYED IN THE TEMPLE, I WAS IN A TRANCE.” “AND HE SAID UNTO ME, DEPART; FOR I WILL SEND THEE FAR HENCE UNTO THE GENTILES.” Acts 22:17-21.

4. “FOR I SPEAK TO YOU GENTILES INASMUCH AS I AM THE APOSTLE OF THE GENTILES, I MAGNIFY MINE OFFICE” Romans 11:13.

5. “WHO GAVE HIMSELF A RANSOM FOR ALL. TO BE TESTIFIED IN DUE TIME. WHEREUNTO I AM ORDAINED A PREACHER, AND AN APOSTLE, (I SPEAK THE TRUTH IN CHRIST AND LIE NOT), A TEACHER OF THE GENTILES IN FAITH AND VERITY” 1 Timothy 2:6-7.

6. “. . . THE GOSPEL WHICH YE HAVE HEARD, AND WHICH WAS (PREACHED TO EVERY CREATURE WHICH IS UNDER HEAVEN WHEREOF I PAUL AM MADE A MINISTER.” Colossians 1:23.

7. “FOR THIS CAUSE I PAUL, THE PRISONER OF JESUS CHRIST FOR YOU GENTILES, IF YE HAVE HEARD OF THE DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD WHICH IS GIVEN ME TO YOU‑WARD; HOW THAT BY REVELATION HE MADE KNOWN UNTO ME THE MYSTERY; (AS I WROTE AFORE IN FEW WORDS).” Ephesians 3:1-3.

The keys of the kingdom of heaven were given to the Apostle Peter with whom eleven other men were associated. In Acts 2:14 we are told that eleven other men stood up with Peter. Why twelve men? Only eleven were present when the so-called “great commission” was given. Matthew 28:16. But the number had to be increased to twelve before the keys of the kingdom could be used. Therefore, Matthias took the place of Judas. Acts 1:26. Twelve Apostles for Israel for the twelve tribes of Israel. The twelve men were to go over the cities of Israel, Matthew 10:23. The Twelve remained at Jerusalem. Acts 8:1. They agreed to go to the circumcision. Galatians 2:9.

It is believed that Peter used a key to let Cornelius and his household into the kingdom of heaven. At that time there were still twelve Apostles in the original group. After that the number was reduced to eleven, for James was killed. Acts 12:1-2. Then the record of the spiritual activities of the twelve in the Book of Acts ceased.

But let’s never forget that The Twelve have a future ministry with the twelve tribes, “And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That you which have followed me in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” Matthew 19:28.

But now again Romans 11:13, “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch AS I AM THE APOSTLE TO THE GENTILES, I magnify mine office”

Note The Commission of Acts 13:2, “As they ministered to the LORD and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them” After that, the only mention of any of the twelve Apostles in the Book of Acts is when they had dealings with the Apostle Paul. Paul is the chief human actor in the last sixteen chapters of Acts. The Holy Spirit through Paul wrote thirteen Epistles which have been called Gentile Epistles. In these thirteen Epistles, and in the Book of Acts, Paul used the first person pronoun more than one thousand times.

Note what he wrote in 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 thereupon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.”

1 Timothy 2:16, “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’

Colossians 1:24-25, “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His Body’s sake, which is the Church, Whereof I am made a minister...”

Now read carefully what the Holy Spirit says through the Apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be ye followers of me even as I also am of Christ”

If the Child of God cannot see the difference between the Gospel of the circumcision committed to Peter, and the Gospel of the un-circumcision committed unto Paul, certainly they cannot know the difference between “the keys of the kingdom of heaven” committed unto Peter, and “the dispensation of the Grace of God,” committed unto Paul. What a great difference between “the Gospel of the circumcision” and “the dispensation of the Mystery”!

In order that we might recognize this great difference, we must keep in mind that “the Gospel of the circumcision” was given to Peter AFTER the resurrection of Christ. All of the message of Peter on the day of Pentecost to devout Jews from every nation under heaven, was in fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy and David’s prophecy. He preached in the third chapter of Acts concerning days prophesied by all of Israel’s prophets. Acts 3:24.

All of this is SO VERY different from THE DISPENSATION OF THE MYSTERY concerning the Gentiles, about which all of Israel’s prophets were both silent and ignorant. Why did the LORD instruct Peter to continue with the Gospel of the circumcision on and after the day of Pentecost? Because, He had not yet cast away (temporarily) His CIRCUMCISED Nation Israel!

***

In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

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

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

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 for 3-2-2012, and, THE DISPENSATION OF GRACE: Beginning and Ending, part 1 of 3

First the Question: After Acts 13:2, the mention of ANY of the 12 Apostles in the Book of Acts is ONLY when they had dealings with the Apostle Paul. True or False?

Take a moment to respond at the LLM Question of the Day

And now the answer to the LLM Question of 2-27-2012

Question: The RISEN LORD Jesus Christ had revealed to the Apostle Paul a distinct message for and concerning Gentile salvation, a message quite different from the Gentile salvation foretold in the Scriptures of Israel. True or False?

Answer: TRUE! The LORD Jesus Christ had revealed to the Apostle Paul a distinct message for and concerning the Gentiles, a message quite different from the Gentile salvation foretold in Israel’s Scriptures and quite different from the Apostle Peter’s message to Cornelius, the Gentile. Hence, “THE MYSTERY.” A part of this Mystery is told in Ephesians 3:6, “That the Gentiles should be Joint‑Heirs, and of the Joint-Body, and joint‑sharers of His promise in Christ by the Gospel.” Now, out of the 731 responses we received to this question, 92.6% of you got it right! Fantastic! Therefore, NOW, let us take a look at our NEW Message series,

THE DISPENSATION OF GRACE: It's Beginning and Ending, part 1 of 3

In 1 Corinthians 9:17, the Apostle Paul says, “a dispensation is committed unto me” So, what exactly is a dispensation?

The Greek word is our word “economy”. Note the use of the word in Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians, “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: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:25-27.

Here we note a very specific dispensation and duty committed to the Apostle Paul for both Jews and Gentiles together. He had to fulfill, or complete, the Word of God with Divine Truth called “the Mystery.” It was called “The Mystery” or “the secret” because it was the LORD’s secret, NEVER made known to Israel’s prophets or to any other of the LORD’s servants until the RISEN Christ revealed it to the Apostle Paul.

The word translated “fellowship,” in Ephesians 3:9, is the same word “economy” or “dispensation.” Note Ephesians 3:8-9, “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 to make all men see what is the DISPENSATION of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.” Here we read of “THE ECONOMY OF THE MYSTERY,” God’s secret and the UNSEARCHABLE riches of Christ for Gentiles. The word “UNSEARCHABLE” is “NOT‑TO‑BE-TRACKED” or “UNTRACEABLE,” meaning, “UNPROPHESIED”

The LORD Jesus Christ had revealed to the Apostle Paul a distinct message for and concerning the Gentiles, a message quite different from the Gentile salvation foretold in Israel’s Scriptures and quite different from the Apostle Peter’s message to Cornelius, the Gentile. Hence, “THE MYSTERY.” A part of this mystery is told in Ephesians 3:6: “That the Gentiles should be joint‑heirs and of the Joint-Body, and joint‑sharers of His promise in Christ by the Gospel.”

The Apostle Peter acknowledged that the Apostle Paul’s message included truth that was hard for all men to understand, “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.”

To Peter and his associates the LORD Jesus committed a Gospel message and a spiritual program:

1. “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19.

2. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20.

3. “But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8.

4. “But contrariwise, when they saw that the Gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the Gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter: (For He that wrought effectually in Peter to the Apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in one toward the Gentiles.)” Galatians 2:7-8.

5. “Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.” “…Now therefore are we all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.” Acts 10:20 and Acts 10:33.

6. “And when James, Peter and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the Grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen and they unto the circumcision.” Galatians 2:9.

By way of comparison, study these following verses which we have quoted:

1. “AND ALL THINGS ARE OF GOD. WHO HATH RECONCILED US TO HIMSELF BY JESUS CHRIST, AND HATH GIVEN TO US THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION” 2 Cor. 5:18.

2. “THAT I SHOULD BE THE MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST TO THE GENTILES, MINISTERING THE GOSPEL OF GOD THAT THE OFFERING UP OF THE GENTILES MIGHT BE ACCEPTABLE, BEING SANCTIFIED BY THE HOLY GHOST.” Romans 15:16.

3. “AND IT CAME TO PASS THAT WHEN I WAS COME AGAIN TO JERUSALEM, EVEN WHEN I PRAYED IN THE TEMPLE, I WAS IN A TRANCE.” “AND HE SAID UNTO ME, DEPART; FOR I WILL SEND THEE FAR HENCE UNTO THE GENTILES.” Acts 22:17-21.

4. “FOR I SPEAK TO YOU GENTILES INASMUCH AS I AM THE APOSTLE OF THE GENTILES, I MAGNIFY MINE OFFICE” Romans 11:13.

5. “WHO GAVE HIMSELF A RANSOM FOR ALL. TO BE TESTIFIED IN DUE TIME. WHEREUNTO I AM ORDAINED A PREACHER, AND AN APOSTLE, (I SPEAK THE TRUTH IN CHRIST AND LIE NOT), A TEACHER OF THE GENTILES IN FAITH AND VERITY” 1 Timothy 2:6-7.

6. “...THE GOSPEL WHICH YE HAVE HEARD, AND WHICH WAS (PREACHED TO EVERY CREATURE WHICH IS UNDER HEAVEN WHEREOF I PAUL AM MADE A MINISTER.” Colossians 1:23.

7. “FOR THIS CAUSE I PAUL, THE PRISONER OF JESUS CHRIST FOR YOU GENTILES, IF YE HAVE HEARD OF THE DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD WHICH IS GIVEN ME TO YOU‑WARD; HOW THAT BY REVELATION HE MADE KNOWN UNTO ME THE MYSTERY; (AS I WROTE AFORE IN FEW WORDS).” Ephesians 3:1-3.

***

In Ephesians 1:13 the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul declares that men are saved and sealed by hearing and BELIEVING the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. Therefore, here, now, is declared unto you the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your Salvation: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. BELIEVE today. The time is short.

So There You Have it!

Spread this message to everyone you know, far and wide.

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

In The LORD Jesus Christ,
The Lion and Lamb Ministry

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