Why Mid-Acts? Why the Mystery? Part 3

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Why Mid-Acts? Why the Mystery Part 3

The title “Mid-Acts Dispensationalism” is a pretty big mouth full, but past the intimidating title, there are some milestones that need to be reached for one to understand the importance of the distinctions that have been made by groups that claim to "rightly divide the words of truth."
1.) Jesus, in his earthly ministry, ministered to the circumcision. Romans 15:8
2.) The mystery of Christ was first revealed to Paul Colossians 1:25-26, 1 Timothy 1:16
3.) Prophecy and mystery are different Acts 3:19-21 vs Rom 16:25
4.) Peter and Paul taught different messages
Peter- prophecy & Paul- mystery
1. Israel and Prophecy
Israel is still standing and
prophecy is being fulfilled.
(Acts 2:16-17; 3:21,24-26)
Israel is fallen and
the prophecies are postponed.
(Rom 3:10,19;11:11,25; 16:25)
2. Apostolic responsibility
Salvation is of the Jews led by the twelve apostles.
(John 4:22; Mat 19:28; 1 Pet 1:10; Rev 21:14)
Salvation sent to Gentiles through Paul: the Apostle of the Gentiles.
(Rom 11:13; Col 1:25; 2 Tim 1:11; 1 Cor 3:10)
3. Justification
Salvation and the law; justification by faith in Jesus as the Messiah accompanied by necessary works.
(Jam 2:24; 1 John 2:5; Mat 19:27; Heb 10:26)
Salvation apart from the law; justification by faith alone in the cross work of Jesus Christ.
(Rom 4:5; Eph 2:8-9; Tit 3:5; 1 Cor 15:1-4)
4. The Church**
Separation between the Jew and Gentile; Israel is God’s chosen people. Gentiles blessed through Israel.
(Mat 10:5; Luke 24:49; Acts 11:19)
No longer Jew nor Gentile
but all are part of a new creature in Christ called his Body.
(Gal 3:28; Col 3:11; Eph 2:15; 1 Cor 12:13)
5. God’s representation
God’s holy nation, the little flock of Israel, is His earthly representation from among the world.
(Isa 61:6; Rev 7:1-8; 1 Pet 2:5,9)
Gentile Ambassadors are
His representation to a world
in total rebellion.
(2 Cor 5:20; 1 Cor 12:20; 2 Tim 2:2)
6. Destiny***
Promised to receive an earthly inheritance in the kingdom.
(1 Pet 1:4; Mat 6:10; Heb 13:14; Rev 21:2)
Promise of an heavenly position in God’s universal dominion.
(Phil 3:20; Eph 2:6; 1 Thess 4:17)
* Peter is used as representative of the twelve apostles during their kingdom and Pentecostal ministry.
** There are three churches mentioned by name in the Bible; listed are two.
*** In the dispensation of the fullness of times both of these things will be brought together in Christ (Eph 1:10).
5.) Prophecy has been interrupted.
6.) The gospel of the kingdom is not the gospel of the grace of God
– Israel’s Church and the Church, the body of Christ, are different.

Why Mid-Acts? Why the Mystery? Part 2

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Why Mid-Acts? Why the Mystery Part 2

The title “Mid-Acts Dispensationalism” is a pretty big mouth full, but past the intimidating title, there are some milestones that need to be reached for one to understand the importance of the distinctions that have been made by groups that claim to "rightly divide the words of truth."

1.) Jesus, in his earthly ministry, ministered to the circumcision. Romans 15:8

2.) The mystery of Christ was first revealed to Paul Colossians 1:25-26, 1 Timothy 1:16

3.) Prophecy and mystery are different Acts 3:19-21 vs Rom 16:25

4.) Peter and Paul taught different messages

Peter- prophecy & Paul- mystery

1. Israel and Prophecy
Israel is still standing and
prophecy is being fulfilled.
(Acts 2:16-17; 3:21,24-26)
Israel is fallen and
the prophecies are postponed.
(Rom 3:10,19;11:11,25; 16:25)
2. Apostolic responsibility
Salvation is of the Jews led by the twelve apostles.
(John 4:22; Mat 19:28; 1 Pet 1:10; Rev 21:14)
Salvation sent to Gentiles through Paul: the Apostle of the Gentiles.
(Rom 11:13; Col 1:25; 2 Tim 1:11; 1 Cor 3:10)
3. Justification
Salvation and the law; justification by faith in Jesus as the Messiah accompanied by necessary works.
(Jam 2:24; 1 John 2:5; Mat 19:27; Heb 10:26)
Salvation apart from the law; justification by faith alone in the cross work of Jesus Christ.
(Rom 4:5; Eph 2:8-9; Tit 3:5; 1 Cor 15:1-4)
4. The Church**
Separation between the Jew and Gentile; Israel is God’s chosen people. Gentiles blessed through Israel.
(Mat 10:5; Luke 24:49; Acts 11:19)
No longer Jew nor Gentile
but all are part of a new creature in Christ called his Body.
(Gal 3:28; Col 3:11; Eph 2:15; 1 Cor 12:13)
5. God’s representation
God’s holy nation, the little flock of Israel, is His earthly representation from among the world.
(Isa 61:6; Rev 7:1-8; 1 Pet 2:5,9)
Gentile Ambassadors are
His representation to a world
in total rebellion.
(2 Cor 5:20; 1 Cor 12:20; 2 Tim 2:2)
6. Destiny***
Promised to receive an earthly inheritance in the kingdom.
(1 Pet 1:4; Mat 6:10; Heb 13:14; Rev 21:2)
Promise of an heavenly position in God’s universal dominion.
(Phil 3:20; Eph 2:6; 1 Thess 4:17)

* Peter is used as representative of the twelve apostles during their kingdom and Pentecostal ministry.
** There are three churches mentioned by name in the Bible; listed are two.
*** In the dispensation of the fullness of times both of these things will be brought together in Christ (Eph 1:10).

5.) Prophecy has been interrupted.

6.) The gospel of the kingdom is not the gospel of the grace of God

– Israel’s Church and the Church, the body of Christ, are different.

"Lest I Run in Vain"

An Article by Justin Johnson, of graceambassadors.com

“And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.” – Galatians 2:2

Why did Paul go to Jerusalem fourteen years after he was commissioned by Jesus to preach the gospel of grace? Why was he concerned about running in vain?

The answer lies in understanding the dissimilar nature of the message Paul was sent to proclaim among the Gentiles and the message Peter was preaching to Israel.

When Jesus commissioned Peter and the apostles to ‘preach the gospel unto every creature’ it was not a gospel containing the secret information later revealed to Paul.

Instead it was the gospel of Mark 1:14 that the promised glorified new covenant kingdom was at hand. Therefore, Israel was exhorted to ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!’

By believing Jesus was the promised Messiah and observing all of the new covenant commandments that he required they would enter the kingdom and receive the grace of God.

However, Christ later revealed to Paul the gospel of deliverance from the law and ordinances. He taught God’s infinite grace bestowed upon us freely through faith in the blood of the crucified Lord.

Consequently, some of those within Peter’s group were subverting Paul’s students and his message by placing them back under the law out of their disregard of Christ’s subsequent message of grace given to Paul.

This forced a meeting between the two groups. By revelation Paul initiated the contact and went to Jerusalem to explain the message that he taught and the authority from God he had to teach it.

If this most important meeting had not occurred between Paul and the Jerusalem apostles then the preaching of the cross taught by Paul was at risk of having none affect.

“I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. “ – Gal 2:21

In the end the apostles recognized Paul’s divine apostleship and declared a restriction of their own message to the circumcision.

Today we are the fruit of Paul’s labor and the gospel of Jesus Christ because he had not run in vain.

Why Mid-Acts? Why the "Mystery?"

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Why Mid-Acts? Why the Mystery

Part 1 

The title “Mid-Acts Dispensationalism” is a pretty big mouth full, but past the intimidating title, there are some milestones that need to be reached for one to understand the importance of the distinctions that have been made by groups that claim to "rightly divide the words of truth."

1.) Jesus, in his earthly ministry, ministered to the circumcision. Romans 15:8

2.) The mystery of Christ was first revealed to Paul Colossians 1:25-26, 1 Timothy 1:16

3.) Prophecy and mystery are different Acts 3:19-21 vs Rom 16:25

4.) Peter and Paul taught different messages 

Peter- prophecy & Paul- mystery

1. Israel and Prophecy
Israel is still standing and prophecy is being fulfilled. (Acts 2:16-17; 3:21,24-26)	Israel is fallen and the prophecies are postponed. (Rom 3:10,19;11:11,25; 16:25)
2. Apostolic responsibility
Salvation is of the Jews led by the twelve apostles. (John 4:22; Mat 19:28; 1 Pet 1:10; Rev 21:14)	Salvation sent to Gentiles through Paul: the Apostle of the Gentiles. (Rom 11:13; Col 1:25; 2 Tim 1:11; 1 Cor 3:10)
3. Justification
Salvation and the law; justification by faith in Jesus as the Messiah accompanied by necessary works. (Jam 2:24; 1 John 2:5; Mat 19:27; Heb 10:26)	Salvation apart from the law; justification by faith alone in the cross work of Jesus Christ. (Rom 4:5; Eph 2:8-9; Tit 3:5; 1 Cor 15:1-4)
4. The Church**
Separation between the Jew and Gentile; Israel is God’s chosen people. Gentiles blessed through Israel. (Mat 10:5; Luke 24:49; Acts 11:19)	No longer Jew nor Gentile but all are part of a new creature in Christ called his Body. (Gal 3:28; Col 3:11; Eph 2:15; 1 Cor 12:13)
5. God’s representation
God’s holy nation, the little flock of Israel, is His earthly representation from among the world. (Isa 61:6; Rev 7:1-8; 1 Pet 2:5,9)	Gentile Ambassadors are His representation to a world in total rebellion. (2 Cor 5:20; 1 Cor 12:20; 2 Tim 2:2)
6. Destiny***
Promised to receive an earthly inheritance in the kingdom. (1 Pet 1:4; Mat 6:10; Heb 13:14; Rev 21:2)	Promise of an heavenly position in God’s universal dominion. (Phil 3:20; Eph 2:6; 1 Thess 4:17)

* Peter is used as representative of the twelve apostles during their kingdom and Pentecostal ministry.
** There are three churches mentioned by name in the Bible; listed are two.
*** In the dispensation of the fullness of times both of these things will be brought together in Christ (Eph 1:10).

5.) Prophecy has been interrupted. 

6.) The gospel of the kingdom is not the gospel of the grace of God 

– Israel’s Church and the Church, the body of Christ, are different. 

We Preach Jesus, but How?

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"We Preach Jesus," but How?

-The revelation of the mystery...-

Romans 16:25
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

1 Corinthians 2:2
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

1. How many ways can Jesus be preached?
   -According to Prophecy (Shadow of things to come)

-According to His earthly ministry (Messiah is here)

-According to the 12 Apostles (Kingdom Gospel)

-According to the mystery (Information that was kept secret)

2.) Multiple Gospels taken from the 4 Gospels
-Immanuel (Christmas)
-The Healer (Jesus in a bottle...)
-The Gospel of the Kingdom (Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins )
-Sell Everything (sacraficial poverty= righteousness; Radical by: David Platt; Amish; some       branches of Pentecostalism--- Pentecostal pattern from Acts 2 and 3)

3.) Something kept secret, but now revealed...
-Prior to the Apostle Paul's salvation and calling, there was a "missing puzzle piece" to God's plan. Ephesians 3:1-10

- Paul was the first man to be saved the same way you and I are saved today. 1 Timothy 1:16

- Jesus revealed, to the Apostle Paul and committed unto him, the mystery that had been kept secret, since the world began. 1 Corinthians 9:17

-Free salvation, by grace, through faith, had never before been spoken. Ephesians 2:8-12

-Gentiles saved, Israel postponed, heavenly places discussed, forgiveness and atonement given already, and the cross and resurrection are all subjects never known or taught before the revealing of the mystery to the Apostle Paul.

"To say you preach Jesus is not enough.... How are you preaching Jesus?"

Jesus is God Part 1

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Jesus is God Part 1

Scriptural support for Jesus’ deity

a. Satan knows – Matthew 4:3

b. The devils know – Matthew 8:29

c . The disciples know – Matthew 14:33, Matthew 16:13-16

d. Thomas knew – John 20:28

e. Jesus created the world – Col 1:16 (Gen 1:1, 26)

f. Jesus as the Word – John 1:1,14, Rev 19:13

g. God in Christ – 2 Cor 5:19, 1 Tim 3:16

h. God bought the church with his own blood – Acts 20:28

i. Equal with God – Phil 2:5-9

This outline and similar messages can be found at Graceambassadors.com. I am thankful that there are so many resources here, but also that I do not have to recreate the wheel for every message on topics such as this. Please be sure to visist Graceambassadors.com and check out the other post here at thegracelifeplace.

Why Did Jesus Become a Man, According to Prophecy?

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Why Did Jesus Become a Man, According to Prophecy?

“Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm

the promises made unto the fathers: “ - Romans 15:8

Purpose:

Jesus’ role in His ministry of the circumcision is described by three characteristics according to Romans 15:8:

1. He came to the Jews

2. He taught the prophetic truth of God

3. He came to confirm the promises made unto the fathers

Outline:

1. He came to the Jews – “a minister of the Circumcision”

a. Covenant of Circumcision was given to Abraham and the Jews – Genesis 17:10-14

b. Israel was to be separate from the Gentiles - Deuteronomy 7:1-5

   i. This separation by the law and the covenants created a ‘middle wall of

      partition’ – Ephesians 2:14

c. Israel was God’s chosen people – Deuteronomy 7:6

d. Jesus came to His own – these were Jews - John 1:11

e. Jesus was sent only to Israel – Matt 15:24

2. He taught the prophetic truth of God – “for the truth of God” - Psalm 119:142

a. Christ came in accordance with God’s plan for the earth

     i. There was a prescribed time for the coming of Christ - Daniel 9:24-27

b. Christ came preaching the message of prophecy to the Jews  

    i. He taught the law – Psalm 78:1-7 – Matthew 23:2-3

    ii. He taught the kingdom – Isaiah 9:6-7 – Mark 1:14

    iii. He taught the tribulation – Daniel 9:27 - Matt 24:15-21

3. He came to “confirm the promises made unto the fathers”

a. 3 elements of the Promises:

   i. Land promise

   ii. Seed promise – “Great Nation” - Kingdom

   iii. Blessing promise - Channel of Blessing – Law - Messiah

b. Promises made unto the fathers

Abrahamic Promise Genesis 12:1-3

Everlasting Promise Genesis 13:14-15

Land Covenant Genesis 15:5,18-21

Covenants of Promise Genesis 17:2-9

Covenant of Circumcision Genesis 17:10-14

Confirmed to Abraham Genesis 22:15-18

Confirmed to Isaac Genesis 26:1-4

Confirmed to Jacob Genesis 28:12-14

 Without the epistles of Paul and the revelation of the mystery, this is all that we would know about as to why Jesus came as a man.