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.

Jesus is God Part 2

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Jesus is God Part 2

1. Divine attributes and actions
a. Worship – Exodus 34:14, Matthew 4:10, Heb 1:6, Luke 24:52, John 9:35-38
b. Jesus is eternal and immutable - Hebrews 13:8, Micah 5:2
c . Forgives sins – Matthew 9:2, Luke 7:48
d. He is the judge – John 5:22-24, 2 Tim 4:1
e. He is the truth – John 14:6
f. Before the world was – John 17:5

2. ‘Sure word of prophecy’ – 2 Peter 1:19
a. The prophets spoke of Jesus - Luke 24:44
b. I AM – Exodus 3:14; John 8:58
c . Jesus/God will accept worship - Isaiah 45:22-23; Phil 2:10
d. ‘LORD said unto my lord’ – Psalm 110:1, Matthew 22:41-45; Mark 12:37;
Hebrews 10:12-13
e. John the Baptist – Mark 1:1-3, Isaiah 40:3
f. A child is born – Isaiah 9:6
g. First and Last – Isaiah 43:10, 44:6, 48:12, Revelation 1:11, 17

3. Jesus’ deity affects everything
a. We are still lost in our sin – 1 Cor 15:17
b. We are still separate and apart from God – 2 Cor 5:19
c . Without hope – Eph 2:12 – without God
d. It attacks every fundamental of the faith –
   i. Trinity, Jesus deity, 2nd coming, Salvation, Scripture
   ii. This is a new time of scriptural and doctrinal impetus; we need to be equipped!!

   iii. Put on the shield and the sword -- Eph 6:16-17

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.

3 Reasons Paul's Salvation was Significant

Look at what Jesus says about the Apostle Paul's salvation and ministry.

Acts 9:15-16
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:    For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

That's was the purpose of why he was called personally by the ressurected Jesus Christ. Why would this be significant though? There are 3 HUGE REASONS.

1.) Paul wasn't seeking after Christ, but rather he was persecuting Him.

Acts 9:5
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

2.) This is the first time that God offered salvation to someone who wasn't repenting or seeking salvation. God offered Him grace and longsuffering. This is so significant in Scripture, that Paul actually makes a earth shattering statement in 1 Timothy.

1 Timothy 1:15-16
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

3.) Starting with Paul, God began to offer salvation to Gentiles, without Israel. Why is this so important? Because it goes against prophecy. Prophetically, Israel was to be the avenue in which the rest of the world found salvation.

Zechariah 8:22-23
Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord .  Thus saith the Lord of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.

Most Bible teachers note that 2 of th biggest transitions in Scripture is with Matthew 1 and Acts 2. Would it not be important to note that the calling of the Apostle Paul is one of the biggest, most unique, transitions in the Bible? Paul's salvation is unique, but His message is what makes all the difference...

Free salvation by grace through faith can only be found in the epistles of Paul. There are definitely some distinctions that need to be made if we are to rightly divide the word or truth.

Some Bible Truths are Subject to Change

Is biblical truth relative or does it remain the same?

This is a tricky question because it seems to answer anything but "remains the same" would be heretical and contrary to the Word of God. But there's more to the picture than many acknowledge.

I will be the first to acknowledge, there are Biblical principles that do not change.

-Jesus stays the same - Hebrews 13:8
-God's power and infinite knowledge does not change
-God's character and wisdom remains
-All are born in sin
-God hates evil
The list goes on, but there are some things that are not so concrete.

Truth is truth. But some truths change dispensationally...

Dispensation is a Biblical term. It simply means the specific information that God has "dispensed"  and is requiring man to adhere to.

What is true in one part of Scripture may not be true in another....

For instance:
Genesis 2- food is offered as vegetables and fruit only... for man and animals

Genesis 3- man sins; food is offered as plants and animals

Exodus 19- God gives Israel the law; food is specifically outlined as to what one can and cannot eat.

Acts 9- Dispensation of grace is revealed to Apostle Paul; we can eat anything, as long as it is received with thanksgiving

Acts 10- Peter is still observing food laws until Jesus shows him something is changing.

So when it comes to truth, you have to know who the audience is. I cannot tell you that God says you're only supposed to be a vegetarian because that's what He told Adam and Eve... WHY?! Even if one were to say "It says it in the Bible.", we must be more diligent in our reading and studying. The Bible saying it is not enough; you have to view the Bible dispensationally to know what God is instructing for today.

That's just with food.

Imagine how much more important it is to recognize how God offers salvation today.

It's not offered, although true in the past/and will be for Israel in the future, through a covenant, law, or the ability to endure to the end, but rather it's through free grace.

But how do we know this? We see God changing His operation when He reveals the dispensation of grace.

When God revealed to the Apostle Paul a secret that had been hidden, since the world began, everything changed!

See Ephesians 3:1-9; 1 Timothy 1:16; Romans 16:25; and Colossians 1:27

Free salvation to all men, by faith, without works, in Christ accomplished work on the cross and his ressurection for justification was never known before God revealed it.

This is how we study our Bible. We can only respond to what God has currently given for our participation. So, as for truth, we must study to know what is true and correct for us "today!"

Cherry picking, dispensationally, unripe verses may result in a sour outcome. (Bad metaphor, I know.)

Learn to study God's Word, rightly divided.

For more information on Right Division, please checkout the other posts on this site and checkout Graceambassadors.com

That's a Miracle!!!

Miracle: God, supernaturally, acting or operating in the world to change circumstances or using powerful  phenomenon to display His glorious power.

(Creation, changing languages, flooding the whole world, plagues, separation of waters - which happened 4×in Scripture and not just once with Moses, healing, and even death by judgement. There are many more...)

If you're spending all of your time praying for, asking for, and looking for miracles from God, you may not only be lacking in understanding of what God is going today, but you may be missing out on the BIGGEST miracle God has ever performed.

The "only" miracle God makes clear that He is doing today is the one where He "supernaturally" offers to take sinners(you and me, born in Adam) and crucify your old man, while imputing His Son's perfect righteousness to you. This is done in the moment you trust the Gospel of God's Grace.

Stop looking for miracles and labeling things miracles that aren't(rainbows, test grades, dream house and new job), and start paying attention to what God is doing today.

He's offering free Salvation to undeserving sinners.

Trust the Gospel!
Christ died for our sins and resurrected for our justification. Have you trusted this truth?

Ephesians 1:13-14
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

There's a whole world who needs more of God's salvation and less of our personal stories of hype.

We should be thankful in all things, but calling things miracles that are not is a lie. Make sure when you speak on God's behalf that you are sure He did or did not do it before you give Him the credit. The only miracles we know about from God for sure are the ones He said He would do. He did miracles for a sign to Israel. He did miracles for the authenticity of His apostles and His message. We know these to be miracles because Scripture testifies of it.

Sermon on the Mount Part 5

Sermon on the Mount Part 5
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 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Matthew 5:7

Mercy: Not receiving the deserved punishment. Versus  Grace: Receiving undeserved favor.

Notice the conditional forgiveness to Israel found in Matthew 6:14-15.

Before the mystery of the cross was revealed to Paul forgiveness came to Israel only if they forgave others. Their forgiveness was conditional to their obedience.

1.        Forgiveness is offered to all, but it is offered differently:

- Phrases used for forgiveness: hide sins, to remit, cover, blot out, or impute not iniquity

- Moses: Animal sacrifices atoned for forgiveness - Lev 4:20

- David: Forgiveness through the covenant - Psalm 25:18, 32:1, 86:5, 103:4-5

- Prophets: God promised forgiveness … Jer 31:34

- John: Water baptism for the remission of sins – Mark 1:4, Acts 2:38

-Jesus: Conditional forgiveness, unforgivable sins, Matt 6:12-15, 12:31-32, 18:21-22

         *Remission to many  the faithful remnant – Mat 26:28

-Peter: Forgiveness for the obedient - Luke 24:47, Acts 3:19, 5:31-32

        *If we confess our sins… 1 John 1:9 / * Prayer of faith … James 5:15

-Paul: Forgiveness to the ungodly according to his grace; Rom 4:7, 5:8, Eph 1:7, 4:32

- Forgiveness is offered now freely through the blood of Jesus!

2.        Asking for Forgiveness Today

The blood of Christ once appropriated by faith forgives all your sin, imputes to you God’s righteousness, and places you into the body of Christ!

You are forgiven now and forever! God saw your sin on the cross and the riches of his grace was sufficient to redeem you from your debt.

The proper attitude towards your sin is to stop doing it by reckoning yourself to be dead (Romans 6:7,11).

Then thank God for his kindness and mercy.

For the saved man to pray for forgiveness as the publican would be to ignore Christ’s blood on the cross. Paul writes that we have already been forgiven! (Eph 4:32, Col 2:13)

Handling Adversity

3 Tips for a Christian in Adversity:

1.) Are you sick (cancer, flu or disease)?

Romans 8:18
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

-Remember that this life is short and full of pain, but if you are saved, the suffering here cannot compare to the glory which is to come in our heavenly bodies.

2.) Are you angry? Not just mad, but really irritated and holding a grudge? Are you unsure of how you will ever get over the situation and forgive that person or people? What if they aren't even sorry?

Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Ephesians 4:32
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

- It's super IMPORTANT to remember that Christ died for us as sinners, not already perfected in the blood saints. God forgives us based on Christ. The pattern of this forgiveness is to forgive, even when they do not deserve it.

3.) Are you in need? Do you feel like bills keep coming and the bad news too? Do you feel trapped?

Philippians 4:11-13
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

- Everyone seems to know verse 13, but never consider the context when boisterously reciting it to get the psyched up for a sporting event. We have the ability, in Christ, to be content in every situation. He is our satisfaction. Jesus is more than enough. Work hard, serve God, and be thankful in all things. Even if it doesn't get better, refer to point number 1.

Trusting Your Bible-Part 3

Trusting Your Bible-Part 3
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BIBLICAL INERRANCY AND RIGHT DIVISION :
A MISSING FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH

“…when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”

1. What is Inerrancy
- 1 Thessalonians 2:13
a. The belief that the Bible is always true, accurate, and without error. (Bible belief)
b. Where it comes from:
i. God inspired the Bible: Mat 4:4, 2 Pet 1:21, 2 Tim 3:16
ii. God is true, accurate, and without error: His words must be too.
iii. We need God’s words today in order to function as the church
c. Your position on the Bible’s inerrancy is where you begin to grow or decline
d. Either, God is right and you’re not (Rom 3:4); or you have a different authority.

2. Why It Matters
a. The subject matter makes it important: God, life, death, salvation, right division
b. Doctrines depend on details: single words, verb tense, single/plural
i. Behold a virgin shall be with child - Mat 1:23
ii. I say unto thee, ye must be born again - John 3:7
iii. The seed doctrine - Gal 3:16 – plural or singular
c. Dispensational right division is undermined: Paul’s authority is questioned.
d. If the Bible has mistakes / errors / inaccuracies then all of it can be questioned.
e. God’s instructions are undermined: We need the words Rom 10:17; 2 Tim 2:15
f. God’s authority is undermined: the authority that corrects God is a greater one

3. Where People Place Their Trust
a. Original manuscripts – compromised Chicago statement of inerrancy, new norm
i. No one ever had all the originals; none of them exist today.
ii. We cannot use what we cannot possess.
b. Original languages – the scholar’s choice
i. This excludes early translations, requires tongue talking, texts differ
c. Minds of scholars, theologians, pastors
i. Maybe biased upon a man’s preference, interpretation, school of thought
d. Themselves – “We can’t find God’s inerrant perfect inspired words today”
i. Agnostic, subjective, experiential, forced to recreate it from books
e. Believe the Bible (the book) as inerrant / perfect / and your final authority
i. Tyndale’s idea -> to get God’s words into the hands of every man.

4. The Threat to Right Division
a. Pauline right division builds upon fundamental doctrines
b. It discourages word for word Bible study if it is not inerrant – 2 Tim 2:15
c. It discourages Pauline Bible study since his writings are more didactic

Outlines and sermons  similar to this can be found at Graceambassadors.com

Sermon on the Mount Part 4

Sermon on the Mount Part 4
(Click here for audio)

 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Matthew 5:6

1.) Israel's Harsh Treatment

- This was a time where Israel was not doninant, but rather they were being dominated by the Roman Empire.

-Not only was their persecution from their ruling government, but there was also harsh treatment coming from their own religious leaders. MATTHEW 23:1-4

- Justice, Righteousness and Judgement was definitely a constant desire of the men and women of Israel.

-They were awaiting the Messiah and the come of the "Kingdom of God"

2.) Judgment of the Lord

-The Messiah would execute Justice
JEREMIAH 23:5

-He would bring reproof
ISAIAH 11:4

-Government would rule according to the Messiah 's righteousness
ISAIAH 32:1

-The curriculum of the whole kingdom was to be Righteousness
ISAIAH 26:9

3.) The Dispensation of Grace

- All Under Sin
GALATIANS 3:22

-None Righteous
ROMANS 3:10

-All are guilty before God
ROMANS 3:19

-BUT NOW...
ROMANS 3:21-26

What a difference that has been made due to the revealing of the mystery!

Trusting Your Bible Part 2

Trusting Your Bible Part 2

(Click this link for Audio)

LITERAL BIBLE STUDY

“And they were all amazed, and were in doubt,

saying one to another, What meaneth this?”

~ Acts 2:12

1. Starting Bible Study

·        It should begin knowing our place: we are the sinner, God is the truth teller

·        Bible study isn’t textual criticism: trust his book to be right, believe His words

·        Believe God means what he says – avoid: “it doesn’t mean what it says”

·        Literal Bible study is portrayed as the tool of the ignorant, simple, and uneducated

·        Do not be fooled into thinking you have an holy imagination. Read it plainly.

2. Take it Literally

·        It is the natural reading of the text; “plain sense”, historical-grammatical approach

·        Literal means according to the letter. Limit your interpretation to the text.

·        Consider the time in which it was spoken and by whom… (dispensational?)

·        Gen 6 says God created the world in 6 days, is it literal? Exo 20:9-11

·        They argue that a “literal” reading makes no sense ex. Gen 1:3, but Rev 21:23

·        A non-literal interpretation challenges God’s power and important doctrines

·        Was Adam literal or just a metaphor? He’s in the genealogy of Luke 3:38!

·        Paul mentions him in Rom 5, 1 Cor 15:22 for doctrine. As does the Lord Matt 19:4

·        Jonah was swallowed by a whale or great fish, right? Or is it just a story? Matt 12:39

·        A lot of people do not believe a literal Jesus did literal miracles and literally raised

·        Do not make excuses for God, he is supernatural, the Bible is supernatural

·        Skeptics hate this. They won’t believe it without an explanation, literary or scientific

3. Figures of Speech

·        Psa 65:13 - You may be laughed at because Psalms mentions singing corn

·        Figures of speech are natural uses of grammar, they have rules and form

·        You must use the text of the Bible to define the figure, not your imagination.

·        Sword spitting Jesus? Could it be real? Not likely. Rev 1:16, Heb 4:12, Eph 6:17

·        Do words kill? Yes, but not just words. Jer 23:29, 5:14, and Rev 11:5, 16:8

·        There are similes and metaphors all over Rev 1:12-17, but the event was real

·        Speaking of stars… Rev 1:20. Stars are angels, the star of Bethlehem? Matt 2:2,2:9

·        Eat Jesus? John 6:51-58, the context gives the meaning - John 6:63, 6:34-35

·        What’s the point? To discern the literal meaning, even if it is a figure

·        Jesus said sell all that you have - Luke 12:33, 18:22, literally Matt 19:27, Acts 4:34

4. Conclusion

·        Beware of commentaries and “scholars” who doubt God means what he says

·        You can read the Bible and understand its letters and words (literal reading)

·        It requires you understand English, there are figures of speech.

·        Literal Bible study forces you to study the doctrine, and not spiritualize the Bible

t The unedited version of this outline can be found at graceambassadors.com.

t The use of the material found at graceambassadors.com and thegracelifeplace.blogspot.com is not only allowed, but is encouraged!

Sermon on the Mount (Part 3)

(Click this Link for Audio)
Sermon on the Mount (Part 3)

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Matthew 5:5

1.      Kingdom on the Earth

·        His chosen nation is promised a kingdom on earth. God promised a specific piece of land that would mark where He would set up his kingdom on earth (Genesis 13:15, Deuteronomy 34:4, Psalm 37:22, Matthew 5:5,Isaiah 2:2-4).

·        The kingdom will rule the world with the Messiah as King.

·        A Messiah was promised to Israel that would lead the nation into world dominion and power (Daniel 2:44-45, Isaiah 9:6-7, Jeremiah 23:5).

2.      Earthly Kingdom People

·        Israel is created as God’s chosen people. God created the nation Israel to have a privileged status before Him as a peculiar people (Genesis 12:2, Exodus 19:5,Rom 3:1-2)

·        Israel will be the channel of blessing to the Gentile nations. Through their worldwide influence, and access to God, Israel would be the channel of God’s blessing to Gentile nations (Genesis 12:3, 22:18, Zechariah 8:20-23, Isaiah 60:3, Matt 5:16) .        Righteousness comes through God’s covenants.

·        God gave the Old Covenant as a token that Israel would be a nation that followed after God. The New Covenant would replace the old as the method of attaining righteousness and entrance into the kingdom (Deuteronomy 6:25, Ezekiel 36:24-27, Matthew 5:20, John 14:21, 1 John 3:7-10).

·        Israel will live through tribulation before entering the kingdom. With the divine protection of God, Israel would be able to live through the time of His wrath poured out on earth. They would be refined as silver and come out prepared to enter the kingdom on Earth (Daniel 9:24, Zechariah 13:9, Mark 13:13, 1 Peter 4:17).

3.      Kingdom on Earth vs Heavenly Places

·        Kingdom of heaven is not you in heavenly places – Ephesians 2:6

·        The church is not a kingdom or a nation – Matthew 21:43, Galatians 3:28

·        You do not enter the church, you are the church – Matthew 5:19,20 vs. 1 Corinthians 3:16

·        The kingdom is dominion / rule; church is a body – Matthew 19:28, Ephesians 5:30

·        Kingdom is the subject of prophecy – Psalm 103:19

·        The church is the subject of the mystery – Ephesians 2:15, Col 1:15-27

·        The kingdom come will be on the earth, church in heaven – Acts 1:6, 11, Colossians 3:2

·        The kingdom has earthly components, the church does not – Colossians 2:10, 20

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