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This is your invitation to    
Hear the Word of God...Rightly Divided    
   
To Hear    
   
"So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God"    



Romans 10:17    



   



"In Whom (Christ) ye also trusted, having heard the Word of Truth..."    
Ephesians 1:13    
   
The Word Of God    
   



"For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two - edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner (critic) of the thoughts and intents of the heart"    



Hebrews 4:12    



   
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (God breathed) and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect (complete) thoroughly furnished unto all good works"    



2 Timothy 3:16, 17    
   



Rightly Divided    
   



"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth"    



2 Timothy 2:15    




God's Message for This Age Teaches    



   
1. The total depravity of man - "There is none righteous, no not one." "For all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God"    



Romans 3:10, 23    



   
                                                                                                2. The all - sufficiency of the work of Christ on the cross - "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died "FOR" the ungodly." "But God commendeth His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died "FOR" us." Much more then, having been justified by His Blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him"    



Romans 5: 6, 8, 9    
   
   



"For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus; Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testifiedi n due time"    



1 Timothy 2:5, 6    
   
   



"For He hath made Him (Christ) to be sin for us, Who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him"    



  2 Corinthians 5:21                                                                                              
   
   



3. The simple means of salvation - "For by Grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast"    



Ephesians 2:8, 9    
   



   



"Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ"    



Romans 5:1    
   



My sole purpose, is to help others fully understand the Gospel of the Grace of God (Acts 20:24). And as the Apostle Paul, my goal is that many might attain "unto all the riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the full knowledge of the mystery of God" (Colossians 2:1) And I hope to give clear teachings on all the following:    
   
1. The distinctiveness of the revelation given by the Glorified Lord to the Apostle Paul for this age.......................................GALATIANS 1:11, 12    
a. Called the Gospel of the Grace of God..............ACTS 20:24    
b. Hidden in other ages, called the Mystery or secret....EPHESIANS 3:1 - 9    
c. Completes the Word of God...............................COLOSSIANS 1:24 - 26    
   

2. The oneness of all true believers in Jesus Christ.    
a.  There is one body................................................ROMANS 12:4, 5    
b.  Baptized into Christ by the Holy Spirit.................1 CORINTHIANS 12:13    
c.  The seven - fold unity (oneness) of the Spirit.......EPHESIANS 4:3 - 6        
 
   
   
3. The perfect standing of every true believer in Jesus Christ.    
a.  Accepted in Christ................................................EPHESIANS 1:6    
b.  Seated in the Heavenlies.....................................EPHESIANS 2:6    
c.  Complete in Christ................................................COLOSSIANS 2:9, 10  
   



   



   
4. The joyful responsibilities of every true believer in Jesus Christ.    
a.  To God:    
    ...to glorify Him..................................................1 CORINTHIANS 6:19, 20    
    ...to be a faithful steward...................................1 CORINTHIANS 4:1, 2    
    ...to proclaim God's message...2 CORINTHIANS 5:19, 20; EPHESIANS 3:9    
   

   
b.  To one another:    
    ...to love the brethren.........................................................ROMANS 12:10;    



EPHESIANS 4:32, COLOSSIANS 3:12 - 14    



    ...to serve the brethren...................................................GALATIANS 5:13    
   
   
c.  To the world:    
    ...to manifest the love of Christ....................................ROMANS 12:17-21    
    ...to proclaim the Gospel of the Grace of God................ROMANS 3:24, 25;    



1 CORINTHIANS 15:3, 4      


Posted By Ambassador4Christ on another thread.
Re-Posted By The Crusader
 

Amen .......Bro Crusader,


The whole proposition to read, study and learn scripture is not just for the sake of reading, but to hide it in our hearts and minds that we might not sin against GOD (Psa 119:11); and to excersice the senses, to discern both good and evil  (Heb 5:14)

And to do it.


Blessings,

Petro

Amen Brothers!

I've been thinking about this often. One can talk about the basic principles of Bible Study and even try to spoon-feed someone for a time. However, there comes a time where nothing can replace a person's individual effort and study on their own.

I like the Biblical description of the babe in Christ drinking the spiritual milk of HIS WORD and the maturing Christian growing up in HIS WORD, finally progressing to the meat of HIS WORD. I give thanks for the patience of many to feed HIS flock.

The student must eventually do large amounts of individual study on their own and not depend upon every sip or bite being raised to their lips by the teacher. Here is where the joy becomes more full and the Holy Spirit becomes a guide and teacher. There is a secret here to be discovered by the student. There are always willing teachers when there is an eager and willing student to put forth some effort of his or her own.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Yes, thank you blackeyedpeas, I agree.

Your friend and brother

The Crusader
<:)))><

Thanks Petro, and one Amen back at you

Your friend and brother

The Crusader
<:)))><

My sole purpose, is to help others fully understand the Gospel of the Grace of God (Acts 20:24). And as the Apostle Paul, my goal is that many might attain "unto all the riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the full knowledge of the mystery of God" (Colossians 2:1)

Your friend and brother

The Crusader
<:)))><

Oklahoma Howdy to the Crusader,

I read your post and was thinking that failure to study and learn the beautiful truths of our Lord and Saviour may be the reason why some Christians are unhappy. Some might listen to their preacher for a couple of hours a week, but that is not enough for the fuller joy and peace that is revealed in the Scriptures.

I give thanks for the many sweet Christians who share the Good News of the Gospel of God's Grace. Brother, I give thanks for you.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Oklahoma Howdy to FewareChosen7f,

I go to a little church that does almost all Bible study. I doubt that the congregation will grow to any degree, and I doubt we will ever need a larger church. I honestly believe that many people don't go to church to study the Holy Bible. It seems that many people don't find sufficient entertainment in Bible study. I have no problem at all with social activities and other fun things, but the primary reason for church should be Bible study.

I think you are completely correct.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Amen, I thougt of this poem I posted on another thread.

GIMMICKS
by Gene Sutton

It seems that churches everywhere are doing things today
To try to bring their attendance up by giving things away.
They're running buses all over town in a way they think is dandy
Giving all the boys and girls that ride some bubble gum or candy.
And maybe they'll have a contest give the winner a free plane ride
Or offer them a ten-speed bike that would make one swell with pride.
God does not use this kind of plan to save one from his sin
But uses visitation to bring the sinner in.
So if you're using this unscriptural plan perhaps you'd better stop
Or your rewards in heaven might be just a lollipop.

<:)))><

Oklahoma Howdy to the Crusader,

That poem speaks volumes. We have pot-luck once a month after church, Vacation Bible School, and Bible Camps. The pot-luck is probably the closest we have to what some might call entertainment. However, it's really just a time of fellowship.

I can't remember who said this or how long ago it was, but there was another thread about church. The church usher said something like "will that be drinking, non-drinking, smoking, or non-smoking."   :D

Well, we know what Bible prophecy says about itching ears and sound doctrine.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Miles Cloverdale Wrote:
(Paraphrased) It will help you to understand Scriptures, if you mark not only what is said or written,but of whom or to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstances,considering what goes before and what follows after.Miles Cloverdale, was the first man to translate the entire Bible into the English language. While the Bible is the inspired Word of God and is an accurate record of events and sayings of men,we must remember: All Scripture is for me. It is not all addressed to me nor is it written about me.

<:)))><

AMEN!!!

All Scripture is for me. It is not all addressed to me nor is it written about me.

And AAAAAAAAAAAAAMEN!!!

...jeepers. Ya mean I've been going for the wrong reason all along?    ;D

I go to worship God, to adore him, to meet with him, together with his family (where ever two or more meet...)

(technically, I suppose you could call bible study a form of worship)

Gracey  †

Oklahoma Howdy to The Crusader,

Here's a second AMEN!

If would be great if everyone had the beginning of understanding in the above paragraph. Every word of the Bible from front to back is precious, worthy of study, and critical to study. I think your quote says it all, so I'll stop.

I would add one thing: ignoring the Right Dividing of the Word of God causes great confusion.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Oklahoma Howdy to Gracey,

I think Bible Study is definitely worship of HIM. The Holy Bible is HIS WORD, and HIS WORD is for us in learning about HIM and growing in HIS TRUTH. Christians are told to study HIS WORD and become approved workmen in HIS WORD. Failure to study HIS WORD is really us saying that we don't care about the RICHES HE has provided in HIS WORD for us. It is in the Holy Bible that we learn how to walk in THE SPIRIT that our joy might be more full IN HIM. I don't think it is possible to say that we worship HIM without studying HIS WORD.

Love In Christ,
Tom

(http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/aktion/action-smiley-033.gif)

No words can make that statement any more clear.

uh huh, but I'll tell ya, some of the sermons I've heard sure don't sound like worship    ;D

I agree with you in principle...I guess it's just that we've always not called our church services "bible study" and our bible studies are "bible study". I guess it's just a matter of terms! Nothing feeds you like the living word; or quenches your thirst like the living waters!!!

Gracey

Well said Tom

It troubles me that any christian would question wether the Bible is God`s word, Here`s another statement that says it well:  No matter how logical and convincing your arguments, accepting that there is a God, or that the Bible is his Word, requires an act of faith. Faith comes from hearing the word. Faith - it's a gift of God. With all the talking and discussing and convincing and philosophysing - we need to pray - for it is the Spirit of God who makes children of God - not us


Also concerning God speaking through clairvoyance, angelic visitation, dreams & visions, prayer, ecstatic experiences, meditation etc. etc. etc..all these MUST be tested agianst the Word, because I dont believe God steps outside the boundaries of His Word.

2Co 13:1  This [is] the third [time] I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
Mar 16:20  And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with [them], and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Luk 11:28  But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
1Jo 2:24  Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
1Jo 2:26  These [things] have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
 

Oklahoma Howdy to Gracey,

All men fail, and pastors are not immune from failure or error. However, HIS HOLY WORD is completely free of error, without contradiction, and preserved as HIS WORD for us. When men fail, there is still POWER and TRUTH in HIS WORD. HIS WORD is never wasted or destroyed. This is only one reason why we are told to study HIS WORD ourselves. We should not place our faith in the pastor that he will always give us the truth. Our faith is to be placed in ALMIGHTY GOD, not men or pastors.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Oklahoma Howdy to Shylynne,

AMEN SISTER!

You just spoke volumes. We are simply HIS tools and servants for whatever HIS will and purpose is. I sincerely believe that Almighty God gives us all opportunities, and, however small, we should yield to HIS call. It might be to share a portion of Scripture, buy a Bible for someone, or whatever else HE lays on our heart to do. The power and the might is HIS, not ours.

If we yield to HIS will and purpose, everything is to HIS glory, not ours. By the way, I completely agree with your entire post.

Love In Christ,
Tom

70 Ways To Better Understand The Bible



2 Tim 3:16
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Tim 2:15
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.


 1. All Scripture is written to us, but not  for us.
 2. Never let one verse contradict the entire Bible.
 3. Never let an obscure passage contradict a clear one.
 4. Never let an if contradict a verily. (ex.  Heb 6:4 &  John 5:24)
 5. Don't dwell so much upon what a passage does say.
 6. Use reliable teachers. (Commentaries, Reference Material)
 7. Use the original language. (Young's, Strong’s, and Crudent’s Concordance)
 8. Never let presuppositions interfere with biblical teachings.
 9. Never trust feelings over God's Word.
10. Popularity does not always follow being true to God's Word.
11. Remember the Bible is God as well as God's Word. (John 1:1)
12. Time is sometimes the best teacher.
13. Never study for others alone.
14. Determine the Dispensation & Age of the passage.
15. All doctrines are intertwined.
16. If one doctrine is misinterpreted other will be out of sync to some degree.
17. You can not literalize and spiritualize a passage at the same time.
18. Check passages in the Four Gospels and Acts to see if they're repeated in Paul’s Epistles.
19. Most things in the Four Gospels belong to the Dispensation of the Law.
20. Try to get the overall or big picture.
21. Although the Bible doesn't say it in one place, it may say it somewhere else.
22. Don't be afraid to admit if you don't understand something.
23. Mark your Bible.
24. Allow the Bible to mark you.
25. Study with an attitude of prayer and reverence.
26. Determine to whom the passages are addressed.
27. Don't take a verse out of context.
28. Don't take a God out of context. (see #27)
29. A verse out of context is a pretext. (A purpose or excuse given to hide the real reason for
      something).
30. If the literal makes sense to seek other sense is utter nonsense.
31. Never let an interpretation contradict a clear teaching.
32. Never study for the sake of just knowledge.
33. Distinguish between discipleship and son-ship.
34. Distinguish between profession and possession.
35. Distinguish between goats, sheep, dogs, etc.
36. Distinguish between law and grace.
37. Distinguish between Paul and other N.T writers. (Also note # 38)
38. Distinguish between when God is dealing with Israel and after her temporary setting aside.
39. Distinguish between Israel, Church, The Body of Christ and the Elect.
40. Distinguish between Dispensation, Age and Twentieth Century Application.
41. Distinguish between Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven.
42. Distinguish between Kingdom of Heaven and Heaven.
43. Distinguish between Jew, Gentile.
44. Distinguish between Church, Body of Christ , Prophetic Saint or Bride of Christ.
45. Distinguish between Law and Grace.
46. Distinguish between Two Natures (The Old and New Man).
47. Distinguish between Standing And State.
48. Distinguish between Believers And Unbelievers.
49. Distinguish between Atonement and Redemption.
50. Distinguish between Dispensation and Principles.
51. Distinguish between Types and Anti-types.
52. Distinguish between Sin and Salvation.
53. Distinguish between: Water Baptism, Baptism of the Holy Spirit, Baptism of Christ, Baptism in
      the Cloud, ETC.
54. Distinguish between Believers And Unbelievers.
55. Distinguish between Predestination and Freewill.
56. Distinguish between Predestination and Foreknowledge.
57. Distinguish between Possessor and Professors.
58. Distinguish between Indwelling and Filling.
59. Distinguish between Judaism and Christianity.
60. Distinguish between Salvation and Rewards.
61. Distinguish between a child of God and a man of God.
62. Distinguish between The Four Resurrections.(Christ’s Rapture, S.C., G.W.T.).
63. Distinguish between The Two Adams.
64. Distinguish between Prophecy and Mystery.
65. Distinguish between Dispensation Circumcision and the Uncircumcision.
66. Distinguish between Miracles, Signs, Bible.
67. Distinguish between Our Works and Christ Work.
68. Distinguish between The "Great Commission" (Jew Gentile) and Ministry of Reconciliation.
69. Distinguish between revelation and progressive revelation.
70. Knowledge without application is futile.
 

 
<:)))><

That was nothing more than a little fun, hence the big toothed smiley.

But it is true (not talking about my own Pastor, you understand).

And you are quite right....God's word is ever true (how could it not be?) and when we take the time to READ it for ourselves, we discover not only it's truth, but just how awesome God really is.

However, folks, don't forget to chuckle from time to time - I believe God had a sense of humour too.

Gracey   :)

Oklahoma Howdy to The Crusader,

Thanks for posting 70 ways to better understand the Bible.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Oklahoma Howdy to Gracey,

  :D  I certainly understand. I was not trying to portray pastors as error-ridden, rather making a point there are many reasons to study HIS WORD for ourselves and place our faith in GOD, not men.

I see that it no longer says "Newbie" next to your name.   :D

HAPPY GRADUATION!

Love In Christ,
Tom

right·ly  di·vid·ed,

With honesty; justly

To separate into parts, sections, groups, or branches:

Dictionary.com
         
      **********************************

Forum Dictionary

right·ly  di·vid·ed,

 Honesty;  think just like me

To separate into parts, sections, groups, or branches I deem are correct:

Distinguish between goats, sheep, dogs, etc. ;D

The Devil’s Best Tool

 
It was once announced that the devil was going out of business and would offer all his tools for sale to whoever would pay his price. On the night of the sale they were all attractively displayed, and a bad looking lot they were. Malice, hatred, envy, jealously, sensuality, and deceit, and all the other implements of evil were spread out, each marked with its price. Apart from the rest lay a harmless-looking wedge-shaped tool, much worn and priced higher than any of them.
Someone asked the devil what it was. “That’s discouragement,” was the reply. “Well, why do you have it priced so high?” He asked. “Because,” replied the devil, “it is more useful to me than any of the others. I can pry open and get inside a man’s consciousness with that when I could not get near him with any of the others and when once inside I can use him in whatever way suits me best. It is so much worn because I use it with nearly everybody, as very few people yet know it belongs to me.”  

It hardly need be added that the devil’s price for discouragement was so high that it was never sold. He still owns it and is still using it.

Discouragement

Our best defense against a deceiving, lying devil is to simply believe God’s Word and the precious promises it contains for us personally. “But the Lord is faithful who shall establish you, and keep you from evil” 11 Thess. 3:3.
Don’t entertain evil, discouraging thoughts but rather keep your mind and heart on the Lord. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee” (Isaiah 26:3).

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thess. 5:18). A thankful trusting heart will have no time for discouragement.

Author Unknown
 

<:)))><

Oklahoma Howdy to the Crusader,

AMEN BROTHER!

Love In Christ,
Tom

Rightly Dividing
Paul’s Epistles

The Distinctive Messages of the Prison
and Pre-prison Epistles

Most instructed believers today know that present truth – the truth for the church which is the body of Christ – is to be found only in Paul’s epistles, from Romans to Philemon. (Hebrews is a special epistle to the Hebrew believers, and is not addressed as a church epistle). The rest of the Word of God is for us, and is rich in instruction to us, but only in the church epistles do we find the direct doctrines and practices for the present age of grace. Paul plainly states that to him was given this special revelation, “of the dispensation of the grace of God” (Ephesians 3:2-3).

But is every statement in Paul’s epistles for us today? Are there some things, even in these epistles, that were Jewish and have passed away? Most believers have not been able to give a very good answer to the first question, and though they believe the second one should be answered in the affirmative, they are hard pressed for Scripture proof.

For instance, in 1. Corinthians 12:28-30 there are certain gifts listed, including the gift of healing, speaking in tongues and “workers of miracles.” In 14:13 Paul writes, “Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue that he may interpret.” Any one with a correct understanding of dispensational truth knows that all of these special wonders and miracles were Kingdom signs (Isiah 35:5-6), and belong with the nation Israel, who always require a sign (1. Corinthians 1:22). He knows also that these signs simply do not work today, in spite of all the fantastic clams of modern cults. And further, it is stated in 1 Corinthians13:8 tongues, shall cease.

Again, in Romans 12:6, as well as in First Corinthians, we find the gift of “prophecy.” The gift also was to cease, as we read in 1. Corinthians 13:8. It apparently was a gift given by the Holy Spirit in the early church for the “edification, exhortation and comfort” of the believers (1. Corinthians 14:3), while the Word of God was in the making. After the Word was completed there was no longer any need for the New Testaments prophet.

But the fact remains that these passages are in Paul’s epistles, which we insist are present day truth. If they are for us today, then the Pentecostalists are right. If they are NOT for us today, then we have some explaining to do beyond the fact that things changed, and these sign gifts ceased. For then we must answer the question: WHEN did the change of order come in, and WHY did it come in?

The Numeral Structure

Paul wrote thirteen epistles (not counting Hebrews). This number itself is significant, and shows the amazing perfection of God’s Word. Had Paul left out even that small epistle to Philemon, the number would have been twelve, which is the number of Israel throughout the Bible. But the number thirteen goes on beyond Israel to the Gentiles. Paul himself was not one of the twelve apostles. He did not take the place of Judas, as some teach. He was an added apostle, a special apostle, the thirteenth apostle, the apostle to the Gentiles.

Before he went to prison Paul wrote six epistles, and during his imprisonment he wrote seven others. Six is man’s number, the number of weakness. And so it is that in these first six epistles we find the HUMAN SIDE of the church, with all its faults and failures. Romans opens with the wickedness of this poor, fallen race, out of which we have been called. In 1. Corinthians we find carnality, greed, selfishness and even fornication among those who named the name of Christ. In Galatians we find backsliding and legalism. All human weakness. But seven is the number of perfection and completeness. So in the seven Prison Epistles we find the HEAVENLY SIDE of the church, seated in the heavenlies in Ephesians looking at her heavenly Head in Colossians, looking for heaven itself and the coming of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, in Philippians.

The Order of the Epistles

As the New Scoefield note (page 1209), the order in which Paul wrote his epistles is generally believed by competent scholars to be as follows: 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Galatians, 1 Corinthians, Romans, 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, Philippians, 1 Timothy, Titus and 2 Timothy. The first six of these are the pre-prison Epistles, and the last seven are the Prison Epistles.

The Pre-prison Epistles

The Pre-prison Epistles and the dates they were written, according to the New Scoefield notes are as following:

1. and 2.Thessalonians – A.D. 51.
Galatians – A.D. 49 or 52.
1. Corinthians – A.D. 56.
Romans – A.D. 56.
2. Corinthians – A.D. 57.

The Prison Epistles

The Prison Epistles began with the Ephesians Epistle written in A.D. 60 or 62. Colossians, Philemon and Philippians were written also in A.D. 60 or 62. 1> Timothy was written in A.D. 64 or 67, Titus in 65 or 67; 2 Timothy in 67 or 68. In other words, Paul wrote his last seven Epistles during his two last years in prison at Rome. It may have been the two years mentioned in Acts 28:28, at the close of the Acts period.

The Dividing Line
You will note that there is a three or four year gap between the last of the Pre-prison Epistles and the first of the Prison Epistles. During the gap the nation Israel rejected God’s final offer of His risen Son as their Lord and Messiah, and the tremendous statement was made in Acts 28:28. It reads as follows:

“Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.”

The Scripture is the great pillar of demarcation that stands between these two groups of epistles. The Pre-prison Epistles on one side, and the Prison Epistles on the other, with Acts 28:28 between them. Although Luke wrote the Book of Acts in A.D. 65, the setting aside of the nation Israel in Acts 28:28 seems to have taken place a year earlier, sometime in A.D. 64. In God’s mind it was already the beginning of the end of Israel’s occupancy of the land. In a few more years, A.D. 70, He permitted the Romans to completely remove them.

The Pre-prison Epistles, then, were written during the period of time covered by the Book of Acts, Throughout the Book of Acts God was still dealing with the nation Israel. In the Old Testament they had rejected God the Father. In the four Gospels they had rejected God the Son. And in the Book of Acts they rejected the ministry of God the Holy Spirit, even though He displayed before them great power and the Kingdom signs of healing, miracles, etc.

But it is quite evident that God was also bringing in the church, that He was for a little while engaged in a two-fold program. He was offering Israel her Messianic hope, through in His fore-knowledge God knew this offer would be rejected, and He would visit the Gentiles “to take out of them a people for His name” (Acts 15:14).

So in the Pre-prison Epistles we find some things that are Jewish, and must cease when Israel is set aside. This took place in Acts 28:28, and then we have the Prison Epistles, in which we find the full revelation of the mystery. In these nothing is of Jewish character, nothing temporary, nothing to cease, and no signs and miracles.

The Word does not tell us when Paul received all the revelation of the mystery, though there is considerable conjecture about it. It seems most probable that the Spirit gave him these revelations as he went along. We know that he received the gospel by special revelation (Galatians 1:12). Perhaps he received his final and complete revelation of the mystery in prison at Rome from whence came those high pinnacles of church truth – Ephesians, Colossians and Philippians.

Some may ask, Why did there have to be Jewish truth at all in the early church epistles? One reason is that the early assemblies were composed of both Jews and Gentiles. In fact, much of the work began with meetings in synagogues. But the main reason is that since God was not yet through dealing with Israel, the Holy Spirit was still working through the apostles in signs and miracles. Paul himself healed and did other miracles during his Acts period ministry (see Acts 14:8-10, 19:11-12). It was needful that some of these things be taken up in his early epistles.

The whole picture changed after Acts 28:28. No more sending handkerchiefs to heal; one brother is sick nigh unto death, and Paul had to leave another “at Miletum sick” (2 Timothy 4:20). And he could only prescribe a certain tonic for Timothy’s sick stomach (1 Timothy 5:23).

But only the things that were distinctly church revelation in the Pre-prison Epistles continue on. Healings, tongues and other miracles, for instance, were not Pauline revelation. Nor was water baptism. All these things began before Paul came on the scene, and they are related to Israel and the coming earthly Kingdom.

On the other hand, the things that are distinct church truths, and not brought in until the Spirit revealed them through Paul, these things all continue on. Take the rapture, that “blessed hope” that is so precious to us today. In 1 Corinthians 15:51, Paul calls it “a mystery,” or secret, which was revealed to him by the Lord from Heaven, but the truth of the rapture, goes right on into the Prison Epistles also (Philippians 3:20). All the great doctrines of salvation, faith, separation and church order continue on into the Prison Epistles. But other things did change, and Acts 28:28 was the big turning point.

By - Dee L. McCroskey

“Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth”
“Speaking the Truth in Love”

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RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD

Imagine sitting down to a fine meal at a friend's house. On the table before you are many delicious dishes: steaming roast beef, snow-white mashed potatoes, deep brown gravy, golden corn, fresh salads and delicious desserts. After the giving of thanks, you prepare to dish up a generous helping, but the host stops you and begins placing each item in a large blender. After thoroughly blending it, he places a large glass in front of you and fills it with this unappetizing mixture. Doesn't sound too good, does it? And yet this is exactly how many people study the Bible.

The Bible is unique in that it not only tells us the truth about God, it also includes instructions on how to properly understand it's contents.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles [KJV: rightly dividing ] the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15).

Unfortunately, these instructions are often ignored, and the result is confusion. The religious rituals of Israel are often mixed with the no works faith of the Body of Christ. The sign gifts of tongues, healings and miracles are attempted in this no signs age of grace.

The solution, of course, is to recognize that while all Scripture is for our learning (Romans 15:4), not all Scripture addresses us in the present dispensation (see Exodus 19:6; Matthew 10:5, 6; James 1:1; etc.). We must come to acknowledge that Paul is our apostle for today (Romans 11:13; 2 Timothy 1:11), and that in his letters alone we find the hope, calling and instructions for the Church, the body of Christ. Then, and only then, our Bible study becomes enjoyable and truly nourishing!

—Joel Finck

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Rightly Divide the Word of Truth

Nancy Paulson

(2 Timothy 2:15 KJV) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
When Paul wrote to Timothy he mentions a method in which one ought to study, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Webster's defines divide as: to separate into two or more parts, areas, or groups.

Vine's Expository Dictionary of Words says it is from the Greek word "orthotomeo" which means to cut straight (orthos, straight, temno, to cut); the meaning is passed from the idea of cutting or dividing, to the more general sense of rightly dealing with a thing. What is intended here is not dividing Scripture from Scripture, but teaching Scripture accurately.

We need to rightly divide the Word of truth according to the twofold plan and purpose of God:

Prophecy - the nation of Israel
Mystery - the Body of Christ
In order to rightly divide the Word of truth we need to make correct, acurate divisions in God's Word. This is important because God's Word records more that one program in God's overall outworking of His plan and purpose, prophecy and mystery. These programs are distinct and separate from one another.

The Apostle Paul tells us to rightly divide the Scripture based on a threefold time factor written in Ephesians.

(Ephesians 2:11-13 KJV) Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; {12} That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: {13} But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
(Ephesians 2:7 KJV) That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Time Past
Time past is when God is dealing with Abraham and his seed, the nation of Israel. The Gentiles were without God in time past. Notice the state of the Gentiles in time past:

without Christ
aliens from the commonwealth of Israel
strangers from the covenants of promise
having no hope
without God in the world
Notice the state of the Jews in times past:

(Romans 9:4-5 KJV) Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; {5} Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen
Adoption
The covenants and law
The service of God
The promises
Whose are the fathers
Of whom Christ came
It is during the time past the middle wall of partition, the Law, was keeping the Jew and Gentile separate. When the wall was up it kept the Gentile without God in the world. They had no hope (no confident expectation) that it would ever change.

We need to note that Paul also states that they were without Christ. This is significant because at what time would the Gentiles have been without Christ? It would have to be when Christ was on the earth. The Gentiles were without Christ during His earthly ministry.

(Romans 15:8 KJV) 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:
Who was Jesus a minster to? He was a minister of the circumcision. Why? To confirm the promises made unto the fathers (this refers to the nation of Israel not the Body of Christ).

Everything that we find recorded in the four Gospel accounts refers to time past; a time when God is dealing with the nation of Israel and the Gentile nations are excluded.

But Now
In the timeframe, but now, we see a contrast to time past. One notices that a change has taken place.

(Ephesians 2:13-16 KJV) But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. {14} For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; {15} Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; {16}And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Now refers to now, this present time. In verse 13 we see that a change of status has taken place. Now both Jew and Gentile are one, they are all on the same level. This is for the purpose of creating a new creation (one new man), which is the Body of Christ. Now reconciliation is taking place.We are no longer under the Law, but grace.

The program with Israel is put in abeyance. Israel has temporarily been set aside and God is now doing something that was not made known to men in past ages.

(Ephesians2:17 KJV) And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
Christ had come back unexpectedly and raised up the Apostle Paul.

(Ephesians 3:1 KJV) For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
Paul was called to give the dispensation of Grace to the Gentiles. This dispensation began when Jesus came back from heaven (calling of Paul) and will end the same way (rapture). The dispensation of grace has a beginning and an end. When it ends the program with Israel will resume (age to come).

Age to Come
(Romans 11:1 KJV) I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
(Romans 11:25-27 KJV) For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. {26} And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: {27} For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
God has not cast away His people for good; we, today, are not spiritual Israel. The setting aside of Isreal is only temporary. When this dispensation of Grace is over God will resume and fulfill the program with Israel.

Romans 9, 10, and 11 tell what happened to Israel and what God is doing with Israel in the outworking of His plan and purpose.

In time past it was not known by the prophets that the program with Israel would be interupted and the dispensation of Grace (the making of one new man) would happen.

(Romans 11:11-12 KJV) I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. {12} Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
Today, we are not seeing Israel in her fulness. It is only when God has finished what He has planned for the body of Christ that He will resume what He had planned for Israel.

Genesis through the early chapters of Acts - God is dealing with the nation of Israel.
Romans through Philemon - God has set aside Israel and is making one new man, both Jew and Gentile form the Body of Christ.
Hebrews through Revelation - pertains to the Age to Come which refers to the time when God resumes and fulfills His program with Israel.

We need to recognize all of God's Word rightly divided and His Word is laid out in the very order in which His plan and purpose is unfolding.

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DITTO ;D

 "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." Acts 20:24

Yes Ambassador, my Gospel also. Amen

Your friend and brother

The Crusader
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One of my FAVORITE Studies
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Seven Basic Bible Facts
Every Christian Should Know and Believe
By Robert C. Brock

Editor of the Journal of Pauline Dispensationalism


FACT NO. 1—That the Bible MUST be rightly divided in order for it to make sense. Notice what it says: "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING the Word of truth" (II Tim. 2:15). This is one of the cardinal rules for interpreting the whole Bible. Neglect of this rule or a faulty use of it will lead to only one result, CONFUSION, since our God is not the author of confusion.

The reason for a right division of the Bible is because of God's two distinct purposes: (1) His purpose concerning Israel and the world according to PROPHECY, and (2) His purpose concerning the Gentiles in this present age according to the MYSTERY revealed to Paul. God doesn't want us to confuse the teaching of these two purposes. He has very graciously given us the key for a proper understanding of this.

FACT NO. 2—That the DISTINCTIVENESS of Pauline truth is a most important doctrine of the Bible. The risen Lord Jesus Christ revealed His heart and His mind to the Apostle Paul: "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it but by THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST" (Gal. 1:11,12). "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..." (Eph. 3:2,3).

This proves conclusively that Paul did not preach what the 12 Apostles preached. Rather he went up to Jerusalem to TELL THEM of the special gospel of grace that Christ gave to him (Gal. 2:2). He preached Jesus Christ according to the REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY which was kept secret, hid in God (Rom. 16:25; Eph. 3:9). He was the Apostle to the Gentiles and magnified his office (Rom. 11:13).

FACT NO. 3—That the gospel we are to preach is called the Gospel of the grace of God. "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD" (Acts 20:24). This is God's only message for the lost in this present age. We are to follow Paul as he followed Christ (I Cor. 11:1). In his writings ALONE do we find the doctrine, position, walk, and destiny of the Christian.

Some other important aspects of grace are:

1. We are saved by GRACE—Eph. 2:8,9.

2. We are justified freely by His GRACE—Rom. 3:24; Titus 3:7.

3. His GRACE is sufficient for us—II Cor. 12:9.

4. We are not under Law but under GRACE—Rom. 6:14,15.

5. This age is the age of GRACE —Eph. 3:2.

6. We are to approach the throne of GRACE in prayer—Heb. 4:16.

FACT NO. 4—That the Bible definitely teaches that water baptism was and is a part of Israel's religion (Heb. 6:1,2; 9:10). It was for the remission of sins and was by sprinkling (Mark 1:4; Acts 2:38; Ezek. 36:25).

In this age there is only ONE baptism, not two: "One Lord, one faith, ONE BAPTISM" (Eph. 4:5). This baptism is the placing of the Christian into the Church, the Body of Christ, by the Holy Spirit: "For by one SPIRIT are we all BAPTIZED INTO ONE BODY, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit" (I Cor. 12:13). This baptism takes place once for all at the time of salvation.

The Apostle Paul was not sent to baptize with water: "For Christ sent me NOT TO BAPTIZE but to preach the gospel..." (I Cor. 1:17). Only a change in God's purpose would necessitate a statement like this. There is no importance attached to water baptism, today. It is not a part of Christianity and only causes confusion.

FACT NO. 5—That we must understand the two-fold ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. During His earthly ministry He ministered exclusively to Israel: "But He answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the HOUSE OF ISRAEL" (Matt. 15:24). His whole ministry to the Nation was under the Law of Moses (Matt. 5:17; Gal. 4:4,5). Christians are not under the Law so we are not to live according to Israel's teachings.

During His present ministry in Heaven, He is ministering according to what He revealed to the Apostle Paul. He is saving men according to His gospel of Grace. He is at the throne of grace making intercession for us (Rom. 8:34). We are to live in Paul's epistles where pure Christianity is found. This is not to say we should neglect the rest of the Bible. It is ALL for us but not all TO us (I Cor. 10:6,11).

FACT NO. 6—That SIGNS belong to the Nation of Israel and its religion: "For the JEWS REQUIRE A SIGN, and the Gentiles seek after wisdom" (I Cor. 1:22). Speaking in tongues is a SIGN: "Wherefore TONGUES are for a SIGN, not to them that believe but to them that believe not..." (I Cor. 14:22).

In Jesus' day, those who sought after signs were called an evil and adulterous generation (Matt. 12:39). The eight miracles of the Gospel of John are properly called SIGNS, which included the rising of Lazarus from the dead; and in the commission of Mark 16:15-18, water baptism is associated with SIGNS. This is proved in the book of Acts because everywhere water baptism is mentioned a SIGN is mentioned in the immediate context.

This present age is a signless age. We have been blessed with all SPIRITUAL blessings in the heavenlies in Christ (Eph. 1:3). This is where the emphasis lies for the Christian.

FACT NO. 7—That the COMMISSION the Church, the Body of Christ, is to work under, is found in II Corinthians 5:14-21 and Ephesians 3:9. The Kingdom commission of Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15-18 does not belong to God's present grace purpose. The message of reconciliation has been committed to US, the Body of Christ.

RESULTS:

1. The Christian would begin to perceive and grasp the deep things of God (I Cor. 2:10-12).

2. There would be a wonderful growth into spiritual maturity and adulthood (Eph. 4:12-15).

3. He would become a faithful steward of the mysteries of God (I Cor. 2:7; 4:1,2).

4. He would possess the Biblical answer to Satan's false cults like Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Christian Scientists, Unitarians, Modernists, etc. They all borrow some aspects of Israel's religion.

5. A mighty revival would take place if Christians would get back to Pauline truth.

My friend, if you are not saved, the grace of God invites you to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour. You are a sinner and need to be saved (Rom. 3:23). "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved..." (Acts 16:31). "...now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (II Cor. 6:2). It is infinitely better to receive Him and spend eternity in Heaven than to reject Him and spend eternity in the Lake of Fire!

Oklahoma Howdy to Ambassador4Christ,

AMEN BROTHER!

This is a beautiful picture of GOD"S MATCHLESS GRACE AND LOVE FOR US. We can plainly see GOD'S AGAPE LOVE when we study these precious truths. Jesus Christ and HIM crucified on the cross for us is the ultimate example of "AGAPE LOVE".

Love In Christ,
Tom

Now that was some real meat to chew on. Amen

Some other important aspects of grace are:

1. We are saved by GRACE—Eph. 2:8,9.

2. We are justified freely by His GRACE—Rom. 3:24; Titus 3:7.

3. His GRACE is sufficient for us—II Cor. 12:9.

4. We are not under Law but under GRACE—Rom. 6:14,15.

5. This age is the age of GRACE —Eph. 3:2.

6. We are to approach the throne of GRACE in prayer—Heb. 4:16.

And Amen

Your friend and brother

The Crusader
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THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE

The Bible is the world's most marvelous book, all because it is God's book. It is wonderful that God wrote a book, even more so that He has preserved it intact through history and has even provided for it to be translated into the languages of the nations. We have His Word, preserved for us and translated into our own language so that we can hold it in our hands, read it and see for ourselves just what God has said. This is all a marvelous blessing! But there is more.

It is important to recognize that God has also provided us with a divinely prescribed method for understanding it. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable," II Timothy 3:16 declares. But if we are to gain the profit from God's Word that He has placed there for us, we must approach it in His way. Thus II Timothy 2:15 instructs:

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Clearly our study of the Word is for the purpose of showing ourselves "approved unto God." This is to be our one great goal, our objective: to have God's approval to be workmen who have no need to be ashamed before Him. But how is this objective to be reached? The answer is given with equal clarity: "Rightly dividing the Word of truth." This is the key to having God's approval on our service for Him-the key to understanding His Word.

"Rightly dividing the Word of truth" is a reference to the dispensational approach to studying the Bible [footnote 1] and it is clear that this is the correct approach if we are to have God's approval on our lives and ministries.

It is important to notice that Paul says, "rightly dividing the Word." The clear implication is that there is a wrong way to divide it. Paul does not, as many seem to suppose, simply say we are to make divisions in God's Word. No. We are to make right divisions-correct, proper distinctions. Great care is called for at this point for, remember, it is God's Word we are handling. This is not the Word of a doctrinal statement, a church, creed, or tradition of human viewpoint; this is the Word of Almighty God!

As we approach it, therefore, we want to approach it in God's way, properly recognizing the distinctions He has made in it. Just how to do this-that is the important question!

Since it is Paul who instructs us to rightly divide the Word, it would seem safe to ask Paul just how this should be done. So, instead of going to Darby, Scofield, Larkin, Hodges, Calvin, Strong or the like, let's turn to Paul and see if he can help us understand just how God's Word is to be "rightly divided."

1. Lit., "cutting straight" (Gk: orthotoinounta). Perhaps because of a failure to appreciate the dispensational nature of Scripture in general and the immediate context of II Timothy 2:15 in particular. many modem translators and commentators unfortunately have abandoned the Greek reading and have followed the Latin Vulgate which reads, "rightly handling."


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A THREE-FOLD DIVISION
God Himself never changes. In His person, essence and character He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). His dealings with man, however, have undergone various changes down through history-changes made necessary by changes in man himself. Identifying these changes is a basic issue in studying the Bible dispensationally [footnote 2] for a dispensation is a particular program that God administers (or dispenses) for man's obedience.

In Ephesians 2 the Apostle Paul gives us a panoramic view of his understanding of the way God's dealings with mankind have been divided. He does this by making a clear, distinct and easily identifiable threefold division: Time Past (vs. 11, 12), But Now (v. 13), The Ages to Come (v. 7).

Time Past:
During "Time Past" there was an unmistakable distinction made between the circumcision and the uncircumcision, between the nation Israel and the Gentiles:

"Wherefore remember, that YE BEING IN TIME PAST GENTILES IN THE FLESH, WHO ARE CALLED UNCIRCUMCISION BY THAT WHICH IS CALLED THE CIRCUMCISION IN THE FLESH MADE BY HANDS;

"THAT AT THAT TIME YE WERE WITHOUT CHRIST, BEING ALIENS FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OF ISRAEL, AND STRANGERS FROM THE COVENANTS OF PROMISE, HAVING NO HOPE, AND WITHOUT GOD IN THE WORLD" (vs.11,12).

The terms circumcision and uncircumcision identify a basic physical, racial and social distinction; one that was "in the flesh" and "made with hands." It was, in fact, so real and intense that they were obviously "calling" each other names! But there was more:

In this "time past" status, the Gentiles were also spiritually alienated from God and thus said to be "without Christ." This is said to be their condition because they were "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise."

Thus the physical distinction only pointed to the more important spiritual alienation the Gentile masses occupied in Time Past.

The basic issue in Time Past is this division between the circumcision and the uncircumcision, between Israel and the Gentiles. When you find this issue governing the way God was working with men, you know immediately you are in Time Past.

But Now:
Ephesians 2:13 indicates that in the But Now period all this has changed. No longer are Gentiles considered "far off" but rather this distinction has been eliminated and now "those who were far off are made nigh."

"BUT NOW IN CHRIST JESUS YE WHO SOMETIMES WERE FAR OFF ARE MADE NIGH BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST.

"FOR HE IS OUR PEACE, WHO HATH MADE BOTH ONE, AND HATH BROKEN DOWN THE MIDDLE WALL OF PARTITION BETWEEN US" (vs. 13,14).

So there is a Time Past, the basic characteristic of which is the separation between the circumcision and the uncircumcision, between the Jew and the Gentile. Then there is But Now where they are dealt with on an equal basis and in the same manner. During But Now there has been a change in the way God deals with the nations, for "the middle wall of partition" has been "broken down." There is one remaining section:

The Ages to Come:
much is to come in the future as God brings His purposes to fruition and hence the final division:

"That IN THE AGES TO COME HE MIGHT SHEW THE EXCEEDING RICHES OF HIS GRACE IN HIS KINDNESS TOWARD US THROUGH CHRIST JESUS." (v.7)

So we have Paul's three-fold division: Time Past, But Now, and the Ages to Come. How can the Word of God be laid out according to this? Let's see.

2. It is readily apparent that God's program for man has changed from time to time: Compare Exodus 31:15 with Col. 2:16; Leviticus 11:7,8 with I Timothy 4:4; Matthew 5:19 with Romans 6:14; Psalms 51:11 with Ephesians 4:30; Genesis 17:11 with Galatians 6:15; etc.


End of Part 1 of 3
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THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE -
Part 2

TIME PAST

Time Past is marked by the basic characteristic of the separation between circumcision and uncircumcision. We know where circumcision came from. It began with Abraham as a sign of the covenant God made with him and his seed after him.

In Genesis 17 the Lord confirmed His covenant with Abram, changed his name to Abraham and instituted the sign of the Abrahamic Covenant-circumcision:

"And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations

"This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; EVERY MAN CHILD AMONG YOU SHALL BE CIRCUMCISED.

"And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and IT SHALL BE A TOKEN OF THE COVENANT BETWIXT ME AND YOU.

"And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.

"He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, MUST NEEDS BE CIRCUMCISED: AND MY COVENANT SHALL BE IN YOUR FLESH FOR AN EVERLASTING COVENANT.

"AND THE UNCIRCUMCISED MAN CHILD WHOSE FLESH OF HIS FORESKIN IS NOT CIRCUMCISED, THAT SOUL SHALL BE CUT OFF FROM HIS PEOPLE; HE HATH BROKEN MY COVENANT" (Genesis 17:9-14).

Thus "circumcision in the flesh made by hands," was a sign of the special status given to the seed of Abraham by God. It was an outward sign of the spiritual privilege God had given to them and was a required mark of their identity and covenant privileges.

So the division between the circumcision and the uncircumcision began in the book of Genesis. It was there, with Abraham, that God began to erect "the middle wall of partition" between Jew and Gentile by giving to Abraham and his seed circumcision as "the sign of the covenant." In Genesis 22:17,18 God states His purpose in that covenant and in thus separating the nation Israel from all other nations of the earth:

"That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

"And IN THY SEED SHALL ALL THE NATIONS OF THE EARTH BE BLESSED; because thou has obeyed by voice."

Numbers 23:9 declares concerning Israel's special status:

"... LO, THE PEOPLE SHALL DWELL ALONE, AND SHALL NOT BE RECKONED AMONG THE NATIONS."

God not only erected this "middle wall," He also reinforced it by the giving of the law through Moses:

"Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.

"Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.

"FOR WHAT NATION IS THERE SO GREAT, WHO HATH GOD SO NIGH UNTO THEM, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for?

"And WHAT NATION IS THERE SO GREAT, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day" (Deuteronomy 4:5-8).

We see from this that what is generally referred to as the "Old Testament" is in fact part of Time Past. But when does the change occur? When do we move into the But Now status? And what about the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ?

Paul sheds real light on this latter question when he writes:

"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).

Note well that the character of our Lord's earthly ministry is defined as His being "a minister of the circumcision." Thus we learn that the period covered by the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John is in fact part of Time Past. The distinction between the circumcision and the uncircumcision still formed the basis of God's dealings with men at that time.

There is no way one can read the records of our Lord's earthly ministry and fail to see this basic fact. For example, in His first great commission to His Apostles, He declares:

"These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, GO NOT INTO THE WAY OF THE GENTILES, AND INTO ANY CITY OF THE SAMARITANS ENTER YE NOT:

"BUT GO RATHER TO THE LOST SHEEP OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL" (Matthew 10:5,6).

Later when they besought Him to work a miracle for a Gentile woman, He pointedly told them:

"I AM NOT SENT BUT UNTO THE LOST SHEEP OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL" (Matthew 15:24).

Further, John 4:22 records His words to the woman at the well in Samaria:

"Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: FOR SALVATION IS OF THE JEWS."

Too often such passages are simply ignored- no doubt because they are not properly understood. Such plain words, however, cannot be gainsaid or mistaken. They mean what they say and their implication is clear: the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ demonstrates itself to be a part of Time Past. Thus the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are properly placed in the Time Past division when we "rightly divide the word of truth."

The same is true of the early Acts period. In His post-resurrection commission our Lord clearly maintained the advantaged status of the circumcision:

"And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, BEGINNING AT JERUSALEM" (Luke 24:47).

After some 40 days of personal instruction from their resurrected Lord in things "pertaining to the kingdom of God," the apostles understood that the program of God still focused on Israel and her coming kingdom:

"When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, LORD, WILT THOU AT THIS TIME RESTORE AGAIN THE KINGDOM TO ISRAEL?" (Acts 1:6).

That this understanding was in no way a mistake of human frailty is borne out by the fact that on the day of Pentecost, Peter, speaking "as the Spirit gave [him] utterance," three times specifically limits his message to the nation Israel:

"But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, YE MEN OF JUDAEA, AND ALL YE THAT DWELL AT JERUSALEM, BE THIS KNOWN UNTO YOU, AND HEARKEN TO MY WORDS:

"YE MEN OF ISRAEL, HEAR THESE WORDS..."

"THEREFORE LET ALL THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL KNOW ASSUREDLY..." (Acts 2:14, 22, 36).

Thus the understanding of Peter and the eleven as to just where they stood in the program of God gives clear evidence that they still functioned in the Time Past division, when Israel was still in the place of honor and advantage.

Peter is identified in Galatians 2:8 as the apostle of the circumcision and as such preached "the gospel of the circumcision" (Galatians 2:7). It is in this capacity and with this message that he declares to his nation:

"YE ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE PROPHETS, AND OF THE COVENANT WHICH GOD MADE WITH OUR FATHERS, SAYING UNTO ABRAHAM, AND IN THY SEED SHALL ALL THE KINDREDS OF THE EARTH BE BLESSED.

"UNTO YOU FIRST GOD, HAVING RAISED UP HIS SON JESUS, SENT HIM TO BLESS YOU, IN TURNING AWAY EVERYONE OF YOU FROM HIS INIQUITIES" (Acts 3:25,26).

Throughout their ministry as recorded in Acts the Pentecostal believers declare their testimony that

"The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

"Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, FOR TO GIVE REPENTANCE TO ISRAEL, and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:30-32).

In fact, Israel's special privileged position extended even after they were scattered from Jerusalem by persecution, for Acts 11:19 tells us:

"Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, PREACHING THE WORD TO NONE BUT UNTO THE JEWS ONLY."

The record is clear: The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and the early part of the book of Acts properly belong in Time Past.


End of Part 2
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THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE -
Part 3 of 3

BUT NOW
When, then, does the change to the But Now position occur? When did the circumcision and the uncircumcision being reconciled into one body begin to take place? Ephesians 3 supplies the answer:

"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...

"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;

"THAT THE GENTILES SHOULD BE FELLOW HEIRS, AND OF THE SAME BODY, AND PARTAKERS OF HIS PROMISE IN CHRIST BY THE GOSPEL" (Ephesians 3:1-3,5,6).

From the record it is evident that the Apostle Paul was the instrument our ascended Lord used to initiate the program of grace for the Gentiles by way of a message he calls "the mystery"-a secret purpose which God kept "hidden" in Himself until He revealed it to and then through the Apostle Paul.

With the raising up of Paul we move from Time Past into the But Now section and cross what in fact is the most important boundary line of the Bible-that between prophecy and the great mystery proclaimed by Paul. It is into these two great subjects that the Bible is basically divided.

Manifestly there is a great difference between Peter's preaching of that "which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began" (Acts 3:21) and Paul's proclamation of that "which was kept secret since the world began" (Romans 16:25).

This secret message has to do with the breaking down of the middle wall of partition and the placing of Jew and Gentile into one body on an absolutely equal basis through simple faith in the cross-work of the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:13-22). How is it that this "mystery" message can now go to the Gentiles without regard to Israel's former status? Romans 11 answers:

"I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather THROUGH THEIR FALL SALVATION IS COME UNTO THE GENTILES, for to provoke them to jealousy."

"...THE CASTING AWAY OF THEM [IS] THE RECONCILING OF THE WORLD..."

"For I WOULD NOT, BRETHREN, THAT YE SHOULD BE IGNORANT OF THIS MYSTERY, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that BLINDNESS IN PART IS HAPPENED TO ISRAEL, UNTIL THE FULNESS OF THE GENTILES BE COME IN" (Romans 11:11,15,25).

Our Lord set the nation Israel aside during the Acts period and from heaven's glory introduced a new program through a new apostle. With the revelation of this new program we move into the But Now period and thus we read Paul now declaring:

"FOR I SPEAK TO YOU GENTILES, INASMUCH AS I AM THE APOSTLE OF THE GENTILES, I MAGNIFY MINE OFFICE" (Romans 11:13).

Romans through Philemon are the books, then, that fit into the But Now division. These are the books that detail what God is doing during the present dispensation of grace.


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THE AGES TO COME
After the present dispensation is brought to a conclusion, there is still much that God has to accomplish. Since His prophetic program for tile nation Israel has currently been interrupted in order to form the Body of Christ, the first order of business would logically be its completion.

Appropriately, the grouping of books following the Pauline epistles is called the Hebrew Epistles. They, in fact, fit doctrinally into the Ages To Come. Consider Hebrews 2:3,5:

"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation, WHICH AT THE FIRST BEGAN TO BE SPOKEN BY THE LORD [Matthew through John], and was CONFIRMED UNTO US BY THEM THAT HEARD HIM [early Acts];"

"For unto the angels hath He not put into subjection THE WORLD TO COME, WHEREOF WE SPEAK [Hebrews through Revelation]."

The distinction between the circumcision and uncircumcision is also again in vogue in the Hebrew Epistles, and thus we find such things as:

"James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, TO THE TWELVE TRIBES which are scattered abroad, greeting" (James 1:1).

"BUT YE ARE A CHOSEN GENERATION, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, AN HOLY NATION, A PECULIAR PEOPLE..." (I Peter 2:9).


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AN IMPORTANT QUESTION
Thus we see that the Word of God itself provides us with the key to its own proper understanding and right division:

Time Past: In Matthew through John we find the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ to the nation Israel. In the book of Acts we have the fall of Israel and salvation going to the Gentiles through the ministry of the Apostle Paul.

But Now: Romans through Philemon provide the doctrine for the present dispensation of grace.

Ages To Come: Hebrews through Revelation focus on the ages to come when God will bring to fruition His purposes for both the nation Israel and the Body of Christ.

We are not the only people in the programs and purposes of God. People in other ages need Scripture to instruct them in the specifics of God's dealings with them just as we do. Remember: All of the Bible is for us but it is not all to us nor is it all about us. If we fail to recognize this important fact we will never be able to properly understand just what God is doing today nor will we know just what He would have us do.

One important question remains: You are one of "the nations." The Apostle Paul says unequivocally, "I am the apostle of the Gentiles [i.e., the nations]." Who, then, is your apostle? There can be no answer but that Paul is our apostle, for he was raised up by our ascended Lord specifically that he "should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles" (Romans 15:16).

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, HE THAT RECEIVETH WHOMSOEVER I SEND RECEIVETH ME; AND HE THAT RECEIVETH ME RECEIVETH HIM THAT SENT ME" (John 13:20).

Thus it is in Paul's writings alone that we find the doctrine, position, walk and destiny of the Body of Christ.




by Richard Jordan
http://www.graceimpact.org/

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THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE

Oklahoma Howdy to The Crusader,

THANKS BROTHER! I had to copy this one for additional study. The Gospel of God's Grace becomes more loving and majestic every time I think about it. Almighty God has freely given us our Precious Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Thanks be unto GOD for HIS unspeakable GIFT!

Love In Christ,
Tom

From: The Berean Worlman
http://www.bereanworkman.com/index.html

The Will of the Devil For You
(Part 1)

(2 Timothy 2:24-26 KJV)  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, {25} In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; {26} And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
Paul wrote to Timothy how to restore saved ones who are opposing themselves, living contrary to who God has made them to be in Christ. The way to recover such a person is to instruct them in meekness the sound doctrine that we learned from the Apostle Paul. Sound doctrine is what God will use to grant them repentance, a changing of the mind, to recover themselves out of the snare of the devil.

Satan has a will for your life: to hold you captive so your life will not reflect the godliness that you have in Christ.

Satan wants to be like the most High, the possessor of heaven and earth. God has a plan for the heaven and earth (Eph 1:10 ; Col 1:16-18). Satan wants to take over what God has planned.

In Isaiah 14:13-14 we learn of Satan’s plan and in Ezekiel 28 what he does with the plan.

(Ezekiel 28:1-6 KJV)  The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, {2} Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:  {3} Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee: {4} With thy wisdom and with thine understanding thou hast gotten thee riches, and hast gotten gold and silver into thy treasures: {5} By thy great wisdom and by thy traffic hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches: {6} Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God;
(Ezekiel 28:14-15 KJV)  Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. {15} Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.
Satan was the wisest, most beautiful creature God created. God gave him creativity and beauty in order to lead creation into the worship of God. However, instead of appreciation toward God, Satan turned his focus on himself; he becomes lifted up by pride and thinks that creation ought to worship him not God. He devises a plan to take over.

(Ezekiel 28:16-19 KJV)  By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. {17} Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. {18} Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. {19} All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.
Then Satan took his plan and went out to the other angels and began to sell the idea that he can do it better than God. He convinces them to take over and undermine God’s authority. Rev 12 says that a third of the angels joined Satan in his plan.

God created hell to stop the rebellion (Matthew 25:41). He created a judgment of wrath that was so terrifying that it brought the rebellion to a screeching halt. He covered the universe in darkness (Gen 1:2). Then He creates light so they can see what He is going to do. He sets the earth up there and gets it functioning again. Then He puts somebody on the earth, something like the angels never seen before.

(Genesis 1:26-27 KJV)  And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. {27} So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Those angels watched what God was doing; they never saw anything like it before

(Genesis 1:28 KJV)  And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
God’s response to what Satan did was to create man on the earth in the midst of the Satanic realm to be used by God in the thwarting and defeating of Satan’s plan. God put man on the planet for the purpose of restoring the earth back under His dominion, to take back the authority that Satan usurped.  

The first thing Satan did was go and enlist man over to his side. (Genesis 3) Satan sold his plan to man and immediately man sided with Satan.

(Genesis 3:4-6 KJV)  And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: {5} For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. {6} And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
All of the heavenly host was watching. Satan sold Adam and Eve the same bill of goods that he sold to the angels: you can be as gods.

(Romans 1:21-23 KJV)  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. {22} Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, {23} And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Man believed the lie that they can becomes as gods. Satan thought he outsmarted God; when Adam and Eve believed the lie, Satan became the undisputed king and ruler.

(Luke 4:5-7 KJV)  And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. {6} And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. {7} If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.
Satan tempted Christ by saying, ‘If you will make me God then I will give you the planet." Satan understood Christ came to reclaim the earth. Satan said, "I will give it to you, if you will worship me." The Lord Jesus Christ does not dispute that it was given to Satan. Why not? Because the fact that Satan had the crown on his head was true.

(Ephesians 2:2 KJV)  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Paul calls Satan the prince of the power of the air: chief ruler of the air, the invisible realm. Satan is prince of the heavenly realm just as he is prince of the earthly realm. These two titles describe him in relation of his usurpation of the territory.

From: The Berean Worlman
http://www.bereanworkman.com/index.html

The Will of the Devil For You
(Part 2)

In Genesis 3, when Satan took the crown from Adam for the earth God made a promise in response to what Adam did:

(Genesis 3:15 KJV)  And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
This promise tells us that God had a plan in response to Satan's usurpation of authority. We see God’s wisdom working here.

Bruising of the head = 1st coming of Christ
Crushing of the head - 2nd coming of Christ

God gives the promise of the seed of woman; it is through this seed that God will set up a kingdom to restore His rule over the earth. This seed line is vested in the nation Israel. The seed of the woman becomes the seed of Abraham, which becomes the seed of David, which is the Lord Jesus Christ. It is through the Lord Jesus Christ that Israel will reign and establish that kingdom.

In prophecy, the purpose is the restoration of God's authority over this planet earth through the instrumentality of a kingdom given to the nation Israel. This kingdom and God’s use of Israel with Christ as their Messiah is how God will restore his headship over the planet and destroy all other kingdoms and have just His kingdom reign. This is the goal of prophecy.

(Daniel 2:44 KJV)  And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
 God of heaven will set up a kingdom, a.k.a. as the kingdom of heaven. It can also be called the kingdom of God because the God of heaven set it up. Now, this in not talking about a kingdom in heaven but the kingdom of heaven that God sets up down here on the earth and it will stand forever. One day God is going to establish His kingdom and dominion on the earth over this planet and He will use the nation Israel to do that.

(Zechariah 14:9 KJV)  And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.
The issue of the kingdom is man’s purpose to restore the earth and subdue it. However, man failed and joined the satanic rebellion and turned over the planet to Satan.

Since man failed to do what God intended for him to do God gives a promise the He will do it for man. God will accomplish plan to restore the earth through the nation Israel. This is why Satan opposes Israel so intensely.

Why would Satan have offered the kingdom to Jesus Christ? If Christ came to get the planet, then why would Satan give it to Him? The reason is if the kingdoms were taken away from Satan then Satan would lose his stronghold in the heavens also. The goal of prophecy is to restore the earth.

(Ephesians 1:9 KJV)  Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
God made known to us the mystery of His will. His revealed will was to restore the earth. However, His will also had a secret. God had a secret purpose from before the foundation of the world.  Not only was God’s purpose in prophecy revealed but now He has made known to us a secret, something that He had always planned to do.

(Ephesians 1:10 KJV)  That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
God’s plan is to gather all things in heaven and earth in one in Christ. Satan’s plan was to take the heaven and the earth. From Genesis until Paul, it was only God’s revealed will to restore earth through Israel. But now we know that He will restore the heavens also.

We, as members of the body of Christ, are a heavenly people. It is through the members of the body of Christ that God will restore the heavens.

(Colossians 1:16-20 KJV)  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: {17} And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. {18} And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. {19} For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; {20} And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Here we see what the "all things" are: thrones, dominions, principalities, powers. These are governmental authorities, all created in Christ and for Him. The blood of the cross is the means in which He will restore these things unto Himself.

In verse 18, we read that Christ is the head of the body. Why is this important? The Lord Jesus Christ is head of Israel: King of kings and Lord of lords over all the earth. He is made the head of the body so He might have preeminence in all things. If He were to be just head of things on the earth, He would not be head of all, all positions of rank and authority.

God will use Israel to restore the earth and the church, the body of Christ, to restore the heavenly places. God has a two-fold purpose that is really one purpose: to make the Lord Jesus Christ restore His headship over all things.

(Ephesians 3:9-10 KJV)  And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: {10} To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Notice this is all being done to the intent those in heaven would know the manifold wisdom of God. You know what Satan wants to do with this?  2 Corinthians 4: 3  "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost." Satan cannot overcome so he will try to hide what God has done.

Satan's will for your life is to keep you from understanding God's purpose is for you to restore God's rule and authority in the heavenly places. He is most successful in doing this by selling you the lie that all of God's promises and blessings to Israel (things pertaining to the earth) belong to you. His goal is to get you to follow the wrong set of instruction so that the manifold wisdom of God will not be known unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places.
 
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Responsibility and Discipline- or -2 TIMOTHY 2:15 IN CONTEXT
(Part 1)

How precious has 2 Timothy 2:15 become to sincere students of the Word of God! What joy they have found in practicing it!

This important passage of Scripture shows us how teachers of the Word may be "approved unto God," workmen not needing to be ashamed. To be thus approved, says the apostle, will require "Study," with a view to "rightly dividing the Word of truth." May God help us always to cherish this priceless passage as a motto in our service for Christ.

But while 11 Timothy 2:15 has become so precious to those who truly desire to understand and obey God's will, its context has been so sadly neglected that most believers, indeed many pastors and teachers, would hardly know off-hand what the preceeding and succeeding verses of this chapter are about.

In general the context, along with the verse itself, declares that the proclamation of God's Word is serious business, that the Bible is not to be diluted or weakened by shallow, foolish interpretations or conclusions. Thus the preceding context emphasizes the responsibilities of those who would serve Christ, while the succeeding context emphasizes the need for discipline in our lives. Where there is responsibility there must always be discipline-mostly self-discipline.

RESPONSIBILITY AND DISCIPLINE
THE POSTIVE SIDE

In Vers. 1-14 the apostle emphasizes the grave responsibilities associated with service for Christ:

Ver. 1: The man of God (This entire chapter offers special help to younger men of God Note: "my son" [Ver. 1; cf. 1 Tim. 4:12]).must be strong. Weaklings are no match for the world, the flesh and the devil. Yet he must not be strong in himself, flexing his muscles, as it were, in defiance of his enemies. Rather he must be "Strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." Strengthened thus by grace there will be no reason to quail before the adversary, for "if God be for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31).

Ver. 2: He must "commit" the truths he has learned to "faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." To stand alone is noble when necessary, but it is better for the man of God to prepare others to fight the battle with him and, possibly, to carry on the contest when he is gone.

Vers. 3,4: He must "endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." Soldiers in this world's armies are often taught to be hard, but the good soldier of Jesus Christ must be willing to "endure hardness," as did our Lord and His Apostle Paul. Indeed, it has been well said that the measure of true greatness in a soldier is not how much he can "give" of injury and pain, but how much he can "take," how much he can endure, how much it will take to make him give up.

Nor will a good soldier of Jesus Christ "entangle himself with the affairs of this life." Rather, he will sacrifice himself and all he has to "please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier."(See the writer's commentary on the Pastoral Epistles for an explanation of the words, "Him who hath chosen him.")

Ver. 5: He must follow the directions and rules laid down by God-and he will certainly not be "approved unto God" if he fails to rightly divide the Word of truth (Ver. 15), any more than the athlete will be "crowned" if he does not strive "lawfully," i.e., according to the rules of the contest.

Ver. 6: He must be willing to work if he would reap fruit from his labors. It is the "husbandman," or farmer who labors who gets to be the "first partaker of the fruits."

CONSIDER-REMEMBER

Becoming more specific in Vers. 7-10, particularly with respect to our responsibilities under Ver. 15, the apostle declares that we should clearly understand and proclaim the revelation committed to him, Paul, as distinguished from that which the twelve had been sent to preach, and that they must preach this no matter what the cost. Hear him exhort young Timothy:

" Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

" Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David (This is how Peter and twelve had preached Christ [See Acts 2:29-31]), was raised from the dead according to my gospel [cf., Rom. 16:25]:

" Wherein I suffer trouble as an evil doer, even unto bonds, but the Word of God is not bound" (Vers. 7-9).

How glorious is the message committed to Paul with regard to the resurrection of Christ! Christ raised from the dead to confirm our justification (Rom. 4:25); we raised with Him (Eph. 2:5, 6; Col. 3:1-3), to experience "the exceeding greatness of [God's] power to usward who believe'' (Eph. 1:19). And this power is nothing less than the power. . .

" Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in heavenly places,

" Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come" (Eph. 2:20, 2 1).

" Consider" it well, Christian friend, and "remember" it carefully: this is the message committed to the Apostle Paul, and the message he enjoins us to proclaim faithfully whatever the cost. To him personally this great message was worth proclaiming from the housetops, be the cost ever so great (Ver. 10).

Finally, in Vers. 11-14, he admonishes young Timothy-and us: Only if we "be dead" with Christ (i.e., recognizing His death as our death, and thus having died with Him-Rom. 6:3), can we share in His resurrection life and His "eternal glory"; only if we suffer with Him will we reign with Him -and lest this be taken lightly, he adds: "if we deny Him, He also will deny us, i.e., deny us the privilege of reigning with Him. Yet He always "abideth faithful"; no one will ever suffer loss in that day because He failed to keep His word" (Vers. 11-13).

" Of these things," says Paul, "put them in remembrance," lest they neglect their responsibility to fulfil their commission and descend to "strife about words," and experience the inevitable results (Ver. 14). Also, he would have them accept these exhortations without petty quibbling.

Responsibility and Discipline- or -2 TIMOTHY 2:15 IN CONTEXT
(Part 2)

THE NEGATIVE SIDE

In acceptable service for Christ there is also a negative side. This is introduced, actually, in Ver. 14 where, instructing Timothy to "put them in remembrance" of the foregoing positive requirements, he adds the words: "charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words, to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers."

One cannot successfully erect a building without an awareness of wrong procedures to be avoided. Thus, as the preceding context to 2 Tim. 2:15 is positive in character, the succeeding is negative in character with Ver. 14 being the link between the two. Ver.14, then, introduces us to 2 Tim. 2:15 and the verses that follow to the end of the chapter. In these verses we find such negative phrases as: "Strive not about words," "Shun profane and vain babblings," "depart from iniquity," "flee youthful lusts," and "foolish and unlearned questions avoid." And note, the majority of these have to do with irresponsible discussion.

It is quite natural to find the apostle urging his "son in the faith" to "flee (as the hare from the hounds)youthful lusts" (Ver. 22), and to eschew "Iniquity" (Ver. 19), but it should be noted that the apostle's most urgent warnings are against what we might designate, generally, as loose talk: "Strive not about words," he says; "shun profane for "unhallowed"] and vain babblings"; "foolish and unlearned questions avoid" (Vers. 14, 16,23).

One current example of this "strife about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers" is unquestionably strife over the King James Version of the Bible, stemming largely from a misinterpretation of Psa. 12:6,7. "There it is!" they say, "God has said He would 'preserve' the very W-O-R-D-S of Scripture 'from this generation (This would have to be David's generation) forever."' And from this they go on to argue that God has preserved the very words of the original manuscripts for us in the King James Version of the Bible. When the folly of this is exposed they further strive about words, arguing that while the King James Version is not inspired or inerrant, it is such an exact translation of the original MSS that God has thus preserved His Word for us after all in the King James Version-only in the King James Version, of course, which has no "mistakes." And thus they logically cut off all the study of the original languages, through which our understanding and enjoyment of the Scriptures has been so greatly enriched.

Here we hasten to say that we too believe that God has preserved His Word for us in a wonderful way, but not in one book alone, let alone one translation into one language, and that not until 1611 A.D., and before that only in "a vast multiplicity of copies"! To promote such "foolish and unlearned questions" does indeed "gender strifes"

(Ver. 23). This is why we are told to "avoid" them (ibid). We, at Berean Bible Society are in a position to know something of the arguments and debates over this subject, all so profitless, and drawing away interest and attention from "the Preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery," which establishes God's saints in the truth and which we have been commanded to proclaim faithfully (See Rom. 16:25; and 2 Tim. 2:7-9 above).

AN ILLUSTRATION

Paul himself gives us an illustration of the results of hindering the proclamation of the Word by such diversions, and failure to study them carefully in the light of the whole Word, rightly divided.

Hymenaeus and Philetus were preaching "that the resurrection is past already" (Vers. 17,18). Which resurrection? Surely not our Lord's resurrection, for this was past, a well-known matter of history. Did they refer, then, to the resurrection of the lost? Hardly, for that was still as obviously future as the resurrection of Christ was obviously past. What they evidently taught, then, was that the resurrection of believers in Christ was past already. Oh, it was wonderful! Paul had already written to the Ephesians (Eph. 2:5,6) and to the Colossians (Col. 3:1-3) that believers in Christ have been raised with Him and made to sit with Him in the heavenlies, "blessed with all spiritual blessings."

What these brethren had done was to confuse the believer's position in Christ with his present condition; his standing with his state. They did not deny the resurrection; they simply misplaced it, failing to "rightly divide the Word of truth," both as to time and as to the distinction between the believer's standing and his state.

The result: there naturally followed arguments and strife between the believers, and the faith of some was-shaken? No, Paul says, "they overthrow the faith of some" (Ver. 18). This is a serious consequence (Which we have witnessed) of what the apostle calls "profane and vain babbling" Wer. 16). Elsewhere he states that Hymanaeus himself had already made "shipwreck" concerning the faith (It should be noted that Hymanaeus had also "put away a good conscience" in introducing his false teaching [1 Tim. 1:19,20]. How often, in the record of Scripture unsound teaching is brought in surreptitiously [cf., Gal. 2:4 with Eph. 4:14]) and had to be "given up," as it were, to Satan to learn his lesson (1 Tim. 1:19,20) ' Surely the apostle does not mean that either Hymanaeus or his followers were now lost, but rather that they had made shipwreck of "the faith," and now their faith had been overthrown as far as their Christian experience was concerned. Their testimony had been destroyed.

May God in His grace convict us all of the importance of these negatives, these warnings, so closely associated in Scripture with 2 Tim. 2:15, lest we make shipwreck concerning the (The Greek contains the definite article) faith rather than finally being able to say with Paul, "I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7). Meantime:

" if a man therefore purge himself from these, (both moral sins and illegitimate uses of Scriptures [see verses 14-19]) he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and MEET FOR THE MASTER'S USE, AND PREPARED UNTO EVERY GOOD WORK" (Ver. 21).

Used by permission of the Berean Bible Society.
 
 

ALL SCRIPTURE IS PROFITABLE (PART 1)


2 Timothy 3:16-17
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto good works."
King James Version


"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
New International Version

pasa graphe - every Scripture (writing, passage)

theopneustos - God-breathed

kai ophelimos - and (also) profitable (useful)

pros didaskalian - for teaching (with a view toward that which is taught)

pros elegmon - for conviction (to rebuke for the purpose of conviction of sin)

pros epanorthosin - for correction (to set up straight, restoring to an upright state, setting right)

pros paideian - for instruction (training, discipline)

en dikaiosune - in righteousness (the character or quality of being right or just)

The Scriptures are breathed by God and useful for:


teaching

conviction

correction

training and discipline in righteousness

This is so the man of God may be "filled or furnished completely" for every good work.
Is the Apostle Paul saying that every passage of Scripture is written for our obedience? Should we kill and eat the passover lamb? Should we bring offerings to the high priest? Should we worship on Saturday? Should we sprinkle the blood of the trespass offering round about the altar? Should we burn the bullock with its hide, flesh and dung outside the camp? Should we circumcise every male child? Should we obey those who sit in Moses seat? Should we heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the leper, and cast out demons? Should we handle deadly snakes and drink poison as a sign to the unsaved? Should we baptize people in water for the remission of sins? Should we go forth and preach the gospel without taking any money for food or lodging? Should we wait for the Holy Spirit to come on us in fire and speak in tongues and prophesy? Should we preach to the Jews only? Should we take Law-breakers outside the camp and kill them?

All of these are from Scripture passages which Paul says are for our teaching, conviction, correction, and training in righteousness. What do we do with them?

Most Christians around the world pick and choose which sections of Scripture they want to practice. Most believe the church started with Christ and His disciples. Most believe what Christ taught in the Gospel accounts and teachings in the Book of Acts are for them. But do any of them practice everything in those Scriptures? The answer is no. We pick and choose based on a variety of personal, political and religious reasons.

ALL SCRIPTURE IS PROFITABLE (PART 2)

2 Timothy 2:15
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
King James Version


"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."
New International Version

"rightly dividing" and "correctly handles" are translations of a Greek word that means "cutting straight" (orthotomounta ). It was what a stone cutter would do when preparing stones for a walkway or road. He had to cut them exactly right so they would fit together perfectly. As we cut straight the word of God, we need to observe carefully how the Lord works with people, what He commands them to do, and how He changes or adds to those commands. If we miss one detail, that could be the difference between a perfect cut and a sloppy cut. The way must be prepared to perfection.

The Bible is a Book of progressive revelation. God reveals His Will slowly and carefully - a point at a time.

ALL SCRIPTURE IS PROFITABLE (PART 3)

God created man. Man was completely obedient to God. God told man he may eat of the fruit of every tree in the Garden of Eden, except for one: the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Man obeyed and continued in a state of perfect peace and harmony with God. No other rules are mentioned. Some students of the Bible have called that time the Dispensation of Innocence.
Dispensation or administration is a term that means the law of the household (oikonomia ). The English word "economy" comes from it. The dictionary defines the term as "the management, regulation, and government of a household."

Genesis 2:25 states man and woman were naked and were not ashamed. The Hebrew word for "ashamed" (buwsh ) carries the idea of guilt. Man and woman had no guilt because they had done nothing wrong. It was disobedience and the ensuing guilt that separated man from God.


Man disobeyed God. They ate of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The perfect peace was gone. The innocence was gone. Things could not continue as they were. God expelled man and woman from the perfect garden into a hard, cruel and imperfect world. Man was guilty and ashamed. Man murdered his brother. Man ran from trouble. Man married, had children, earned a living by the sweat of his brow, and died. Some students of the Bible have called that time the Dispensation of Conscience.
God taught man how to make a blood sacrifice. Some did it. Some did not. Eventually, mankind was so wicked and perverse, God's heart was grieved to the point He decided to destroy His creation. God would have destroyed man from the face of the earth, except that "Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord."


God destroyed everyone and everything on earth, except for Noah, his family and the animals on board the giant ark God taught Noah to build. The sacrifices continued, but God allowed man to eat the meat.
God also instituted the death penalty for any person who murdered another person. God established an agreement (covenant) with Noah. God promised He would not destroy the earth with water again. The rainbow was the sign of that agreement.

Nations of people grew up after the flood. Those nations developed systems of human government with rules and regulations. Some students of the Bible have called that time the Dispensation of Human Government.


God called out one man from all of mankind. His name was Abram (Abraham). God promised to make a great nation out of him and bless all nations through him. God promised Abraham's seed a vast area of land and national salvation. The sign of God's agreement with Abraham was circumcision. Some students of the Bible have called that time the Dispensation of Promise.

Conscience, Human Government and Promise continued for hundreds of years. Then, God used Moses to lead the people of Abraham's promise out of Egypt and captivity toward the land God promised Abraham centuries earlier. During the lengthy journey, God gave Moses and the people of His promise a large group of Laws. It was the new way God would manage His household. Some students of the Bible have called that time the Dispensation of Law.

Conscience, Human Government, Promise, and the Mosaic Law continued for hundreds more years. God's prophets called the people of His promise and the Law to repent and obey God's Word. There were various stages and times of obedience and disobedience, repentance and sin. The people of God's promise and His Law demanded a physical king. God gave them kings. Some were good. Many were bad. God's prophets predicted the coming of a Mighty and Holy King; a Messiah and Savior who would deliver the people of God's promise and His Law and establish an everlasting Kingdom. Jesus Christ is that King, Messiah and Savior.
Jesus Christ, the Eternal and Only Son of the Living God, came to earth in human form. He preached that the promised Kingdom was "at hand." The people of God's promise and His Law killed Jesus their King. Christ rose from the grave, taught His followers what to do, ascended back to Heaven, and sent His Holy Spirit to His followers to enable them to do what He had told them to do. His followers were filled and empowered with the Holy Spirit and preached boldly about their King and His Promised Kingdom. Christ's followers obeyed the Law, had all things in common, baptized converts in water for the remission of their sins, and preached only to fellow people of the Promise (children of Israel). Their message was about the King and His Kingdom. It was seated in prophecy and expected fulfillment in their King. The message was not heeded by the people of God's promise and His Law. The people killed the follower of the King. Some students of the Bible have called that time the Dispensation of Kingdom Gospel.

ALL SCRIPTURE IS PROFITABLE (PART 4)

The leaders of Israel refused God's offer of a King and a Kingdom. God set aside Israel and called a new man, Saul (Paul), to do something new. God told a prophet named Ananias that Paul would preach God's message to the Gentiles, their kings, and to the children of Israel. Jesus Christ the King called Paul personally, just as He had His other Apostles of the Kingdom Gospel. However, Paul's ministry would not include the Law or Circumcision or a national kingdom. Paul's ministry would be about God's Grace to all the people of the earth. Paul preached his message of Grace and did battle about the Law and Circumcision. Paul said Christ had not sent him to baptize in water but to preach the Gospel. Paul taught the world that the Gentiles were heirs of God's promise to Israel through their faith in Jesus Christ.

"Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."
Galatians 3:21-29

Paul stated clearly that his message was different from that of the Kingdom Apostles.


"As for those who seemed to be important--whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not judge by external appearance--those men added nothing to my message. On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews. For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles. James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews."
Galatians 2:6-9

The message of Peter, James, John and the other Jewish Apostles was grounded in the Mosaic Law and Old Covenant prophecies.

Paul's message is grounded in Grace, Freedom and Mystery.


"For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles--Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things."
Ephesians 3:1-9

This is our dispensation: the Dispensation of the Grace of God.

The Promise, Law and Kingdom Dispensations will come into play again (the Book of Revelation). But for now, God is managing His current household under Grace and the Mystery of the Body of Christ.

ALL SCRIPTURE IS PROFITABLE (PART 5)

So, what does that mean to Bible students today? Paul stated that every Scripture passage in the Bible is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness. However, Paul also makes it clear that not all Scripture is written "to" us.

When we study any portion of Scripture, we should ask some basic questions:


Who is speaking?

Who are they speaking to?

Is their speech principle or dispensational? In other words, is it horizontal (meant for all dispensations) or vertical (meant for a particular dispensation)?

Is it prophecy or mystery? Is is predicted in the Old Covenant or a mystery God revealed to Paul?

A "principle" is a settled rule of morality or conduct.
Example: Before the giving of the Law, murder was wrong. Under the Law, murder was wrong. Under Grace, murder is wrong.

God hated sin before the Law, under the Law, and under Grace. God saved men from His Love, Grace and Mercy before the Law, under the Law, and under Grace.

A "dispensation" is the way God manages His household. In previous dispensations God required people to perform works as part of their salvation. In the Dispensation of Grace God has no such requirement -- "it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast."

God's Principles of Right and Wrong never change, but His dealings with people do.

Is it prophecy? or Mystery?

The ministry of the Old Covenant writers was prophetic. The ministry of the Gospel writers was prophetic fulfillment. The Words of Jesus during His earthly Ministry were prophetic and prophetic fulfillment. The ministry of the disciples of Christ after the Lord ascended to heaven were prophetic fulfillment. They repeated and explained prophecies about Israel, its King and Kingdom.

Then there was Paul. Jesus Christ called him personally to salvation. Jesus Christ tutored Paul Face to face, Mouth to ear, Mind to mind. This was the same Jesus Who called and taught the Kingdom disciples--Peter, James, John, Matthew, Andrew and the others. Since Paul was just "another" disciple of Christ, the message Jesus gave him was identical to what He taught the others. Right?

Wrong! Paul was not just "another" disciple of Christ. Christ called Paul outside of His calling of the Kingdom disciples. Paul is not a Kingdom disciple. He is the Apostle to the Gentiles.

Read these passages to see what Paul said about the message that Jesus Christ gave only to him.


Ephesians 1:1-14

Ephesians 2:1 - 3:12

Colossians 1:23-29

Galatians 1:1 - 5:25

ALL SCRIPTURE IS PROFITABLE (PART 6)

It was Jesus, not Paul, Who changed the way He managed His Households of Faith. It was Jesus, not Paul, Who kept a secret from previous generations of believers and gave it first to Paul. It was Jesus, not Paul, Who set Israel aside and put the Gentiles in the forefront of His plans for earth temporarily. It was Jesus, not Paul, Who postponed His Prophesied Kingdom and built His Mystery Body instead. It was Jesus, not Paul, Who abolished the Law and made peace between Jew and Gentile by His Cross. It was Jesus, not Paul, Who did all of it.
Jesus determined--Paul delivered. Jesus hid it away--Paul handed it out. Therefore, when we read the Bible, we must realize that Jesus speaks in this Dispensation of Grace through the writings of the Apostle Paul. The principles are for all time. Prophecy is for other times. Mystery is for this time.

How was that Mystery revealed to Paul? Gradually. Read Acts 26:16-18, 1 Corinthians 1:13-17 and 13:8-10, and 2 Corinthians 12:1-7. They are just a few examples.

ALL SCRIPTURE IS PROFITABLE (PART 7)

The Twelve Apostles                        
___________________                        

Representatives of Israel                  
12 tribes -- 12 men -- 12 thrones          

Called by Christ on earth                  

Sent to Israel and the nations            

Sent to proclaim God's fulfilled prophecy

Agree to confine their ministry to        
Israel after raising up of Paul.      

ALL SCRIPTURE IS PROFITABLE

The Apostle Paul
________________


1 man -- both Hebrew and Gentile reconciled

Called by Christ from heaven

Sent to all men everywhere

Sent to proclaim God's secret

Supercedes 12 as Apostle to the Gentiles
as Israel rejects the King and Kingdom


(THE END)

From: Grace Life
http://www.gmaf.org/

Oklahoma Howdy to The Crusader,

AMEN BROTHER!

Jesus Christ and the meaning of HIS crucifixion on the Cross for all was a "Mystery not made known to men of other ages". THE CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST was part of that "Mystery". The Gospel of the Grace of God is a beautiful TRUTH and PRECIOUS TREASURE to all of HIS children.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Thanks Tom, Amen & Amen

My Favorite Web-Sites And Studies
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Grace Bible Church
Chattanooga Tennessee
Pastor : Steve Atwood
http://www.understandingyourbible.com/
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WHY ALL THE CONFUSION ?

"Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things." 2 Timothy 2:7

Did you ever wonder why there is so much confusion in religion today? Why is it that you can hear so many people teaching contradicting doctrines when they all use the Bible? There is an answer.

Most of the confusion and contradicting doctrine that you hear today is a result of failing to obey God’s command in II Timothy 2:15, to “Rightly Divide the Word of truth”. Most people do not distinguish between the KINGDOM MESSAGE of Christ and his apostles found in Matthew through John and Hebrews through Revelation and that of THE MESSAGE OF GRACE given to and through the apostle Paul in ROMANS through PHILEMON.

We are told to RIGHTLY DIVIDE THE WORD OF TRUTH, and to follow PAUL, and failure to do so results in confusion.

WE ASK THAT YOU EXAMINE PRAYERFULLY SOME SCRIPTURAL FACTS KEEPING IN MIND WHAT PAUL SAID IN 1 Corinthians 14:37:

  If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

ALL REFERENCES ARE FROM THE KING JAMES BIBLE.

1. PAUL IS THE APOSTLE TO THE GENTILES.

Romans 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

Romans 15:16 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.

2. PAUL RECEIVED HIS MESSAGE BY DIRECT REVELATION AND HIS WORDS ARE THE WORDS OF CHRIST FOR TODAY.

Gal 1:11-12 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

3. PAUL LAID THE FOUNDATION FOR THE CHURCH, CHRIST’S BODY.

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

4. PAUL WAS THE FIRST MAN EVER SAVED TOTALLY BY GRACE.

1 Tim 1:16 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.

5. PAUL WAS GIVEN THE DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD.

Eph 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

6. PAUL'S MESSAGE WAS A MYSTERY N0T MADE KNOWN UNTIL REVEALED TO HIM.

Eph 3:3-5 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 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;

7. PAUL PREACHED A DIFFERENT GOSPEL FROM PETER AND WAS SENT TO A DIFFERENT PEOPLE. THE APOSTLES ACKNOWLEGED PAUL’S MINISRTY AND WERE IN AGREEMENT WITH IT.

Gal 2:7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;

Gal 2:9 And when James, Cephas, 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.



WHILE WE DO NOT WORSHIP PAUL, WE DO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT HE WAS GOD'S CHOSEN VESSEL TO MAKE THE MESSAGE OF SALVATION BY GRACE KNOWN IN THE DISPENSATION OF GRACE AND WE ARE TOLD TO FOLLOW HIM. (1 COR 11:4)

My Favorite Web-Sites And Studies
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Bible Ambassadors
http://www.bibleambassadors.org/index.html
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Contradictions?

  There are obvious contradictions in the Holy Bible - the written Word of God - that cause much of the confusion in people today because  of a lack of understanding in How To Study The Bible.  We will address some of these issues from time to time in hopes it will help you, or someone you know, grab hold of God's simple truths.  Isn't it amazing how mankind wants to complicate what God made very simple?
  One of the issues causing abundant confusion today is whether or not we must do good works to be saved, or do good works to maintain our salvation.  Look at the following two scriptures:


James 2:26 - For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.



Romans 4:5 - But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.


  Now those are both quotes from the inspired, authorized Word of God.  Yet they definitely have different messages .  So then, which one is right?  Which one does God want you  to follow?  And why?

  The key to KNOWING which one of those passages applies to YOU, so that you can "walk in the Spirit" correctly is 2 Timothy 2:15.  A contradiction  is a noticeable difference . There is very obvious or noticeable difference between the passages above.  Do not skirt around those differences by quoting a scripture most use that has nothing to do with the issue.  That is, they attempt to answer (which is not an answer but an evasion) that "Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday, today and forever.  [Hebrews 13:8]  They do that because they do not KNOW the key to understanding the difference.  It is an attempt to hide their ignorance which means  they do not know.  Ignorance does not equal stupidity; it means lacking in knowledge.  But you CAN KNOW.  God provided a key.  The key - again - is 2 Timothy 2:15 in a King James Bible: (Modern versions change the wording because they also "don't know."  God forbid they would deliberately change the meaning of God's Word.)


Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.


  Please note:  We AGREE with Hebrews 13:8.  Jesus Christ IS the same in every way and every day.  That scripture, used as a rebuff, is a "duck blind."  Though Christ never changes - GOD never changes - how he deals with or dealt with mankind has  changed.  If that is not true, then perhaps you better "sell all you have" and follow Christ.  Including your computer and your big screen TV!

  Remember, the subject here is differences between passages addressing the same issue, and how to deal with them.  It has a very simple solution.  Man seems to want complicated solutions, therefor overlook God's very simple solutions - in this case - "rightly divide the Word of Truth."  How do you do that?

  First of all, it helps tremendously to understand  2 Timothy 2:15.  Remember, don't try to complicate it.  It means what it says.  It says, "rightly divide".  In some circles you will hear (or may have been taught) that it means to "correctly handle" (some perverted Bibles version) or to "correctly teach."  That might look good if you stop at the first word there - "rightly."  No problem agreeing that rightly and correctly mean the same.  

  Where the error comes in is that they quit there and try to ignore the other word God gave - "divide."  Actually, that is being kind, because they don't truly ignore it, they change its meaning when they teach the passage.  Now, no matter how hard I try, I can't make divide  mean handle  or teach .  It does mean to separate , to cut  or, interestingly, distribute .  (As in "dispense.")  You do not need now to go to the Greek to learn what has already been translated from Greek to English.  

  So God said to you and me (James was written specifically to Christian Jews scattered abroad who were part of the Little Flock and not the Body of Christ), that WE are to "rightly divide the Word of Truth."  And WE  (the Body of Christ) are to follow our own apostle (Romans 11:13) who told us that we are to " worketh  not, " but are to walk in God's grace.  The WORD of God then can be DIVIDED.

  Divided into what?  Well that is another whole study, but this should excite you enough to want to do that study because it will open up the whole Bible to you in a way you have never seen it, enjoyed it or been excited by it.  But the first clue is that it is full of division, from Genesis to the Revelation.  Beginning with the division in creation between the heaven  and the earth .  Enjoy! Get to the division of Prophecy versus The Mystery!

"Grace & Peace"

This would make a good tract.

Amen

Brother Love :)

 Thanks Brother Love, I will posting a lot more on this subject.

No Other Doctrine But Right Division
By Pastor John Fredericksen
Part 1


For many years a family in a northern state lived on the banks of a river. As time passed, more children were added until the total was ten, plus the mother and the father. Each year as winter approached the father would gather the children to his side and, in no uncertain terms, explain that no one was to ever go out on the ice. One Monday, three of the children decided to walk across the frozen ice as a shortcut on their way to school. Some of the older children begged them not to, and reminded them of their Dad's stern warning. "Nothing is going to happen to us. Just leave us alone. We'll be just fine." So off the three children went. Because the water was more shallow at first, the ice was quite thick. So, with a false sense of security, the three children began to run. Suddenly, the ice beneath their feet began to crack, and all three plunged into the icy water, never to be seen again. In a spiritual sense, many of God's children are doing something very similar.

When the Apostle Paul writes to Timothy at Ephesus, he says, "I besought thee...that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine" (I Tim. 1:3). What one is taught doctrinally is of the utmost importance. That's why Timothy was to be very careful himself to "hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me" (II Tim. 1:13), then "the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (II Tim. 2:2). If Timothy, and those teaching with him, were consistent about teaching no other doctrine other than what Paul taught, this sound doctrine would "save" (or deliver, I Tim. 4:16) all who heard it from spiritual error. But the opposite was also true. If anyone taught or exposed themselves to doctrines which were contrary to what Paul taught, it would have devastating effects. In other words, it would be like playing on thin ice.

What doctrines were so precious and important, that nothing else was to be listened to? No sermon or article can adequately articulate all of the important things that the Apostle Paul taught. However, let's take a look at a number of things that we must hold dear to our understanding, and consistently demand from the teaching of anyone that we sit under. We learn from Romans 6:14 that we are "not under the law, but under grace." The practical impact of this is that we do not try to implement portions of our Bible that were written exclusively to Israel. From Romans 11:13 we see that Paul is "the apostle of the Gentiles." Peter, James, and John wrote Scripture, but confined their ministries to the nation Israel. Their writings dealt largely with the tribulation or millennial kingdom. Only Paul claims to be, or calls himself, the apostle of the Gentiles. He further urges that we are to "be followers of me" (I Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Phil. 3:17). So, someone who is sound in doctrine will recognize Paul's letters as the exclusive "commandments of the Lord" for believers today (I Cor. 14:37).

Our apostle had no tolerance for anything other than the pure "gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24; Gal. 1:6-12). He demanded that it always be taught in a crystal clear manner. That meant salvation being proclaimed as a gift of God's grace, apart from man's works, and received through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ (I Cor. 15:1-4; Eph. 2:8,9; Rom. 3:24-28). Beyond this, Paul taught that he was not sent to baptize, "lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none effect" (I Cor. 1:17). Today there is only "one baptism" (Eph. 4:5 and that is the baptism of the Holy Spirit which places us into the Body of Christ at the moment of salvation (I Cor. 12:13). Once saved, we are eternally secure, because we are "sealed" with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit "unto the day of redemption" (Eph. 4:30). Our security is not based on our performance but in the power of God. Paul also taught that miraculous signs such as "tongues" and "prophecies" have been "done away" with by the completion of Scripture (I Cor. 13:8-11). Therefore, any today who would claim special revelations from God, or miraculous powers, are deceivers. Today God uses His written Word to provide all that we need for our doctrine and daily walk.

Paul asked some of his converts "if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward"? (Eph. 3:2). They needed to understand that the days in which we are living, and the program we are under, are different from anything at any other time in history. In the preceding chapter, he explained that "in time past" Gentiles were not a part of God's dealings. Israel was His exclusive focus of outreach, and Gentiles were rarely saved, and only then by becoming a Jewish proselyte. "But now" (Eph. 2:13) Gentiles "are made nigh by the blood of Christ." Paul summarizes the above doctrines and more, by telling Timothy that "rightly dividing the Word of truth" (II Tim. 2:15) is the only way to be approved unto God. It is not enough to teach about "Jesus," nor to teach general Biblical principles for "Christian living."

No Other Doctrine But Right Division
By Pastor John Fredericksen
Part 2


Parents are very wise to refuse to allow their children to attend other churches or youth groups, where these basic Pauline doctrines are not understood or consistently taught. This may not be easy or popular, but the Scripture warns us about exposure to wrong doctrine, and tells us to avoid it. If all believers would follow this practice they would not only be obedient to Scripture, but also avoid being "tossed to and fro...with every wind of doctrine."

What happens when we listen to unsound doctrine? Three things can happen. One, we can become a spiritual "shipwreck" (I Tim. 1:19). Hymenaeus is an example. He had "swerved" and "turned aside" (I Tim. 1:6) from the sound doctrines of Paul, believing and teaching others that the resurrection had already past. Two, we can "overthrow the faith of some" (II Tim. 2:18). This happened continually to the converts of the Apostle Paul. The Galatians were so "bewitched" that they no longer understood the gospel that saved them, and they desired to go back under the Mosaic Law. The believers at Colosse, though saved, ceased to properly esteem the Lord Jesus Christ as their "Head," and began the practice of worshipping angels (Col. 2:18-19). Three, believers can "depart from the faith" (I Tim. 4:1). This certainly does NOT mean they can lose their salvation. Rather it refers to saved believers departing from the sound doctrines of the Apostle Paul, as their guide for living today. All of this could have been, and can be avoided if we will simply obey what God says about allowing no other doctrine to influence us.

In 1970, a woman by the name of Rose heard the gospel of God's grace and trusted Christ as her Savior. Soon after she was introduced to a host of dispensational literature. She was thrilled to see the difference between Israel and the Body of Christ, being under the law as opposed to being under grace. She became a well-grounded Grace believer, and even lead a cousin by the name of Maria into the Grace message. Eventually Rose began to attend a church that believed in miraculous Pentecostal signs. When her husband became ill, those in her church told her with certainty that her husband would be healed of his cancer. They knew this because they had "heard from God." Even though she had known God's Word rightly divided, exposure to such false doctrine had her so confused that she believed what they told her and became utterly dismayed when her husband died.

Maria became a well-grounded Grace believer also, through years of reading Grace literature and listening to Grace teachers on tape. She regularly listened to Christian radio. Several of the preachers on the radio, though nationally recognizable, had her utterly confused. Some taught that if you didn't live in a certain way you would lose your salvation. Maria spent months in spiritual agony, until she made the decision that she would listen to "no other doctrine" than that of grace. Only then was her peace and joy and certainty of salvation restored.

On October 31, 1983 Korean airlines flight 007 departed from Anchorage, Alaska for a direct flight to Seoul, Korea. Unknown to the crew, the computer flight navigation system contained a one-and-a-half degree routing error. At the point of departure, the mistake was unnoticeable. One hundred miles out, the deviation was still too small to be detectable. But eventually the giant 747 strayed into Soviet airspace. Soviet radar picked up the error, and fighter jets scrambled to intercept. Over mainland Russia, the jets shot down flight 007, and all on board lost their lives. This tragedy occurred because of only being a little off course to begin with. Spiritually we can come to a tragic end ourselves by swerving off the course of doctrine that is consistent with the doctrine that Paul teaches in his letters.

Some will attend other churches and think that it will not have an ill effect upon them. Surely, they think, I can benefit from grace teaching and non-grace teaching. Others will read literature, attend conferences, fellowship in social church events and otherwise generally expose themselves to errant doctrine. But the effect will be the same as it was in Paul's day. The Corinthians began to question the authority of the Apostle Paul. They became confused about the value of working for the Lord, and increasingly carnal in every way. Little by little they became willing to compromise sound doctrine and justify associations that they knew were wrong. Later they became antagonistic and hypercritical of him. The result was that Paul had to waste valuable time to confirm his ministry and sound doctrine before them. Unfortunately, some were unretrievable. In other words, some departed from the faith just like those that Paul warned Timothy about.

Paul warned Timothy in II Timothy 4:3,4 that "the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine: but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears: and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables" (a story or teaching that is untrue). In the days just before the Rapture, Grace teaching will not be popular. Even those who know it will begin to think these truths are boring. They will want something new, exciting, entertaining, something that will draw crowds. They will want to soft pedal Grace truth, and have itching ears for other doctrines. Many will abandon a church that stands for sound Pauline doctrine to attend other "ministries" less worthy of their loyalty. I wonder if one of the arguments won't be that what they are doing makes them feel closer to God. In Grace circles we are continually hearing this explanation from those who are listening to doctrines that are not compatible with what Paul teaches. Recently, one ministerial student, one college student, and one older mature gentleman commented that attending a non-grace church made them feel like they were really worshipping God for the first time. The real issue is how does God feel about what doctrine they are now standing for and with? Now we are reminded of the Scripture that tells us "unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" (Luke 12:48). Those of us who have been privileged to understand God's Word rightly divided must stand true to what is true, and to allow our emotions to soar with the joy of doing what is right.

Early in aviation history, pilots had to learn the lesson of inertia. When flying through clouds or fog which prevented them from seeing the horizon, they could not feel the plane's wings beginning to bank right or left. Initially pilots followed the myth of instinct: They believed they could feel the turn of their plane, and many banked unknowingly into a spiral dive that ended in a crash. Pilot William Langewieshe writes, "instinct is worse than useless in the clouds." The only way for pilots to fly through the clouds is to rely on instruments like the artificial horizon gauge. This is a gyroscoped line that stays level with the earth's surface and unerringly indicates when the wings bank left or right. In the early days of this instrument, the biggest problem fliers had was relying on their feelings instead of this instrument. When it comes to spiritual matters, our feelings, experiences, or what is most popular is not a reliable guide for us to follow. Today God uses the instrument of His Word. It is unerring, if we are willing to rightly divide it and accept "no other doctrine" than what is taught by the inspired writings of the Apostle Paul. Stand true to Paul's doctrines of grace.

Posted By Brother Love :)

 I agree 100%. I first read the bible thru last May when God entered my life, and that is the first book I had read in over 10 yrs. I never stop reading it, as it is a "living" book and more is revealed by God thru His spirit everytime I read it.
  I read it as a completed book, from Genesis to Revelation, and it appears that the Garden of Eden might symbolically be where Jerusalem was.
   I noticed "earth" was use hundreds of times and just seemed that the bible was always centered on Jerusalem specifically and Israel generally. I used a lexicon numerous times and usually 6 different translations to help me my study. The Bible is truly the most devinely written, God inspired book in the world, which I call God's diary, and is the only book I ever read.
     Praise God the Father and Jesus Christ His Son!!!!

  Excellent post Tom[Blackeyepea] I couldn't agree more on that myself!!!!. A person truly in the spirit of God will want more wisdom and knowledge of the Father who created us, and the bible is the only place to get it. But it must be read everyday, and if possible, a whole book of the bible in one sitting to really get the full message of it. I can't go one day without reading chapters out of the bible, but I will usually read all of Paul's epistles at one sitting or a whole gosple at one sitting. Each time I read, more and more of it comes alive for me and every word written is a feast for my eyes and soul. Always say a prayer asking God to guide you with His book, and believe me, He will answer it!!! The bible is the only book in the world to me now and am even doing my own translation of it to more learn it, using 6 translations and lexicons, and it is a lot of fun and a joy for me. No better hobby in the world ;)

Oklahoma Howdy to InHimITrust,

THanks.

I'm retired and disabled, so I get to study the Bible all I want. I have a large assortment of books and materials, but my favorite is e-Sword Bible software. It has a huge assortment of translations, dictionaries, commentaries, topic notes, maps, and other numerous study aids (AND IT'S FREE). I have a few add-ons that I wanted and paid for, but it is amazing FREE. You can point and click to all of the resources on one page and switch back and forth while you are studying. One of my favorite features is being able to set the fonts at whatever size you want.

Take a look:

http://www.e-sword.net/ (http://www.e-sword.net/)

Love In Christ,
Tom

GOD’S WORD TO US





In charging Timothy to "preach the Word," the Apostle does not mean, as some have suppos-ed, that the pastor should draw his sermon material equally from all parts of the Bible. True, "all Scripture" is given so that the "man of God" may be fully equipped for his ministry. But in this same letter the Apostle Paul indicates that the Scriptures must be "rightly divided" (II Tim. 2:15) and that his own God-given message is the Word of God in particular for the present dispen-sation of grace (See II Tim. 1:7-14; 2:7-9). Thus the Apostle declares by inspiration that believers are established by "my gospel and the preach-ing of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery" (Rom. 16:25).
         
How often the Apostle insists that his message is the Word of God! To the Thessalonian believers he writes with joy:

"For this cause also thank we God without ceas-ing, because, 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..." (I Thes. 2:13).

Thus the Apostle writes to Timothy, in this his last letter:  
   
"Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me..." (II Tim. 1:13).

"And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men..." (2:2).

"Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel" (2:8).
         
The charge to "preach the Word," therefore, refers to "all Scripture" in general, but to Paul’s God-given message in particular. This is obvious, for it is in urging Timothy to faithfully carry on in his place that the Apostle charges him to "preach the Word."

By C. R. Stam


<:)))><

  There is an important key to Sacred Scripture on how to study the Word of God. Without adhering to this great principle, the Word of God cannot be understood. The result would be confusion. The witness of this confusion is the many different denominations today who do not adhere to God's instructions on how to view and study the Scriptures.
 
   2Timothy 2:15 - "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth."

  This verse plainly teaches that:
  1.  Our one great study is to seek God's approval, and not man's.
  2.  We are to show diligence in pursuing this study.
  3.  As workmen, our aim is to have no cause to be ashamed of our work
  4.  In order to gain God's approval and avert our own shame, we must rightly divide the word of truth.
  5.  To do this we must direct our studies in the right way.
  6.  The great requirement is associated with the Word in its
       special character as being the Word of truth (i.e.) the TRUE Word.

  WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

  We shall not get the truth if we do not rightly divide.
  We shall only get the truth only in proportion to our "rightly dividing"it.

  Unless we do this, we can't grow in knowledge or grace. We will ever be learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Peter 3:18)

  One example (and there are many) of this is the difference between law and grace. To read in this age of grace and believe that the Gentiles are under the laws and covenants of the Jews is to disbelieve all that pertains to grace apart from the law. For it was to the Jews that the convenants, laws, and ordinances were given. (Rom.9:4) But now, in this age of grace, both Jews and Gentiles today have been given complete grace, apart from the law.  The nation of Israel, is in abeyance, because of unbelief (Acts 28:25-28) but, they will continue to fullfill all that pertains to the Kingdom and the laws of the Kingdom at some future time. Right now, the believer is to be established in present truth, or the result will be much error and confusion.

  Paul through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit tells both Jews and Gentiles today - Eph 2:8.9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
  Eph 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of   commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain   one new man, so making peace;
  Eph 2:16,17,18 - And that he might reconcile both unto God (Jew and Gentile) in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the    Father.

2Timothy 2:15 - "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth."

<:)))><

Amen! I beleive this also....

That makes two of us Bro :)

Brother Love :)

<:)))><

1)  Salvation is only through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

2)  Salvation is available to all men.  No one is predestinated to be saved or lost.

3)  We are saved by grace without works.

4)  The keys to understanding the scriptures are "rightly dividing the word of truth" according to 2 Timothy 2:15, and comparing scripture with scripture.

5)  The church which is the Body of Christ was not founded in Acts 2.  

6)  Water baptism has no place today for the Body of Christ.

7)  Paul is the apostle to the Gentiles and the doctrine for the Body of Christ is found in his writings (Romans thru Philemon).







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Have you ever received someone else's mail on accident?
How embarrassed we are after we realize we are reading mail that belongs to another person. The word of God is like mail too.

Some of it was written to us "Gentiles" while some of it was written to "Israel".

It is no wonder that people become confused when trying to follow directions that belong to someone else.

Paul says: 2 Tim 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

When we "rightly divide the word of truth" we give to Israel what belongs to Israel and we give to the body of Christ what belongs to the body of Christ.

Israel could no more follow God's plans designed for this present dispensation of the grace of God than we could keep the Law of Moses.

We get our mail from Paul today. For it is in the Pauline epistles alone that you find the doctrine, duty and destiny of the church the body of Christ.



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Tom, that e-Sword looks great, are you sure it is safe to download? Have you downloaded it to your hard drive?

Thanks

When you see the word "Rightly Divided" in relationship to Biblical interpretation, it is a red flag warning for the Dispensational heresy. The Scofield Reference Bible is the best known proponant of this dangerous teaching. Someone wrote a song about it to the tune of "My hope is built on nothing less"

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Scofield's notes and reference
I dare not trust this Thompson's Chain
But whole lean on Scfield's fame

refrain

He taught me to divide the truth
By reading James and chucking Ruth
He lets me choose which laws are right
And I admit that's mighty nice

There are a few other verses.

You get "TWO"Thumbs DOWN ;D


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Tim,

It's completely safe, and I've been using it for years on various operating systems. I currently use it on XP PRO, and it works flawlessly. It's every bit as good as many very expensive Bible Study packages, and it's FREE. I have it running in the background right now and most of every day.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Tim,

We can agree to disagree, and I think you are completely wrong. Anyone wishing to get beyond being a baby Christian must learn how to "rightly divide the Word of Truth". It's not a matter of ignoring even a single Scripture of the Bible, rather a matter of understanding the speaker, the audience, the purpose, how it applied, and when it applied.

Here's a couple of easy examples for you:

Adulterers were stoned to death.

Children who didn't learn to honor their father and mother before age 18 were stoned to death.

Gentiles (that's us) are unclean heathen, and it is forbidden to associate with us or be with us.

There are thousands more, but you will be fine if you make proper burnt offerings at the right time, way, and place.   :D

Anyone can misuse and and confuse the Holy Bible without a single word of commentary. There is no heresy with the use of a Scofield Reference Bible, but there might be some heresy with the user or the user's results. There are no perfect commentaries or Bible study aids. That's why the Holy Bible is and should be the primary source of truth and study. That's also why the Old King James Version of the Holy Bible should be used.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Hi there BEP -


Are you saying the above is found in the OT somewhere? Could you please reference the scripture?

The reason I challenge you on this is because such a thing is not found in the OT, at least according to my understanding.

Peter says that he was forbidden (by law) not to associate with Gentiles: Acts 10:28 And he said to them, "You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a man who is a Jew to associate with a foreigner or to visit him;" You will find no such prohibition in the Law of Moses. It was Rabbinic Law that prohibited a Jew from associating and particularly eating with a Gentile -- mostly as an issue of Kosher eating and keeping oneself from partaking in idol worship.

The Law of Moses, however, was given not only to Israel, but also to the Gentiles who left Egypt with Israel and sojourned with them:

Ex 12:49 " The same law shall apply to the native as to the stranger who sojourns among you."

Le 18:26 'But as for you, you are to keep My statutes and My judgments and shall not do any of these abominations, {neither} the native, nor the alien who sojourns among you

Le 24:22 'There shall be one standard for you; it shall be for the stranger as well as the native, for I am the LORD your God.' "

Nu 15:29 'You shall have one law for him who does {anything} unintentionally, for him who is native among the sons of Israel and for the alien who sojourns among them.

Nu 15:30 'But the person who does {anything} defiantly, whether he is native or an alien, that one is blaspheming the LORD; and that person shall be cut off from among his people.

Take care,
Chesed

Chesed,

I think that you answered your own question.   :D

I made a general statement, and that statement is true. You will find many other references to what Gentiles were known for (i.e. demon worship, pagan rituals, familiar spirits, and on and on and on). In fact, you will find a host of general and specific references throughout the Old Testament. Gentiles were not partakers of the things of God, rather partakers of the things of the devil. Jesus Christ and the Cross allowed Gentiles to become partakers of the things of God.

Love In Christ,
Tom