How Prayer Changes in the Primary Dispensations

How Prayer Changes in the Primary Dispensations

Prayer is a vital part of a believer's faith and connection to God. It is therefore of great value to fully understand what prayer is and how it has changed throughout the primary dispensations. Before I get into the subject of prayer, let me first provide some details regarding the primary dispensations, so that you have context on how it changes the way we pray. Luke writes the following statement,

Luke provides us with a dispensational truth. We see two specific periods of administration in the verse,

Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

• the law and the prophets, which spans from Moses to John the Baptist, and
• the kingdom, introduced by John the Baptist and ends (temporarily) with Paul, then resumes again at the tribulation and through the millennial reign of Christ.

A Complete List of the Apostle Paul’s Prayers in the Bible

Prayer in the Dispensation of Grace

One way that each of us can improve the quality of our praying is to model our prayers after the examples of Paul, the apostle to the Gentles.

Paul recorded many Spirit-inspired prayers throughout the thirteen New Testament books he authored. God used Paul in a radical way to reach the Gentiles for Christ and spread the gospel over the whole Roman world in the first century. Praying and learning from his prayers can help us deepen and strengthen our prayer lives by gazing deep into the soul of the passionate apostle who said, “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8).

Sanctification is a two-fold truth

Sanctification is a two-fold truth.

First, our sanctification (being made pure, being set apart) is our fixed, secure and true standing before God, "in Christ." This is our positional sanctification … "Being in Christ." So, in one sense, and in fact, every true believer in Christ has already been sanctified, or made pure to God, by the work of Christ and the operation of the Holy Spirit the moment we were saved.

2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,

1 Corinthians 6:11 ...and such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

The Framework of Scripture

The Framework of Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable (beneficial) for (1) doctrine (teaching, policy [rules, procedure], guidelines) for (2) reproof (discipline, admonition), for (3) correction (improvement, amendment), and for (4) training in righteousness.

2 Peter 1:21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Matt 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. (They are: infallible, flawless, unfailing, perfect)

What other book on the face of the earth can claim these credits?

Let your prayers be grounded in the character of God and not in your circumstances

Let your prayers be grounded in the character of God and not in your circumstances

I recently went through a personal challenge which placed focus on much prayer and exercising of faith. I'll leave out the details of this challenge so that I can get right down to the point of this short post. 

I was looking back at this episode in my life recently and in hindsight I was able to identify something that I think we all might miss in that moment of crisis. Due to the challenge facing me, my prayers were focused on asking God to solve the crisis; to take away the cause of my suffering, to fix that which was broken. Having gone through this challenge, I have to admit that the strain and the uncertainty in that moment tended to shape my prayers into these types of requests of God, into a plea, or a petition for a resolution or a fix of the problem.

Is Christ's church built on Peter or all living stones of truth?

Answer Request:
Is Christ's Church built on Peter or all living stones of truth? Did God reveal the truth to Peter that Jesus is The Rock?

The Greek word translated "church" in the New Testament is ekklesia. A literal translation of ekklesia would be "a called-out assembly". Thus, when God calls one out, to separate them, it is for a purpose. In other words, there is a specific function that this entity should fulfil. For example, God separated the nation of Israel for a purpose. Israel can be identified as an ekklesia, (or church in modern English).

Deut.7:6 For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.

Num.23:9 For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people [Israel] shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.

Didn't Jesus say that God didn't send Him for Gentiles?

Answer Request:
Didn't Jesus say that God didn't send Him for Gentiles (Matt 15:24)? 

Yes! That is 100% correct. It might come as a surprise to many denominational Christians, but it is true! Jesus clearly tells us that He did not come for the Gentiles. Let's look at the verses and explain this fact,

Matt.15:23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. 24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. 26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. 27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.

If God can only save through the cross of Christ, then how can He be all powerful?

 

Question:

Is God's power to save people limited through the crucifixion of Jesus alone? If that is the case, then how can God be believed to have unlimited power?

Answer:

Read the answer to this question, here.

(LLTB) Recognizing and Understanding the Divisions in the Bible

Learning Point One will never reach their full potential and service to God until one understands where to look in the Bible to find God's will for them.

Recognizing and Understanding the Divisions in the Bible

Why are there so many different denominations? Why are there so many different opinions about topics such as water baptism, speaking in tongues, the Sabbath, eternal security, etc.? It is because many do not obey 2 Timothy 2:15. They do not rightly divide the word of truth. The only way to understand the Bible is to study it according to the divisional instructions given by God.

(LLTB) Why is Israel God's chosen people?

Learning Point The Lord thy God hath chosen thee [Israel] to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.  Deut.7:6

Why is Israel God's chosen people?

In this post I mentioned that most of the bible is written for Israel, God's chosen nation, and that most of the bible is addressed to, and is applicable to them. Why is this? How did Israel get to be God's chosen nation? What happened in the past to get us to the reality of this scenario? Well, let me explain this in a very summarized way.

(LLTB) Not all of the bible is for you

Learning Point All of the Bible is written for our learning, but not all of the Bible is addressed to us and for our practice.

Not all of the bible is for you

It might sound strange to hear this, but I'm going to give you a very valid point. Firstly, it's easy to see that the bible is a BIG book. It was written over a period of 1300 years by more than 40 authors (though God is the one TRUE Author) and its content is directed to different people groups over many centuries of time. So, my point is that people would be quite self-centered if they thought that ALL of the bible is directly addressed to them and is about them. 

(LLTB) The Absolute Fundamentals of Learning and Living the Bible (Introduction)

Look out for a new series of posts that I will be publishing soon under the banner of "The Absolute Fundamentals of Learning and Living the Bible".

Each post in this series will take a casual and exploratory look at concepts and topics that fall into one of two absolutely fundamental categories,

1. how to learn the bible,
• accepting the key concept of dispensational divisions within the bible
• understanding the separation of Israel from the Body of Christ
• distinguishing the differences between the prophecy program and the mystery program
• recognizing that what is written is either for our learning or for our direct application
  
  
2.  how to live out the bible, putting it into practice in this day and age,
• growing in the knowledge of the word
• keeping in step with the indwelling spirit of life
• behaviours and practices of grace living today

The concepts or topics discussed in the posts will be uploaded randomly. I will not be following a sequential order as I write these posts. I will however be generating a table of contents based on the titles of each post in this series into a separate post, and there I'll attempt to order the titles in a way that makes sense. One will be able to refer to this table of contents and then click the title link to take you to the appropriate post, thereby reading it the order that you choose.

I trust this series will be informative and educational and that you will be blessed by the content. I will prefix the post titles with (LLTB), as well as add the abbreviation to the labels section for quick reference and searches.  I trust this series will help you in continued growth and learning of the Bible and help you in developing a deeper connection and love for it. The Word is of course, by its own definition, a person, —Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace to you.

Sharing the gospel with someone in China

I am currently in the process of sharing the grace gospel with someone in China. We connected over a social platform and below is a cross-section of a conversation I am in with them. Please pray that my friend will understand the gospel message and will experience the faith to receive it and believe it. Pray also for their safety and protection as we know that China is a country that can persecute Christians and confiscate Bibles.

A Parallel on the Parable of the Sower

In Matthew 13 Jesus teaches the parable of the sower. Although later in the same chapter Jesus interprets the meaning of the parable to His disciples, the context of the parable can be applied in many other ways. While dealing with this topic recently, I recalled a parallel context to the sower parable that I haven't thought about for a long time and I thought it would be worthwhile to share this in a post. 

In the actual interpretation, Jesus refers to the seed as the Word of God, the Kingdom gospel. The different soils are the hearts, attitudes, and responses, of people who hear and receive the Word.

Revelation(4v6B): The Four Living Creatures around God's Throne

THE BOOK OF
REVELATION

(Rev.4:6B)

The Four Living Creatures around God's Throne

Rev.4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. 7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. 8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

I'm not going to even begin to try and understand or make sense of these four living creatures. It is not the primary context of this study. As far as Rev.4 and Ezek.1 goes, all I'll say is that the four Cherubim surrounding God's throne are four angelic beings of the highest order and rank. As part of their privileged functions, they are associated with the worship and praise of God., they are attendants of the Deity, and they are the bearers of God's Throne (Psalms 80:1; 99:1; 1 Samuel 4:4, and elsewhere...). 

Revelation(4v6): The Structure of Creation

THE BOOK OF
REVELATION

(Rev.4:6)

The Structure of Creation

What is my purpose for discussing this topic? Well, it is certainly not primary doctrine that we need to know and that can save us. But, it can inspire us and provide us with some sense of the greatness of God and His multi-layered creation. We know from scripture, and from our knowledge of the physical realm, that God is ordered and structured, so we can easily accept that when it comes to the invisible and metaphysical realms, this same order and structure would be maintained. We cannot measure and fully understand the nature of things in the spiritual realm, but the principles that govern that realm can be related to by our understanding of the realm in which we live. If we project our knowledge from this realm into the invisible, knowing that the physical realm is a mere shadow, or reflection, of the invisible realm, then we can only stand in awe and wonder at what we can expect to find when we, as the body of Christ, pass over into that realm at our call to come home (Romans 8:23). Remember, you and I have a heavenly destination. Our eternal purpose, as the body of Christ, is to govern this realm. So, this is why it is motivational and insightful to delve into this topic, even though we cannot even fully fathom the basics of it yet.

Revelation(4v10): The 24 Elders

THE BOOK OF
REVELATION

(Rev.4:10)

The 24 Elders

Definition: "Elder" –someone who is valued for wisdom and holds a position of responsibility and authority.

There are a few theories as to who these 24 elders are, who are seated on 24 thrones surrounding God's throne in the highest heaven. Some say they are members of the body of Christ, which in my opinion is blatant ignorance of scripture and dispensational truth! Others say they are Jews, which is also a statement that makes very little sense and has no foundational value. I certainly do not claim to be dogmatic about what I believe in these matters, but my understanding and confidence lies in the fact that these 24 elders are high ranking angelic beings who oversee and administer, or execute, God's will and judgements over creation. Just like Moses was able to manage the population of Israel throughout their wilderness journey, by appointing God-fearing men to hold rank and judge in matters over the people, so these 24 elders do the same thing in a heavenly context and in regards to God's will. 

Revelation(4v2): The Throne Room of God

THE BOOK OF
REVELATION

(Rev.4:2)

The Throne Room of God

How can any one of us ever come close to comprehending the sight that John tries to describe in his heavenly encounter. It comes across clearly in the text that what John is finding is difficult to even describe what he is seeing. It's entertaining to note the amount of times John had to use the word "like" in this section of scripture,

3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.

The Fundamentals of the REAL Gospel

When we share the grace gospel today, we must be careful how we present it. It is important to note that the grace gospel is not only the truth that the Lord died and rose again, but far more importantly, it is that the Lord died FOR OUR SINS and that his resurrection was FOR OUR JUSTIFICATION. This detail is of great importance, as the basis of our faith should rest specifically in the underlined statements above.

What will the gospel be in the tribulation?

The church at Galatia was severely affected by the false teachings of the Judaizers who wanted the believers in Galatia to follow the Law of Moses and be circumcised. Paul deals with their false doctrines and their attacks with instructions in his letter that speak boldly and with authority against these teachings, laying out sever consequences to those who skew the grace only message of the gospel. He writes,

Gal.1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Christ in You vs. You in Christ

Concerning believers in the grace gospel, Paul says these two things: (1) you are in Christ, and (2) Christ is in you.

"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:" – Colossians 1:27-28

The phrase "Christ in you" is found in Col 1:27, and in the next verse every man is presented perfect "in Christ Jesus" (Col 1:28).

What do these seemingly opposite but similar sounding statements mean?

What's the difference between 'you in Christ' and 'Christ in you'?

 

The song ‘Midnight Cry’ blends the the pretribulation rapture of the Body of Christ with the second coming of Jesus Christ making it doctrinally wrong!

The following is a slightly modified extract from an article posted at "Now the End Begins".

"I hear the sound Of a mighty rushing wind, And it's closer now than it's ever been. I can almost hear the trumpet, as Gabriel sounds the call; at the midnight cry we'll be going home!"

The incredibly beautiful and soul-stirring song 'Midnight Cry', sung by John Starnes, —from a spiritual perspective, is wonderful and one could never get tired of hearing it, but from a rightly dividing perspective it's a hot mess.

"While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him." Matthew 25:5,6 (KJB)

Gospels and Raptures (Grace - Part 29) Summary

The Gospels and their Raptures (Grace - Part 29)

Summary

Below is a summary of the details discussed in the preceding lesson parts of this gospel (the gospel of Grace), as well as additional points that highlight its unique standing in relation to the other gospels in this study. The table will also be a useful means to run comparisons with the other gospels to really get a grasp on the differences and transitions that occurred within each.

 Always remember who we are joined to...

Gospels and Raptures (Grace - Part 28): Additional

The Gospels and their Raptures (Grace - Part 28)

Additional

The end part of the probational period, that ±40 years of Israel under testing, Acts 28:28, brought about the official suspension of the Kingdom program for the next 2000-years. Israel under the promise of Abraham had fallen through the cracks, the Jews were dispersed and the temple was in ruins. 

This also marked the beginning of the 'undiluted' grace church, the Body of Christ, where there was no more wall of separation, no more distinguishing between the nations, no more preeminence of the Jew. Paul's writings to the far hence Gentiles was now the only valid doctrine of the day and provided all humanity with a new hope and salvation where once there was no hope and no salvation apart from Israel. It was during this time that the Word of God was unfettered, even though the messenger had been in chains for those last few years,

2 Timothy 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

Gospels and Raptures (Grace - Part 27): Destination

The Gospels and their Raptures (Grace - Part 27)

Destination

As with all the saints that continued in Paul's ministry to receive the gospel of Christ; who make up the fledgling 'body of Christ', so it would be with those 'far hence' Gentiles who are saved by the gospel of grace. They too are added to the Body of Christ and would have their destination to be in the heavens, meeting the Lord in that place of light, either through death or by the pre-tribulation rapture of the body of Christ.

I'll keep this post short and not repeat content already discussed. The point is that the gospel of Christ and the gospel of grace are the same gospel with the same result; membership into the Body of Christ and a destiny fulfilled in the heavens. The only difference is that the two gospels identify two different people groups; (1) those Jews and Greeks who believed the message of Christ through the cross, proved from scripture, and (2) those Gentiles who were unassociated with Israel and without hope —but for the grace gospel which saved them without the instrumentality of Israel and by utter grace alone, unsearchable in the scriptures.

Eph.3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Gospels and Raptures (Grace - Part 26): Participants

The Gospels and their Raptures (Grace - Part 26)

Participants

Although the participants of this grace gospel were 'all people', ie: both Jew and Gentile,

Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 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:

1 Timothy 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Gospels and Raptures (Grace - Part 25): Conditions

The Gospels and their Raptures (Grace - Part 25)

Conditions

Was blessing the Jews necessary in this gospel? Was keeping certain ordinances and laws necessary to keep the peace and to continue to bless the Jews? Was works still a requirement for one's salvation?

When Paul entered a city, we know that he presented the gospel of God to those present in the synagogues. To those who believed and had faith to 'continue in the grace of God' (Acts 13:43), Paul would teach that there was no laws or ordinances,

Gospels and Raptures (Grace - Part 24): Message

The Gospels and their Raptures (Grace - Part 24)

Message

The message of the gospel of grace is the same as the message of the gospel of Christ; the fact that Christ's death and burial was for the forgiveness of sins and His resurrection was the justifying result of that cross-work. Faith in the cross alone was sufficient enough to save. The primary difference was the audience and a few smaller details that distinguish it. Paul preached the gospel of Christ to Jews and Gentiles who came out of the synagogues, having believed the gospel of God. This message of salvation, which Paul called, "MY gospel", was hid in the prophetic scriptures, as confirmed by the following verses,

Gospels and Raptures (Grace - Part 23): Origin

The Gospels and their Raptures (Grace - Part 23)

Origin

As we have already documented, the gospel of Christ and the gospel of the grace of God are essentially the same gospel. They both place emphasis on faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ as the only aspect of salvation. There is no works associated with these gospels as the work was completely accomplished by the cross-work of Christ. The only different between these two gospels is not so much in the message of the gospel as it is in the recipient the gospel. 

Gospels and Raptures (Christ - Part 22): Summary

The Gospels and their Raptures (Christ - Part 22)

Summary

Below is a summary of the details discussed in the preceding lesson parts of this gospel (the gospel of Christ), as well as additional points that highlight its unique standing in relation to the other gospels in this study. The table will also be a useful means to run comparisons with the other gospels to really get a grasp on the differences and transitions that occurred within each.

Gospels and Raptures (Christ - Part 21): Additional

The Gospels and their Raptures (Christ - Part 21)

Additional

It is important to remember that this period of time covering the gospel of God and the gospel of Christ is a transition period. This has to be factored into the process of evaluating and interpreting the scriptures during this Acts period. Although the gospel of Christ is the exact same message as the gospel of the grace of God, our gospel today, we must recognize that the circumstances surrounding this gospel were different and that some of the things we read of in the Acts epistles of Paul do not apply in this grace dispensation today. During the time of in the book of Acts, as far as the Jews were concerned, the Gentile believers were going to be a possession of Israel when the kingdom came (Amos 9:11-12). It was only after the Acts epistles, when the gospel of grace was sent "far hence" unto the Gentiles, who were outside the covenants of promise, that Jewish things, like observances, traditions, customs, and rituals, were nailed to the cross and taken out of the way. Paul's prison epistles have no evidence of Jewish references and concepts.

Gospels and Raptures (Christ - Part 20): Destination

The Gospels and their Raptures (Christ - Part 20)

Destination

As a side note, the book of Thessalonians provides us with another great view into how Paul brought believers into the gospel of Christ. Notice the references in the verses below regarding the gospel of God,

1 Thess.2:2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. ...... 8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. 9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

Gospels and Raptures (Christ - Part 19): Participants

The Gospels and their Raptures (Christ - Part 19)

Participants

Since the covenant that God made with Abraham in Gen.12:1-3, God's focus and attention has been upon the physical seed of Abraham, the Jews. The reason for this is due to the plan of God for the redemption of humanity at that time. God's covenant with Abraham was that all of humanity would be blessed through the nation of Israel,

Gen.12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Gospels and Raptures (Christ - Part 18): Conditions

The Gospels and their Raptures (Christ - Part 18)

Conditions

We are now at the point where Paul has taken those Jews and Greeks out of the synagogue, —those who received his message, who believed in the gospel of God, and is now meeting with them in a home or another location. So, what is Paul going to preach to this group? What conditions apply to them? How will their lives change from what they knew?

Gospels and Raptures (Christ - Part 17): Message

The Gospels and their Raptures (Christ - Part 17)

Message

What better way to inform you of the message of the gospel of Christ than to have Paul tell it to you directly!

Gospels and Raptures (Christ - Part 16): Origin

The Gospels and their Raptures (Christ - Part 16)

Origin

In about 34-35AD, at the height of Saul's persecutions, God intervened. God would start a new program through Saul's conversion, and set a new pattern of grace. As the Kingdom program diminished, so the mystery program would increase. The Lord revealed many revelations to Paul throughout his ministry, but the most important would be the gospel of Christ which would pave the way for Gentiles to be saved by grace without the use of Israel, and subsequently become known and the Body of Christ.

Gospels and Raptures (God - Part 15): Summary

The Gospels and their Raptures (God - Part 15)

Summary

Below is a summary of the details discussed in the preceding lesson parts of this gospel (the gospel of God), as well as additional points that highlight its unique standing in relation to the other gospels in this study. The table will also be a useful means to run comparisons with the other gospels to really get a grasp on the differences and transitions that occurred within each.

Gospels and Raptures (God - Part 14): Additional

The Gospels and their Raptures (God - Part 14)

Additional

I will use this section to cover my tracks and remind you of things I may mentioned in previous posts about the gospel of God. Tracing one's steps and reminding one of things said is quite scriptural as both Peter and Paul did this, based on these verses,

Phil.3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous [tedious], but for you it is safe.

2 Peter 1:12 For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth.

Paul's Two Ministries: Chronological Order of Epistles and to Whom He Wrote Them

Paul's Two Ministries: Chronological Order of Epistles and to Whom He Wrote Them

Paul did not write anything until after he began his second missionary journey in which he was preaching the gospel of God in the synagogues and separating out those who believed it, into houses and schools, to establish them in the Gospel of Christ. His audience was a mix of Jews and Greeks (Gentiles) and during this time he was still water baptizing and doing miracles and signs for the Jews to believe his message. The gospel of God was about the resurrection of Christ and that this proved He was the Son of God. The gospel of Christ was about how Christ died for their sins, releasing them from the laws of Moses (yet maintaining some basic laws to keep the peace between the mixed cultures). Both these gospels that were preached to those who believed could be proved from the scriptures and the prophets. Those established in the gospel of Christ became members of the fledgling yet expanding Body of Christ.

Gospels and Raptures (God - Part 13): Destination

The Gospels and their Raptures (God - Part 13)

Destination

To quickly recap on my views regarding salvation in the Kingdom gospel, I believe that when saved into this gospel and one passed away, their inheritance and destination would be similar to the Old Testament saints who died in faith according to the good news God had made known in their day. Since these Kingdom believers, just like all Old Testament believers before them, placed their faith in a coming Redeemer and Messiah, they all, at death, would be asleep in Christ, and would experience resurrection at the sound of the trumpet* during the last stage of Christ's second advent. This means that they will awake in resurrection just before the Millennial Kingdom which they will inherit. 

What are all the resurrections of the end times?

The Bible speaks of two types of resurrections: (1) The Resurrections of the Righteous and (2) the resurrection of the Unrighteous. Jesus and Paul plainly declared two basic resurrections:

John 5:28 "for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned."

Acts 24:15 having hope toward God, which they themselves also wait for, that there is about to be a rising again of the dead, both of righteous and unrighteous; (Also see: Daniel 12:2)

Gospels and Raptures (God - Part 12): Participants

The Gospels and their Raptures (God - Part 12)

Participants

At Pentecost and during the early Acts period, the gospel of God was still predominantly Jewish. It was not actively being preached to Gentile's barring those who were in the synagogues, namely, the Greeks who were allies of the Jews and responsive to their religion! On the day of Pentecost, Peter specifically addressed Jews. Notice the following designations, "men of Judea" (Acts 2:14), "men of Israel" (Acts 2:22), and the "house of Israel" (Acts 2:36). 

Gospels and Raptures (God - Part 11): Conditions

The Gospels and their Raptures (God - Part 11)

Conditions

As with the gospel of the Kingdom, the gospel of God had works-based conditions that went apart with faith. We can get a good context of the conditions of this gospel by the preaching of Peter in Acts chapters 2 and 3. As already mentioned, the gospel of God is the gospel of the Kingdom with two added element, the resurrection of Jesus, their Messiah and the requirement of Holy Spirit baptism. So, we see in Peter's first message after Pentecost how he lays out the conditions,

Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. ... 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Repentance was needed. They had to turn their mindset around 180 degrees and repent for their unbelief and in killing their Messiah. They had to confess His name and get baptized in water for the remission of their sins. This was necessary as acts of preparation for receiving the Kingdom. In addition, we find the baptism of the Holy Spirit which in the context of priesthood (Israel's covenant role in the Millennium), is the anointing oil for their office (Exodus 29:4; Leviticus 8:6), and the empowerment of signs to prove to the rest of Israel that their message was indeed ordained by God.

We clearly see evidence, just like in the Kingdom gospel, of additional acts, or works, to prove their faith in the message. The early church members sold all they had and brought the money to the apostles. They continued in breaking of bread and prayer, they continued in temple worship and sacrifices, and they obeyed the law.

Part 12 will continue with the 'participants' of the gospel of God. 

The Stages of Christ's Ascension and Return (Parts 10 - 12)

Notification of New and Updated Content

I have finished revising the last three parts
of the lesson series called

The Stages of Christ's Ascension and Return

The updated lessons can be found here...

Part 10 is now published

Part 11 is now published

Part 12 is now published

Gospels and Raptures (God - Part 10): Message (continued 2)

The Gospels and their Raptures (God - Part 10)

Message (continued 2...)

In this final extension of the "message" section of the gospel of God, I'd like to draw attention to why it was "necessary" for Paul to go to the synagogues and teach this gospel, and what was the "strategy" for doing so.

The Necessity (to go to the synagogues)

If Paul was the Apostle to the Gentiles, with a God-given message to the Gentiles, why did he keep going to the synagogues with a majority Jewish attendance, and why was he not preaching the gospel of grace?

Gospels and Raptures (God - Part 9): Message (continued)

The Gospels and their Raptures (God - Part 9)

Message (continued...)

The church of God had grown in great numbers in the early part of Acts. The 12-apostles were operating in the power of the Holy Spirit accompanying their message of the gospel of God with remarkable miracles, to the point that they were reverently feared,

Acts 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

Acts 5:5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

Acts 5:11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

Acts 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Gospels and Raptures (God - Part 8): Message

The Gospels and their Raptures (God - Part 8)

Message

At the end of Part 7 I raised a few rhetorical questions,

• Why does Paul say he was separated unto the gospel of God? 
  
• Did you notice how Paul connects the gospel of God to that which was prophesied afore concerning the Son of God?
  
• Paul said, "which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh". Why was Paul writing to the church at Rome about David?