Colossians 3:2

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2 KJV







Friday, April 14, 2017

Sons of God ...in Genesis 6


~That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.  (Genesis 6:2 KJB)

Not all in Christendom are in agreement as to who these “sons of God” in Genesis 6 actually are. But, God is not confused and we have his word to search and study out!  When a person knows they can trust their King James Bible, and believe what their King James Bible actually says, they have the promise of God that He will bring clarity and understanding (2 Tim 2:7 KJB) if we will but only consider His words in scripture. 

While it is the Holy Ghost that is our teacher (1 Cor 2:13 KJB), a man, Bro Ron Knight has studied out the supporting scriptures pertaining to who God calls his sons, particularly in the old testament and guides us (Acts 8:30-31 KJB) in this study.  In this video, Bro Ron shares his insights for our consideration, and as Bereans, it is incumbent upon us to search it out in the scriptures for ourselves.

~ These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:11 KJB)

You be the judge…

~Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.  (Romans 14:5 KJB)




Sunday, March 26, 2017

Bowing out gracefully!

We are exhorted in Scripture to let God be true and every man a liar (Romans 3:4); and that it is better to put our trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man (Psalm 118;8). When we receive God's word with readiness of mind and search it out in scripture for ourselves (Acts 17:11), it is then that we can be persuaded in our own minds (Romans 14:5) and by an act of our will chose what we will believe.  It is only upon believing the word of God that He is able to then "worketh effectually" in us (1 Thessalonians 2:13), building up our inner man (1 Corinthians 3:9).  In time, as we are built up and become stronger in the Lord we make have the power to make decisions with the desire in mind to please our heavenly Father, no matter what the cost.  What matters in life is that He gets all the glory and honor due Him, now and in the ages to come.

It was just such a desire that caused a dear sister-in-Christ to boldly, but humbly, leave an activity she had been engaged in for years--one that she came to realize did not honor God.  Below is a letter she graciously wrote upon departing from a large, organized bible study.  Maybe you've heard of it: Kay Arthur's Precepts

This action was not received well, and she suffered rejection.  Even so, by it she showed the principalities and powers in heavenly places the manifold wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10), and she will be rewarded for making known the fellowship of the mystery (Ephesians 3:9) in true servant fashion.

2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
________________________________________________________
Hello everyone,

I decided for two reasons that I should write an explanation as to why I have made the difficult, and very surprising, decision to leave Precepts.  This is a decision that makes me very sad, because I hate to no longer be a part of such a wonderful group of women whom I am proud to call my friends and sisters in Christ.  So you know there has to be something very serious going on to cause me to do this.

The first reason that I am writing this is because I have been a part of the class for so many years and the Leader’s assistant for quite some time and there are bound to be questions.

The other reason is that I have learned valuable truths about the Bible that are just too important to keep to myself, despite the fact that it may mean personal rejection and even ridicule.  But worse yet, I would be ashamed at the judgment seat of Christ if I did not do my best to try to explain what I now know about the key to studying the Bible and interpreting it correctly.

That key has been ‘hiding’ in plain sight (or removed from your Bible if you are using something other than the Authorized KJV).  There are two distinct and different programs in scripture and, therefore, we must divide the Word correctly in order to understand what is written about and for each program.

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.

God has also shown us how to divide these two programs into three parts, with the Dispensation of Grace filling a parenthetical gap in time that divides God’s program for Israel into two separate time periods:

Ephesians 2:11-13, 7

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:  But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Unfortunately, the majority of believers in the Body of Christ have not been taught to clearly distinguish between what was written to, for and about Israel and their Prophetic, Kingdom Program (Time Past and Ages to Come) and the Body of Christ’s Mystery, Heavenly Program (But Now).  We have not been taught that we are to follow Paul as he followed Christ.

1 Corinthians 4:15-17

 For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

 

1 Corinthians 11:1

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

 

Philippians 3:17

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample [from within the Body of Christ].

 

2 Timothy 2:2

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Have you ever wondered why God even called out another apostle in the first place?  Or why James, Peter and the others agreed at the Jerusalem council (Gal. 2:9) that Paul should go to the Gentiles and that they would stay in Jerusalem in direct violation of their ‘great commission’?

Mark 16:15-16

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel  [of the Kingdom – that Jesus is the Christ; believe on his name; repent and be baptized for the remission of sins]   to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Not only did God begin a new program with a new gospel and a new apostle, but the original 12 apostles understood that.  They understood that there would be no national salvation for Israel at that time and that they would not be able to be the light to the gentiles until there was.

Isaiah 49:6

And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth . [This will be fulfilled during the Millennial Kingdom.]

They understood that Paul and the Gospel of the Grace of God which was given to him by the risen and ascended Lord would be that light.

Acts 9:15

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Interesting.  So what happened to Peter and the eleven?  Could it be that the offer of the Kingdom was withdrawn when Israel had committed the ‘unpardonable sin’ so the 12 Apostles’ commission was moot?

Acts 13:46-47

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee [Paul]   to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

1 Corinthians 3:10

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

Ephesians 3:2

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

Colossians 1:25-26

Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

So the major theme of the Bible is about how God is working out this two-fold plan and purpose (all centered around Christ, of course) to regain the earth and the heavens from Satan who is at this time the god of this world.

 

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

God is going to take back the earth through the nation of Israel that will rule and reign with Christ in the Kingdom; and He will take back the heavens through the Body of Christ which will rule and reign in the heavenlies.

Romans 11:33

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

 

1 Corinthians 2:7

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

As I said before, God’s first plan is for the nation of Israel including the covenant that He made with Abraham and his seed.  This plan and purpose is centered on the earth and has been revealed by all his holy prophets since the world began.

 

Luke 1:70

As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:

 

Acts 3:21

Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

And the second plan is for God’s “new creature”, the ‘one new man,” the church the “body of Christ” which is being formed now in this present Dispensation of Grace and which had been kept secret since the world began.  (2 Cor. 5:17, Gal. 6:15; Eph. 2:15; Rom. 12:5, 1 Cor. 12:27, Eph. 4:12)

Romans 16:25

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world beganBut now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

Our Apostle Paul was uniquely given mercy by God after blaspheming the Holy Spirit by rejected His word through Stephen (Acts 7).  God’s nature has not changed, but his ministry to man has changed. God’s present, unique and previously-unknown ministry to man through Christ was first revealed in its fullness to our Apostle Paul who was to be a pattern for everyone after him.

1 Timothy 1:15-16

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief   [the head of the line].  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.

This is at the heart of the failure to recognize what is distinctly for and about Israel vs. what is distinctly for and about the Body of Christ.  Paul was the first member of the Body of Christ saved by grace through faith alone apart from the Law.

This statement may shock you, but hang in there with me.  Our doctrine and instructions for the Body of Christ in this dispensation are found only in the epistles of Paul (Romans through Philemon).  However it is also true that,

2 Timothy 3:16

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

All scripture is for our learning and understanding and should be studied thoroughly.  But the rest of Scripture beginning with the Abrahamic Covenant is written directly to, about and for the nation of Israel which was prophesied to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.

Exodus 19:6

And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

1 Peter 2:9

But ye  [the Little Flock, the believing remnant of Israel]  are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

The ministries of John the Baptist, Christ and his disciples/apostles, including Peter’s ministry in the early chapters of Acts, are to and for Israel, primarily the Little Flock of believers (Luke 12:32) that was being prepared to enter the earthly Kingdom that was at hand (Matt. 3:2; 4:17; 10:7; Mark 1:15; Luke 21:31). They also contain the instructions for enduring through the Time of Jacob’s trouble to the end.

Hebrews through Revelation are written with the same purpose and will be direct instructions to the Little Flock that will come to faith after the Dispensation of Grace has ended.   Yes, that is diametrically opposed to everything that we have been taught, but the majority is usually wrong so the number who believe this is not the issue.

I realize you have probably never heard any of this before and you’re asking yourself how it could possibly be true.  But I am confident that if you keep these things in mind as you study the Word, you will begin to see for yourself that there really is a difference between Paul’s epistles and the rest of Scripture that simply can’t be ignored.  The so-called contradictions disappear when we understand that the other books of the Bible are not written directly to and about the Body of Christ.  Here is a perfect example:

James 2:26

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Our faith does not depend upon works in any way, so it is possible to believe and be saved without having any following works to show for it.  Hopefully that will not be the case for many, but it is possible.

 

1 Corinthians 3:3

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

 

1 Corinthians 3:15

If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

And have you ever wondered why, if the church the Body of Christ began on Pentecost, Peter instructed ye men of Israel (Acts 2:22) to repent and baptized for salvation (just as John the Baptist and Christ in his earthly ministry did)?...

 

Acts 2:38

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.

…when we know perfectly well that we need only to believe the Gospel of the Grace of God (Acts 20:24) and we will be immediately sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise until the day of redemption.

1 Corinthians 15:1, 3-4

 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;…For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

 

Ephesians 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.

 

Ephesians 1:13-14

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

Why do so few know about and accept Mid-Acts, Pauline, Dispensational Right Division?

 

Ephesians 6:12

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Our enemy hates the Revelation of the Mystery (and the Body of Christ – a term used only by Paul by the way) and he will do anything to keep it a secret because he knows that by believing and understanding the body of doctrine given to us by Paul we are being prepared to rule and reign in place of him and his fallen angels.

 

Ephesians 2:6

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

 

Ephesians 3:10

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

 

1 Corinthians 6:3

Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

Believe it or not, this is just scratching the surface.  I can’t encourage you enough to check these things out for yourself to see if they are true.

 

Acts 17:11

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Please don’t be discouraged by the fact that so many reject Paul and his doctrine and twist his words (2 Pet. 3:16).  After all, this began while he was still alive.

 

2 Timothy 1:15

This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

Satan distracted Pauline Grace believers with legalism then and there is no new thing under the sun.  He has twisted and changed God’s Word from the very beginning and uses even our most beloved, trusted, sincere and devoted teachers and pastors to deceive because they have not been taught the truth themselves.

 

Romans 3:4

…yea, let God be true, but every man a liar;

I have included a list of some of my favorite websites that will aide you greatly in your search for the truth rightly divided.  Never hesitate to call or email if you have a question, or to just want to keep in touch.

 

2 Corinthians 1:24

Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

I will miss you!
In Christ’s Love,
                             



     Richard Jordan

This concordance will quickly show each verse in which words are used in Paul’s epistles.

     Doug Dodd

     Dictionary of the Gospel on-line book

     Joel Finck articles – Gems of Grace

     John Versteegen – one of the best
    
     Ron Knight messages on YouTube

     Ron Knight’s Q&A blog – Terrific!



Saturday, February 4, 2017

Why Paul?


Scripture, itself, establishes PAULINE AUTHORITY

lf any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual,
let him’ acknowledge that the things that I [Paul] write 
unto you are the commandments of the Lord.  
[ 1 Corinthians 14:37]

Acts 9:15
Paul a chosen vessel of God.

Acts 26:16
Paul made a minister and a witness of God.

Romans 1:1
Paul called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God.

Romans 11:13
Paul made the apostle of the Gentiles.

Romans 15:16
Paul the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles.

Romans 16:25
Paul preaches my gospel.

1 Corinthians 1:1
Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God...

1 Corinthians 1:17
Paul sent by Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:10
Paul according to the grace of God…called...a wise masterbuilder.

1 Corinthians 4:16
Paul instructs be ye followers of me.

1 Corinthians 11:1
Paul instructs Be ye followers of me.

1 Corinthians 9: 17
Paul committed with a dispensation of the gospel.

1 Corinthians 11:23
Paul received of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:3
Paul delivered first of all that which I also received…

1 Corinthians 15:8
Paul testifies And last of all he [Christ] was seen of me also.

2 Corinthians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God…

Galatians. 1:1
Paul an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ...

Galatians. 1:11
Paul certifies the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

Galatians. 1:12
Paul certifies I neither received it [the gospel] of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Galatians. 1:15, 16
Paul certifies But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen.”

Galatians. 2:1-9
Paul enlightens the other apostles with the gospel of the uncircumcision.

Ephesians. 1:1
Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God

Ephesians. 3:1-9
Paul is given the dispensation of the grace of God.

Philippians. 3:17
Paul exhorts be followers together of me as an ensample.

Philippians. 4:9
Paul exhorts that “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do.”

Colossians. 1:1
Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God...

Colossians. 1:25-29
Paul made a minister, according to the dispensation of God.

1 Timothy. 1:1
Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God...

1 Timothy. 1:11
Paul has the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

1 Timothy. 1:16
Paul obtained mercy that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern.

2 Timothy. 1:1
Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God...

2 Timothy. 1:11
Paul appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

2 Timothy. 2:8
Paul preached that Christ was raised according to my gospel.

Titus 1:1
Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ.

Titus 1:3
Paul in due times manifested his [God’s] word through preaching, which is committed unto me...


The Apostle Peter Establishes Pauline Authority:

Acts 15:11,12
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we [Jews] shall be saved, even as they [Gentiles]. Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among  the Gentiles by them.

Galatians 2:2-9  
…for they…added nothing to me: But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me [Paul] as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter,…they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship.

2 Peter. 3:15-18
…even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things…

_____________________________________