Combat ignorance!

From a fellow grace believer’s blog, Grace Ambassadors…

I hate being ignorant. I battle it every day.

No one talks more about ignorance than Paul. More than any other portion of scripture we find exhortations that we should not remain ignorant (Romans 1:13, 11:25 KJV).

A smart man would make a note of these things.

Ignorance is costly. Get rid of it as soon as you can.  It costs the religious community billions every year.

It will kill you. Pay to have it removed.  If you don't you will pay more in the long run to bad doctrine.

It is a disease that horribly infects people. It seems that it is more contagious among Christians.

Inoculate your children against it! Teach them the gospel and mid-Acts Pauline dispensational right division.

What's that? You don't know what that is? Quick! You've got it already! You can fight this.

Take it from a survivor, there is a cure!. It takes work; but, you can do it (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

For his glory,

Justin Curtis Johnson

Another great resource:  The Ignorant Natural Man

What Scripture has to say about baptisms...

[Article posted on Romans thru Philemon Blog  ...view in chart form]

Water Baptism of Christ

 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.  [John 1:31]

Christ was water baptized, not as an example to us, but to be made manifest to Israel.

Water Baptism of Israel During Christ's Earthly Ministry

And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. [Luke 7:29-30]         

And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. [Matthew 3:6]           

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. [Mark 16:16]

Justification before God came through water baptism.  Did the baptism provide the justification?  The baptism simply served as an identification of the repentant Jew with the Gospel of the Kingdom.  It was the sign that God required to prove they had sufficient faith. 

Water Baptism of Israel Post Ascension

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.  [Acts 2:38]

Unlike John's baptism, after the ascension of Christ, water baptism now brought the promised Holy Ghost.  Note in Acts 19:2-5 that there were Kingdom Saints who had been baptized under John's baptism but didn’t know if there was a Holy Ghost. They were commanded to be rebaptized in the name of the Lord so they could receive the Holy Ghost.  

Baptism of Cornelius

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?  [Acts 10:44-47]

Peter was given the vision of the descending sheet that had meat on it that as a Jew, Peter wouldn't touch.  God tells him that he is now calling that meat common.  God was showing that Peter there had been a change in programs.  Peter didn't understand it until Galatians 2 when Paul explained what was going on.  Notice Peter still baptizes Cornelius, as he would have been accustomed to, but note that the Holy Ghost fell prior to the water baptism.  This indicates that God was going to be giving the Holy Spirit now without the need of water baptism. 

Body of Christ Baptism

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.  [Ephesians 4:4-6]

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  [Romans 6:3-5]  

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.  [Galatians 3:27-28]

Baptism today is not performed by water.  It is performed by the Holy Spirit to place into the Body of Christ.  Paul tells us in Ephesians that there is ONE baptism.  1 Corinthians 12 tells us we are baptized by the Spirit into ONE Body.  Romans tells us that we have been baptized into His Body and therefore have been baptized into his Death.  Galatians tells us that because we have been baptized into Christ's Body, we are now clothed in the skins of our sacrifice.  God sees us in the righteousness of his Son. 

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As we must ALWAYS do...

     ...Let God be true, and every man a liar!   [Romans 3:4]

Or else...

     ...Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

                                                                                                             [Matthew 15:6]



"I change not!"

Malachi 3:6

For I am the LORD, I change not;

The attributes and character of God do not change. 

But, the way He deals with mankind and the instructions He has 'dispensed' to mankind throughout history has changed. 

A Dispensation is a specific set of instructions given by God for man’s obedience and benefit. (Not unlike a doctor writing a prescription for a patient's benefit to be 'dispensed' from a pharmacy.)  It is not a specified period of time but rather specified guidelines given to God's spokesman: e.g., God dispensed the Law to Moses for Israel to obey, but Paul was given the doctrine of grace whereby Jews and Gentiles alike could be saved, sanctified, edified and perfected (made mature) as members of the Church, the Body of Christ.  Man is to conduct himself according to guidelines given during his lifetime. 

 There are many doctrinal subjects that need to be viewed dispensationally in order to keep from being confused, or (worse yet) think that the Bible contradicts itself.  Take the subject of eating...God clearly and plainly throughout the last 6,000 years has specified how and what mankind is to eat. 

Ø  In the Garden of Eden:  Adam was a vegetarian, eating herbs and fruits (Genesis 1:29-30)

Ø  After the Flood: hunting animals for food was instituted (Genesis 9:1-3)

Ø  At the giving of the Law:  peculiar dietary restrictions were given (Exodus 12:30; Leviticus 3:17; 11)

Ø  At the giving of the revelation of the grace of God to Paul: all restrictions were removed (1 Timothy 4:4-5; Colossians 2:16)

Ø  In the Ages to Come: eating of fruit will be restored. 

However, today, some denominations will forbid the eating of meat on Fridays and others will forbid the eating of various foods, e.g., pork, shrimp, etc.  They take such 'ordinances' from the Bible, but they take them out of a Dispensation that is not for us in this present "But Now" dispensation of time. 

Mark 7:9, 13
And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.  Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Romans 3:4

God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Today, God in His grace encourages mankind to ‘consider’ the commandments of Christ as given to Paul, the apostle to the gentiles, by rightly dividing the word of truth. [See Right Division 101] 

1 Corinthians 14:37

If 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.

When we do, then the Lord has given us a promise.

2 Timothy 2:7

Consider what I [Paul] say; and the Lord [will] give thee understanding in all things.

I pray that you take God's Word for it--study it out for yourself-- and not rely on the religious traditions of men to help you understand your King James Bible.

…Yea, let God be true, but every man [whose words do not line up with God's Word, be] a liar!!

Jesus Christ in Every Book of the Bible

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.  And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us...while he opened to us the scriptures? [Luke 24:27, 32 kjv]

Many times I wondered what Christ would have said on that road to Emmaus.  Might it have been something to this effect? ...

In Genesis, Jesus Christ is the seed of the woman.

In Exodus, He is the passover lamb.

In Leviticus, He is our high priest.

In Numbers, He is the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night.

In Deuteronomy, He is the prophet like unto Moses.

In Joshua, He is the captain of our salvation.

In Judges, He is our judge and lawgiver.

In Ruth, He is our kinsman redeemer.

In 1st and 2nd Samuel, He is our trusted prophet.

In Kings and Chronicles, He is our reigning king.

In Ezra, He is the rebuilder of the broken down walls of human life.

In Esther, He is our Mordecai.

In Job, He is our ever-living redeemer.

In Psalms, He is our shepherd.

In Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, He is our wisdom.

In the Song of Solomon, He is the loving bridegroom.

In Isaiah, He is the prince of peace.

In Jeremiah, He is the righteous branch.

In Lamentations, He is our weeping prophet.

In Ezekiel, He is the wonderful four-faced man.

In Daniel, He is the forth man in life's "fiery furnace."

In Hosea, He is the faithful husband, forever married to the backslider.

In Joel, He is the baptizer with the Holy Ghost and fire.

In Amos, He is our burden-bearer.

In Obadiah, He is the mighty to save.

In Jonah, He is our great foreign missionary.

In Micah, He is the messenger of beautiful feet.

In Nahum, He is the avenger of God's elect.

In Habakkuk, he is God's evangelist, crying, "revive thy work in the midst of the years."

In Zephaniah, He is our Saviour.

In Haggai, He is the restorer of God's lost heritage.

In Zechariah, He is the fountain opened up in the house of David for sin and uncleanness.

In Malachi, He is the Sun of Righteousness, rising with healing in His wings.

In Matthew, He is King of the Jews.

In Mark, He is the Servant.

In Luke, He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel.

In John, He is the Son of God.

In Acts, He is the Savior of the world.

In Romans, He is the righteousness of God.

In I Corinthians, He is the Rock that followed Israel.

In II Corinthians, He is the Triumphant One, giving victory.

In Galatians, He is your liberty; He sets you free.

In Ephesians, He is Head of the Church.

In Philippians, He is your joy.

In Colossians, He is your completeness.

In 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, He is your hope.

In I Timothy, He is your faith.

In II Timothy, He is your stability.

In Philemon, He is your Benefactor.

In Titus, He is truth.

In Hebrews, He is your perfection.

In James, he is the Power behind your faith.

In I Peter, He is your example.

In II Peter, He is your purity.

In I John, He is your life.

In II John, He is your pattern.

In III John, He is your motivation.

In Jude, He is the foundation of your faith.

In Revelation, He is your coming King.

                (Author Unknown)

Oh, that our heart might burn within us to know Him more!!

Believing is seeing

The 'wisdom of the world' has taught us “seeing is believing.”  But God teaches us the exact opposite:  “Believing is seeing.” 

Where is the wise?...hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  ...yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; [1 Corinthians 1:20; Romans 3:4a]

The world has no hope, but believers have all the hope in the Universe—to God be the glory!!

To gain that precious hope in a world where there is no hope, we are encouraged in grace to believe the words of Christ as given to Paul, the apostle to the nations* of the world, to us in this dispensation of the grace of God …

Consider [receive and believe] what I [Paul] say; and the Lord [will] give thee understanding in all things. …If 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. [2 Timothy 2:7; 1 Corinthians 14:37]

Therefore, let us hear, receive and believe the words of our Lord through the pen of our apostle Paul as preserved for us English-speaking people in the King James Bible…

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew…

But as it is written, [the physical] Eye hath not seen, nor [the physical] ear heard, neither have entered into the heart [the mind/spirit] of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But[!!] God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.…

Now we have received…that we might know [if we believe] the things that are freely given to us of God.  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom [from the physical world] teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual [scripture with scripture].

But[!!] the natural [nonspiritual] man receiveth not the things [words/verses as given] of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned [understood through one’s spirit]. [1 Corinthians 2:7-14]

If we will hear, receive and believe, we will see!  We have His Word on it!  I rejoice along with Paul as he writes...

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word [wisdom] of men, but as it is in truth, the word [wisdom] of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. [1 Thessalonians 2:13]

Having a hard time believing?   Know who your battle is with as you wrestle to believe…

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. [2 Corinthians 4:4]

...and put on the whole armour of God.

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*  It’s not only interesting, but important, to note that the apostle to the nations (Paul) is distinct and unique, set apart from the apostles to the Nation Israel (“the 12”) to whom were promised to sit on 12 thrones.  Read and hear the words our Lord spoke to the Jewish apostles... 

Matthew 19:28

And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

To those who know their bible, this should bring a HUGE question to mind.  If there are only 12 thrones and there were already 12 apostles...  

WHERE’S PAUL GOING TO SIT!?

Ahhh…that’s a whole nother study, for another day.  

Hope you have a grace-filled day in the Lord!

;j

P.S. For further light on this subject, check out 333 Words of Grace!

Ye are a...peculiar people!

Yes, we who trust the work of Christ on the Cross, are a peculiar people...whether in 'times past' or in the 'but now' of scripture!

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

…but(!), we are NOT a priesthood, nor an holy nation. 

Here is yet another instance where ‘churchdom’ gets it all mixed up, confusing their congregation as they preach and teach a confused mesage that we are, in essence, spiritual Israel—therefore are to be witnesses of, and adding to (converting) others to the coming Kingdom.  But…

People 'spiritualize' the scripture and thus tell ‘spiritual lies’

because they don't have ‘spiritual eyes.’

[attributed to J.C. O’Hare]

Really now, are we ‘spiritual Israel?’ Whose word(s) should we take as truth?  Some personality who professes to be learned (with the degrees behind his name to prove it); someone who is a polished and a popular, witty speaker?  Or do we hold God and His Word as our Final Authority, far above all other [so-called] authorities?

John 17:17b

…thy word is truth.

Therefore, what saith the scriptures regarding whether we are a royal priesthood or an holy nation?    

The words of 1 Peter 2:9 have been put together with a catchy tune that has now been heard on the radio and sung in churches for many years:  “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation [singular], a peculiar people…”  (Can you hear it?) 

To avoid this ‘mix-up,’ this blatant ‘misappropriation of scripture,’ we must put and keep in mind what the Holy Spirit penned through Paul, the ‘apostle to the gentiles’ (aka, the uncircumcision, aka ‘nations’ [plural]).   That being, that Peter was one of "the 12" apostles of the circumcision, and by a Gentlemen’s Agreement (along with James and John), wrote and ministered to only Israel. (The other circumcision apostles ministered, but if they wrote anything, the Holy Spirit saw to it that it was not to be included as part of the canon of holy scriptures.  Hence, today the Holy Bible has the books of James, Peter (1,2), and John (+ 1,2,3, and Revelation).  (The books of Jude and the writer of Hebrews are included—and while members of the circumcision—they were not numbered amongst “the 12.”  Here again, their books are written TO Israel, the ‘circumcision,’ and are only for our learning and understanding…not our doctrine.)

Because we, today (in the "But Now," the dispensation of the grace of God) are to go to the epistles of Paul (Romans thru Philemon) for our doctrine and it is in them that the gospel whereby we are saved can be found—FAITH PLUS NOTHING.  (Remember, scripture makes the clear distinction that Israel could only be saved if they had FAITH PLUS WORKS!  Scripture cuts a straight line* between the two gospels and the two methods of salvation…and there is NO crossing that line!)

Therefore, let us NOT be numbered with those that our Lord speaks to when He says…

Matthew 22:29; Mark 12:24

Ye do err not knowing the scriptures, neither the power of God. 

Grace to you!

;j an

P.S.   The TRUTH of the matter, according to the scriptures, is that God has at least two sets of so-specified peculiar peoples (aka, two of the 'Elects of God')!   Two agencies wherewith God is working out His eternal plan and purpose:  The nation Israel (spoken of since the world began) and the Church, the Body of Christ (hid in God before the foundations of the world). 

P.S.S.  Although, being ‘peculiar’ in man’s terminology has something less than a positive connotation, I rejoice at being ‘peculiar’ according to God’s definition of terms!  (But that ‘definition’ is a whole ‘nother study, another day.)

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*For those that favor the Greek, it is marvelous and exciting to note that in the Greek “rightly divide” means exactly that:  “cut straight!”   I say “marvelous and exciting” (because it is! …but, also) because this testifies to the excellency of the Word found only in the King James Version, written in English, for English-speaking people.  All other modern [per]versions do not contain that level of excellency. 

(Do you cringe at hearing that every other version is tainted? And, so we should! What a horrible thought!! But, we have the testimony of God that such perverted corruptions have existed ever since our Apostle Paul walked on the earth—and even had it written ‘in stone’ so to speak for our learning and understanding so that we are able to stand against the wiles of the devil and thus steer clear of counterfeits purporting to be the ‘Word of God,’ aka, the Holy Bible.  …but that’s another study, for another day. )

2 Corinthians 2:17

For we [Paul and his followers] are not as MANY, WHICH CORRUPT THE WORD OF GOD: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

“Definition of Terms”

…a prerequisite of life

Unless you’re a hermit, you cannot escape dealing with other human beings.  Common, everyday interaction between people requires that both/all participants can ‘define the terms’ that each is using in their conversation—that is, if there is any hope of gaining knowledge, much less understanding of what the other is saying.  The result is a bond or relationship of one kind or another where harmony or an intelligent decision to “agree to disagree” exists, thus allowing each to go about their life in peace.  The lack of which, results in the opposite.  At best, strife, quarrels and/or alienation—as evidenced in family, neighbors, political parties, nations; at worst—wars, and rumors of war—as evidenced across the globe.

This applies in higher learning, as well.  In any ‘field of study’ one pursues, a definition of terms, as defined by its ‘authority,’ is required if one has any hope of gaining knowledge and understanding of the subject or advance to the next level.  After all, does the student presume to correct the professor?  Would he show himself to be approved by the teacher if he took the words of the teacher and say that they are merely thoughts, therefore subject to his own private interpretation based on personal feelings and experiences? If a medical student didn’t purpose in himself to adhere to the prescribed, defined ‘terminology,’ would he rightfully earn the level of, or be granted the status of, ‘medical doctor?’ 

The same holds just as true (if not even more so) when it comes to being approved of God and advancing in His eternal plan and program.  If we have any hope of gaining knowledge and understanding of what God is saying to us, we must ‘study’ His actual words to us--and that, according to His prescribed way. 

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.

As the commercial says, “people listen when E.F. Hutton speaks…” how much more then should we, who profess to be ‘not of this world’ [Colossians 1:13], listen when our Authority speaks through His Word(s).  We are without excuse, as we have those Word(s).   If we hope to be found ‘approved’ of Him (our Teacher, our Authority), we had better adhere to His words of truth, His way, in His Book, the KJV, and not of those other books—i.e., ALL other modern versions that are inferior, having words added and subtracted from them.  (‘Adding and subtracting” from the Words of God is what Satan did in the Garden, thus confusing, deceiving and leading Eve astray.  Adam’s sin wasn’t that he ate of the fruit—that was the result of his sin.  Adam’s sin was that he listened to his wife [Genesis 3:17], rather than his God.  That is a lesson we need to learn from: listen to God, not others when their words do not line up with the words of God! [Romans 3:4])

The Authorized Version of God’s Word, KJV, is not difficult to read; but as with any field of study, it takes perseverance and hard work [Ecclesiastes 12:12]. God has not left us to go it on our own, though.  He has given us the Holy Spirit to teach us—NOT by only praying for the knowledge, understanding and wisdom and then going about our day without thought about Him but—by putting in the time and studying.   That is the way God does things—through His Word of Truth!  As we get Pauline doctrine IN us rightly divided, the Holy Spirit can then take those verses and compare verse with verse, teaching us God’s way—not man’s way—throughout our day. 

1 Corinthians 2:13

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

2 Timothy 2:7

Consider what I [Paul] say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

Romans 8:5

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit [do mind] the things [verses from the Word of Truth] of the Spirit.

(It’s important to note that any teacher worth his salt will communicate to the student, defining and explaining the terminology he uses as he teaches—leaving no guesswork, thus aiding the student in his learning.  Well, God is the ultimate worthy Teacher (trustworthy to teach us) helping us all the way—leaving no guesswork as to what He would have us learn.) 

1 Corinthians 2:14..16

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned….For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

We praise God for His Grace, Mercy and Faithfulness to us!

Grace to you!

P.S.  Another prerequisite of life is to know Who your FINAL AUTHORITY is!!  …but that’s another study for another day.