A Jewish Holy Day 1

Contrary to the opinion, and in fact, the teaching of most of fundamental religion today, the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two was NOT a world-wide church festival. It was also NOT the beginning of the church, the body of Christ. As a matter of fact NOTHING began on the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two. Instead, Old Testament prophecy was FULFILLED on that day.

When Peter and the twelve apostles were filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak in tongues that day, they were speaking in the NATIVE languages of all the people who had gathered for the occasion. They were even accused of being drunk.

Acts 2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

Acts 2:13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

Now Peter, who had said “Not so Lord” when the Lord told him about his impending death. Peter who thought the women’s report of the empty tomb sounded like IDLE TALES. Peter who heard the two disciples from Emmaeus tell about seeing the Lord and didn’t believe them EITHER. Peter who NOW believes the Lord is risenfrom the dead and is now ascended into heaven, says:

Acts 2:14 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:

Acts 2:15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

So what is happening on the Day of Pentecost is not the beginning of something new. It is the fulfillment of prophecy. To understand just what Peter means it would be good to go back and read the book of Joel. It is a short book, but Joel chapter two is what Peter refers to. As a matter of fact he quotes from it. The book of Joel talks about wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath, blood, fire and vapors of smoke, and the book ends with these words:

Joel 2:32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and inJerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

The prophecy says that in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance. It speaks of a remnant. A remnant of who? Israel. The whole context of Acts chapter two is about judgment, about tribulation, and about the salvation of a remnant of Israel.

Peter has a message for the men of Israel in Acts chapter two, but for them it is not good news. Acts chapter two is also not good news for you either. Acts chapter two is about a MURDER CHARGE against Israel.

A Jewish Holy Day 2

Many people today believe that Acts chapter two is the gospel for today and that the salvation message for today is in Acts 2:38. Billboards and signs on church buildings proclaim “Obey Acts 2:38.” Well, Acts 2:38 is NOT the gospel to you, and here’s why.
The Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two is a Jewish Holy Day. It comes fifty days after the Passover. The very word PENTE literally means fifty. The Jews were to number seven Sabbaths, or in other words, 49 days, and then the FIFTIETH day, the morrow after the Sabbath was the Day of Pentecost. It was a high day, a Jewish feast day. It was one of the three days of each year that all Jewish men were required to show up. Look at what the bible says:
Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Now you can see a list of nations that all those devout Jews were from in verses nine, ten and eleven. They are all Jews and they are all there because it is a Jewish feast day according to the Law of Moses, as in:
Deuteronomy 16:16 Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:
Now the feast of weeks in the verse is the feast of Pentecost and notice it says they shall not appear before the LORD empty. That means they were to bring gifts. These men were under the Law of Moses, they were keeping the Law and were zealous of the Law,otherwise they wouldn’t have been there. No Gentiles are they on the day of Pentecost. They are all Jews. Peter is a Jew observing the Law on the Day of Pentecost and all the people he addresses are Jews. Listen to his words:
Acts 2:14 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:
Acts 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
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.
So what happened in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost is not good news for you. It was about Israel, for Israel and to Israel. Instead of the news being good, it is pretty grim. Peter accuses his listeners of murdering their King. The good news is that GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, according to Peter, to SIT ON DAVID’S THRONE. Nothing at all about Christ dying for your sins.Nothing at all about Gentile salvation. Nothing at all about the church, the body of Christ.

A Jewish Holy Day 3

The Apostle Peter has emerged as the spokesman, so to speak, of the 12 Apostles on a Jewish feast day called Pentecost in Acts chapter two. The Pentecostal ministry and message continues all the way up through Acts chapter seven. The entire ministry of Peter is basically Acts chapter one through Acts chapter twelve. In Acts chapter twelve, Peter goes to another place, he cannot be found, and they all wonder what became of Peter. You might wonder too, because he simply disappears out of the book and the ONLY thing you ever know about Peter is that he wrote two books with a total of eight chapters with 166 verses. Not near the supposed far flung world wide evangelism that popular religion teaches. The truth is Peter’s whole ministry AND MESSAGE was confined to the CIRCUMCIZED JEWS except for one occasion he reluctantly went to the home of a Gentile. The only time in the bible Peter EVER preaches to a Gentile is in Acts chapter ten.

But Peter’s Pentecostal message is not the good news that Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures and that he was raised again for our justification, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. Peter said nothing of the sort, although thousands, perhaps millions of people believe he did.

In the book of Acts, Peter’s message is SHAME ON ISRAEL. It is a message of gloom and doom and blood, fire and smoke. It is a JEWISH tribulation message, but the good news is that Christ has been raised from the dead, he is coming again and he that endures to the end will be saved, IF he meets the conditions.

Take up your bible and check this out. Read what Peter really said. It is not good. Peter DOES NOT glory in the cross. Instead he preaches the death of Christ as a shame….not as good news. It is a MURDER CHARGE against Israel. Let’s just read:

Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

Acts 3:14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

Acts 3:15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

Acts 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

Did you know that Peter does not glory in the cross in the book of Acts? Peter doesn’t know the WHY of the cross in the book of Acts. It is a shame and a murder. The shed blood of Christ is only mentioned ONE TIME in all of Peter’s ministry in the book of Acts and it is NOT mentioned by Peter. It is viewed in a negative light by the people Peter preaches against:

Acts 5:28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

Now finally, look at Stephen’s message in Acts chapter seven:

Acts 7:52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

Now was Christ MURDERED for your sins, or did CHRIST DIE FOR YOUR SINS? Jesus said:

John 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

After his resurrection, Christ appeared to Peter and the twelve, not once but on three occasions. He also appeared to the women, to the two disciples on the road, and the bible says to over five hundred people at once. But for all that it was only Paul who said:

1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

1 Corinthians 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

It was Paul who received the message of the WHY of the cross.

Saved Miners or Miners Saved?

I am sitting here on a Tuesday night watching the miners getting saved.  Not saved to eternal life, but saved from a hole in the earth.  Everyone is excited and happy that their loved ones and friends are going to be reunited.  I too am thrilled that these 33 men have been rescued (or are being rescued at this time). 

It crosses my mind if these men have even heard the gospel of Christ and if they have, have they trusted that Christ died for there sins, was buried and rose again for their justification. 

We are all trapped in mine with no hope until we have trusted in the completed work at the cross.  Once we have trusted, then we are saved to eternal life not just a hole in the ground.

Have you trusted in what the Lord Jesus Christ did for you?  1 Cor 15:1-4

Does keeping the 10 commandments make you a Christian?

A friend of mine on Facebook posted this question. WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN?

This was one of the responses. A Christian is someone who follows the Ten Commandments.

Let’s see if keeping the 10 commandments make you a Christian.

First question: What were the 10 commandments for?

God gave the children of Israel the commandments thru Moses about 2500 years after Adam and Eve were booted out of the garden. So under this theory, “keeping the 10 commandments makes you a Christian”, it would eliminate the first 2500 years of mankind. The first chance for there to be a Christian, according to this theory, would be the children of Israel. This theory would be contrary to the Bible. When was anyone called a Christian?

Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

This was 1500 years after God wrote the 10 commandments and 4000 years after the fall of man.

I am going to list all the verses in the Bible which say Christian or Christians. (don’t worry it is only two more.)

Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

1 Peter 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

That’s it, just 3 verses in the whole Bible.
So what is a Christian? Simply, it is someone who follows Christ.

What does Paul tells us the commandments (the law) are for?

Galatians 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
Galatians 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
Galatians 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Galatians 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.


According to the Bible the law was put into place to show us that we are sinners and need a savior. The law shows you that you need to be a Christian (follower of Christ), but in no way makes you a Christian. Once you have trusted in the completed work of the Cross you are no longer under the schoolmaster (the law). It is not even our faith that does anything. It is the faith of Jesus Christ.

Put your trust ON the faith of Jesus Christ (completed work at the cross) and you too will be a Christian.


By the way, here is a list of all the laws that God gave the children of Israel.
http://www.aish.com/jl/m/m/48945081.html        Guess how many?

Completed work at the cross = Died for your sins, was buried and rose again on the third day.

Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
Galatians 1:14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

Saul was sold out for the Jewish religion. He made money at it, new the law backwards and forwards, kept the law, and went after anyone who he thought was committing blasphemy. In his opinion anyone who said that Jesus was the Christ was a blasphemer.

Here is what the priest did when Jesus told them He is the Son of God. Blasphemy if Jesus was not the Son of God.

Matthew 26:63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
Matthew 26:64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Matthew 26:65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
Matthew 26:66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.

Saul had every right to put to death any Israelite that committed blasphemy. In the book of Numbers we are told of a man that was put to death for picking up sticks on the Sabbath.

Numbers 15:32 And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.
Numbers 15:33 And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation.
Numbers 15:34 And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him.
Numbers 15:35 And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.
Numbers 15:36 And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Who gave the order for the man to be put to death? The LORD did.
What did the man do wrong? He worked on the Sabbath.
Have you ever picked up sticks on the Sabbath?
Why didn’t the LORD have you put to death?

I have been told many times that we are to do ALL the Bible. We can’t and we are not supposed to. Hebrews 1:1 tells us why.

Hebrews 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

God has dealt with man in many different ways at different times. Paul tells us to rightly divide the Word of truth. (see 2 Timothy 2:15) If you don’t, you might just believe that you must stone someone to death for picking up sticks on the Sabbath.

Keep studying,

Jack

Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:


Paul is telling the Galatians and us about his past. His whole life was devoted to the Jewish religion. What was the Jewish religion?
• They believe in the God of Abraham (as we do)
• Kept the law of Moses (613 laws)
• Offered animal sacrifices thru the priests
• Were waiting for their King to arrive so they could take their Kingdom on earth

This is what Paul had devoted his life to. The next part of the verse says “beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:” So what was this church of God that Paul as Saul was persecuting and who was part of it? Who was Saul going after? Anyone that believed Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah, the Son of God, the King that was to bring in the Kingdom. Read Acts 7 thru 8 and hear what Stephen was telling the Jewish religion leaders and members. Guess who was there? Saul! Saul was going after Peter and the other 11 apostles and anyone that believed Jesus was the Son of God.

This church of God, which Peter was left in charge of, was scattered to get away from the persecutors. It was made up of Israelites and a few believing gentiles. This has now split Israel into two categories: Believing Israel and unbelieving Israel. Saul, while persecuting, was part of unbelieving Israel. What did believing Israel believe in?
• God of Abraham
• Jesus is the Son of God (their messiah/king)

Did this believing Israel have to do anything to show that they believed? YES


• Water Baptized (Read Mark 16:16-20)
• Still obey the law of Moses
• Endure till the end (Jacobs trouble)
• Sell what they had and put it in common. (So they could get thru Jacobs trouble)

Notice this is not the same as “The Church the Body of Christ”. We believe:
• Jesus is the Son of God (Savoir)
• Died for our sins (Paid the death penalty for us)
• Was buried
• Rose again

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Believe ON the Lord Jesus Christ completed work and you to can be saved.

More later,

Jack

Galatians 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.

Did Paul go to Jerusalem to get the gospel from Peter? NOPE
Did Paul just make up a gospel that sounded good to him? NOPE
Did any man give Paul the gospel he preached? NOPE
Did Peter and the eleven preach the same gospel as Paul? NOPE

Where did Paul get the gospel that he preached? The ascended Jesus Christ.

What is the gospel that Paul preached?

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
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.

Here is the gospel Peter preached at Pentecost.

Acts 2:37-38 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
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.
I am told all the time that Peter and Paul preached the same gospel. Do they look the same to you or is there something different?

Till next time,

Jack

Gal 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

It is sometimes hard to teach Paul’s gospel (gospel of Christ) among religious people. They have been taught things that are contrary to the gospel and want to stay in the traditions of man. For example, when you say there is only one baptism for today and it doesn’t include water, they think you have fallen off your rocker.

You show them Ephesians 4:4-6 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.

Then you show them the one baptism
1 Corinthians 12:13 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.

Paul knew he wasn’t going to please man and it didn’t matter if he did. He had a job to do and that was to do what God said to do. As a member, of the Church the Body of Christ in the dispensation of grace, we have the same job to do. It isn’t easy and people will get upset with you. Who are you pleasing? God or man.

Grace and Peace

Jack

Galatians 1:7-9

Galatians 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Galatians 1:8 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.



How can someone pervert the gospel of Christ? By adding to it or taking away from it. Verse 8 tells what happens to anyone that adds to or takes away. They are accursed. NOT GOOD. Paul says in Romans 9:3 that he would be accursed for his kinsmen (Israelites) if they would just believe the gospel of their salvation.

For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

He (Paul) was willing to be separated from Christ so they would be saved. (I don’t know how much you would have to love someone to be able to wish that.)

If an angel from heaven came and gave you personally a gospel would you believe it? Verse 8 says NO! How many denominations today are following an individual that says they got a message from an angel? There are several. Paul tells us that the Satan today is an angel of light and has his own ministers of righteousness.

2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
God feels so strong about this that He had Paul say it again in verse 9.

Galatians 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Be careful not to follow after man, follow what God has said to us in His perfectly preserved Word.

Grace and Peace

Jack

Paul has the salutation out of the way and is getting ready to unload on the churches of Galatia.

Galatians 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Galatians 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

It sounds like no sooner than Paul had left, someone (most likely someone from the Jewish religion) came in right behind him and added to the gospel of Christ. Notice that he says in verse 7 that it is not another gospel. This passage puzzled me for a bit. How could it be another gospel and Paul turns right around and says “which is not another”? Sounded like double talk to me at first. The end of verse 7 gives us the clue “and would pervert the gospel of Christ”. So, if the gospel of Christ is perverted it is called “another gospel”.

Just for review. The gospel of Christ is that:
• Christ died for your sins
• Was buried
• Rose again the third day



The gospel for us to believe today is found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. How could anyone make that complicated? Well they (we) have messed up God’s Word since the Garden of Eden. Read Genesis 3 and see if you can pick up were God’s Word was changed. We mess it up by adding to it.

Denominations today add things to the gospel all the time. Some say we have to be water baptized. Others say you have to tithe, keep the Sabbath, make Jesus Lord of your life, confess your sins so they will be forgiven, be real sorry for what you have done and don’t do it again. Bottom line is, if you are trusting in ANYTHING you are doing for salvation you missed the boat. We are called to do good works (Titus 2:12), but not for salvation. Christ did it all at the cross.

Make sure you are not being preached or taught “another gospel”. In the next couple of verses we will see what happens to those who preach another gospel.

Grace and Peace
Jack

Galatians 1:2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
Galatians 1:3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
Galatians 1:5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Ok, we will try 4 verses today. The brethren that were with him I believe were in Corinth. From what I have read this is debatable. If anyone has some verses which verify where he was please share with the rest of us. It really doesn’t matter where he was, just that he wrote the letter. He was with saved people writing to saved people in the churches in Galatia. In Paul’s letters he uses the terms brethren, false brethren (Gal 2:4), and kinsmen.

Brethren= Someone who has believed the gospel that Paul delivered to them.

1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
1 Corinthians 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1 Corinthians 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

False Brethren = one who ostentatiously professes to be a Christian, but is destitute of Christian knowledge and piety (OK, I went to the Greek on that one. In good old Georgia terms they AIN'T saved.)

Kinsmen = Israel, Paul’s kin by blood line.

Verse 4 in Galatians 1 is awesome news for us. “Who gave himself for our sins,” We were all born sinners because of the fall of Adam. We had no hope, our punishment is death. Jesus Christ giving himself for our sins is our way out of this evil world. Christ did it all at the cross for us. All we can do is believe He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day.

As we get into Galatians we are going to see that this group has been tricked into believing that they have to do something more than what Christ already did. Have you been tricked? We will see as we continue our study.

Grace and Peace,
Jack

Galatians
Verse by Verse

Galatians 1:1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

At first glance it doesn’t look like there is much to this verse other than an introduction to another of Paul’s 13 books. Here are some of the questions that can be answered.

1. Did Paul get his apostleship from Peter or any of the other apostles?
NO. Not of men, neither by man.

2. Where did he get his apostleship?
By Jesus Christ, and God the Father.

3. Who raised Jesus Christ from the dead?
God the Father

A lot of people tell me that they think that Paul and Peter preached the same message. This verse (Gal 1:1) by itself doesn’t tell us that they didn’t preach the same thing. They didn't preach the same message, but this verse doesn't prove that. Notice it is talking about Paul’s apostleship. This does raise some questions for me.

If Peter and Paul were preaching the same message, why didn’t Peter or one of the other apostle’s come to Paul and recruit him?

The answer is they were not preaching the same message. Jesus Christ appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus to give him a different message. (More on this later)

Was there room for another apostle in the Kingdom message? `

No, in Jesus Christ earthly ministry He had set up 12 apostles to rule over 12 tribes in the kingdom. Judas betrayed Him so God replaced Judas with another apostle in Acts 1 to get it back to 12. Not only did God not need another apostle for the kingdom gospel, there was no more room for another apostle. Some preachers try to explain this away by saying “man” picked Mathias, and God stepped in and chose who He wanted. Acts 1:24 says that the Lord chose the replacement.

Stay tuned for Galatians 1:2 coming soon. Please post your comments or questions. I will add them to this. Thanks Jack

What is NOT required for your salvation according to what God has to say?

1) Believe in God? A good start but inconclusive. All the demonic forces believe in God.

2) Believe in Jesus? A good start but inconclusive. All the demonic forces believe in Jesus.

3) Believe Jesus is the Son of God? A good start but inconclusive. All the demonic forces acknowledge the Son of God.

4) Repent and be water baptized? This was a requirement for the nation Israel to accept their Messiah. (It wasn't "an outward sign of an inward change" but an absolute requirement, along with circumcision, keeping the Sabbath, observing the holy days, tithing and all the rest of the law.) You're about 2000 years too late to comply with this one. (The Kingdom of Heaven WAS at hand and it was shortly thereafter rejected.)

5) Give your life to Jesus? Sounds real spiritual, but it isn't a valid method of salvation. Try to find it in scripture. (The law of first mention concerning the fig leaf refers us back to Adam and Eve covering themselves with fig leaves. This became the symbol for mankind to make himself acceptable to God. Remember the fig tree that was to be cut down in 1 year if it didn't bear fruit? The denominations today are the "Churches of the Fig Leaf," i.e., mankind's methods to make himself righteous and acceptable to God. It doesn't work any better for us than it did for Adam.)

6) Turn from sin and accept Jesus as Lord of your life? Another man-dreamt-up concept (Lordship Salvation) that will buy you a ticket to the place you don't want to go. It sounds real spiritual though doesn't it? Who is it that wants to be LIKE the Most High?

7) Keep the law and sell all your worldly possessions and give the money to the poor? A very noble gesture, but the law was never given to make a man righteous. A lot of people think they can keep the law. The law isn't graded on the curve. 88% won't pass you with a "B" but will fail you as surely as a 99.9% score. The standard for righteousness is 100%. You can either accept the perfect righteousness of the Righteous One or you can establish your own righteousness according to His perfect law. (Good luck!)

8) Repent and ask for forgiveness?

a. Repent: The fig-leaf churches will tell you that to repent means to "be sorry for your sins." God says it means to change your mind. (See item 7 above. You need to change your mind about establishing your own righteousness and accepting His perfect righteousness.)


b. Ask for forgiveness: If you are still asking, then you don't believe Him when He says that all sin was paid for at the cross. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness. He already did it and He's not going to do it again every time you ask in unbelief. (Without faith, it is impossible to please God.) (Hint: The proper response is "Thank you, Jesus, that you have forgiven me of all my sins and remember them no more.") All of your sins were future when He died on the cross for them and nobody was asking for forgiveness at Calvary. He did it of His own volition and presented it as His gift to you. Few people want to accept His gift, but insist upon paying for it so they aren't obliged. (Pride)

9) Pay for indulgences and say 10 "Hail Marys?" Find that in scripture.

10) Be a morally good person and give thanks for your supper? This is another commonly held belief, but according to God there are NO good people. (Good luck.)

11) Wait until you're on your deathbed to seek salvation so you don't have an opportunity to commit more sins and lose your salvation? Constantine was of this persuasion. See 8-b above.

12) Ask for the filling of the Holy Spirit as evidenced by the speaking in unknown tongues? Another fig leaf church invention. The biblical tongues weren't unknown. They were known languages. Tongues was a sign given to the nation Israel (Jews - the "sign" nation). We are to walk by faith, not by sight (and signs). The signs, miracles and wonders ended shortly after the stoning of Stephen as the third and final rejection of God by the nation Israel.

a. Samuel lamented to God that Israel had rejected him as their prophet. God replied that the nation hadn't rejected him (Samuel) but had rejected Me (God the Father).

b. John the Baptist proclaimed, "Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." Israel as a nation rejected their Messiah (only the Little Flock believed) and asked for His crucifixion. (Rejected God the Son)

c. Stephen was stoned to death while the Holy Spirit was upon him, speaking to Israel. (Rejected God the Holy Spirit)

This was the third and final act of the nation Israel that brought their fall and the beginning of the end of the signs, miracles and wonders. These will once again be in vogue during the time of Jacob's Troubles (after the "taking up" of the Body of Christ), otherwise known as the Great Tribulation.

Okay, here is the big question. What IS required for your salvation according to what God has to say?

Believe in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus? Yes (BUT, there are three corresponding qualifiers concerning salvation. In other words, what is it that we are required to believe ABOUT the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus?) Hint: Belief in 5 1/2 of them won't buy your ticket.

1) Jesus died.

Q1. Yes, He did die a physical death on the cross but that in itself isn't the qualifying point.
The qualifier is that He died for your sins. He was worthy of being the perfect sacrifice that God's justice demanded. If you believe that Jesus died, but He didn't die for YOUR sins, it is (for you) of no avail.

2) Jesus was buried.

Q2. Yes and this goes with the law of first mention. He was buried to be put out of the sight of God as the sin offering that he had become. If you don't believe those sins that he represented were put out of the sight of God, it is (for you) of no avail. Those sins (past, present & future) were all nailed to the cross of Christ and put out of the sight of God forever. Hint: All of your sins were future and they were all nailed to the cross and put out of the sight of God when Jesus was buried. Unbelief concerning the burial is not an option according to God's Word.

3) Jesus arose.

Q3. Yes and you need to understand that He arose for YOUR JUSTIFICATION. If His blood sacrifice had not been fully acceptable to God the Father, then He would not have arisen. Jesus has been fully justified by the Father as evidenced by His ascension and all those "in Christ."

This third and final qualifier is the one commonly left out at the churches of the fig leaf. They do not want people to know that they are fully justified in Christ. Satan and his preachers of righteousness will tell you that your salvation, righteousness and justification must be earned by doing whatever they have placed on their list of "Dos" and "Don'ts."

If you believe that Jesus arose, but He didn't arise for YOUR justification, then (for you) it is of no avail. At the moment you believe Him, you are as righteous, and justified to God the Father as you will ever be. (Driving the bus, teaching Sunday school, and placing money in the offering won't make you MORE righteous or MORE justified.) We serve out of gratitude, not out of trying to make ourselves acceptable to God. We are acceptable to God only by one condition; That we believe the Son has established our righteousness and justification apart from our individual endeavors. It is the pride of mankind that wants to think he has performed some service to God that makes him worthy. If you think you have contributed in any way to your own justification, you have just failed all the other points of the salvation exam. This is why Satan advocates the churches of the fig leaf; They cater to mankind's sense of pride and they assure that no one who follows their doctrine will be saved.

If you believe that Christ Jesus died, was buried and arose for your justification, you are baptized into Him (no water involved - one faith, one Lord, one baptism) and positionally possess all the spiritual attributes as Jesus; fully justified, fully righteous and sealed in eternal life.

Your daily transgressions come as no surprise to our Lord. He knew of them all before you were born and He has (past tense) paid for them all and has (past tense) put them out of sight of God the Father. We who have been placed "in Him" can do nothing to make ourselves more acceptable to God by our performance.

What must I do to be saved? Nothing. You don't DO anything. Just believe Him.
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Why Angels Do Not Have a Second Chance
Those who have come to understand God's abundant grace toward man often marvel at what God has done for man despite our utter and complete unrighteousness. While God has chosen to bestow grace upon man, the scriptures are noticeably silent as to any provision for fallen angels. While the author does not pretend to know all of the reasons in the mind of God as to why such provision was not made, a few insights can be gleaned from how the scriptures describe angels.



We begin with the observation that angels hold a higher rank and position in the universe than man does but that man's position is only slightly inferior.



What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. (Ps 8:4-5)



A key difference between men and angels is that angels are incapable of dying while all men die.



But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. (Luke 20:35-36)



In fact, the very reason that Christ was made a little lower than the angels was so that he could suffer death.



But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. (Heb 2:9)



Since one of the key differences between men and angels is the ability to suffer death, it is important to understand what it means to die. Death is not, as commonly thought, the cessation of existence because a man's soul is eternal.

What transpires at death is the separation of a man's soul and his spirit from his physical body.



And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (Gen 35:18, Jam 2:26)



Death is simply the departure of the soul and the spirit from the physical body. Thus, when scripture indicates that angels cannot die, it is an indication that the nature of the heavenly bodies given to angels is such that the bodies cannot be separated from their souls and spirits.



Prior to the saints of this dispensation occupying their positions of service in heavenly places they must be given new incorruptible bodies (Rom 8:23, 1Cor 15:42-44). The explicit reason given for these change is that our corrupt bodies are not suitable to receive our inheritance in heavenly places.



Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (1Cor 15:50)



The corruption in our physical bodies is a reference to sin dwelling in our flesh.



Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. (Rom 7:20, 23)



Our corruptible flesh in which sin dwells is unfit for heavenly places. If, after removing fallen angels from heaven, God were to allow us to enter our heavenly positions in our sinful flesh, soon the heavenly places would again be filled with sin just as the earth is today. Therefore, God has provided new spiritual, incorruptible bodies for us to avoid contaminating heaven.



As discussed above, angels were created as a higher class of being and are incapable of dying. Thus, angels that have sinned inhabit bodies where sin resides and from which the angels' souls cannot be set free. As a result, if God wishes the new heavens and the new earth to be free from sin, he has no choice but to prevent fallen angels from entering into it since they cannot be given new bodies. It is for this reason (and perhaps others) that scriptures do not record angels as having a second chance.[1]





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[1]The author recognizes that God could have designed angels' bodies differently and does not imply any limitation on God's power to have done so other than those limitations imposed by His own character (e.g. God cannot lie - Titus 1:2). However, since the scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35), once God has spoken something, He is bound by it due to the faithfulness of His character.God does not act inconsistently with His word.

What the Revelation of the mystery reveals or contains:

1. The Formation of the Body of Christ
Romans 10:12,13; 12:5; 1 Corinthians 10:17; 12:27;
Ephesians 4:4,12; 2:6, 14-18; Colossians 1:18; 3:15; 1 Timothy 1:3-6

2. Dispensation of Grace
Ephesians 3:2,9; Colossians 1:25

3. Gospel of the Grace of God
Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:7
a. Preaching of the Cross
1 Corinthians 1:17,18; Galatians 6:14; Colossians 1:20
b. Forgiveness by the Blood
Romans 3:25; 5:9; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14
c. Death, Burial, Resurrection of Christ necessary to Gospel of Salvation
Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:15

4. Temporary Setting aside of Israel
Romans 11:25
a. Blindness
Isaiah 6:9,10; Acts 28:27,28; Romans 11:11-15

5. Equality of Jew & Gentile
Romans 3:9, 19-23; 10:12-13; 11:32

6. One Baptism
1 Corinthians 2:13; Ephesians 4:5

7. A New Commission to Preach
Roman 5:10; 11:15; 2 Corinthians 5:14-20; Ephesians 2:12, 16; Colossians 1:21

8. Heavenly Position of Believers
Ephesians 1:3; 2:6; Philippians 3:20; Colossians 3:1-3

9. Christ is the Head of the Body
Ephesians 1:22,23; 5:23; Colossians 1:18

10. Coming of Christ in the Air
1 Corinthians 15:51-52; Philippians 3:20,21; Colossians 3:4;
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:13

11. The Judgment Seat of Christ
Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10,11

12. The Ministry of the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 5:18
a. We must not
Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19

HAVE YOU HEARD?

by Cornelius R. Stam

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

Could it be that those to whom Paul addressed his Ephesian letter had not yet heard that God had committed to him "the dispensation of grace"?

Next to the death and resurrection of Christ, the conversion of Paul and his commission to proclaim "the gospel of the grace of God" was the greatest event in history .

The apostles at Jerusalem had recognized the importance of Paul's part in the divine program.

They themselves had at first been sent by Christ into "all the world," yet in Gal. 2:9 we find James, Peter and John publicly shaking hands with Paul in a solemn agreement that he should henceforth be the apostle to the nations.

Could it be that some twelve years later, when he wrote the Ephesian letter, there were any who professed the name of Christ who had not heard of Paul's special place in the program of God as the apostle of grace?

Little wonder his words "if ye have heard" carry with them a touch of reproach.

It is possible, of course, that there were some among them, but recently brought into the Church, who had not heard, but what seems utterly incredible is that there should be even one believer at this late date who has not heard that after Christ and His kingdom had been rejected and the world was ripe for prophesied judgment to fall, God intervened, saving Saul, His chief enemy on earth, and sending him forth with "the good news of the grace of God."

This good news is based, of course, upon the fact that since Christ was the spotless Lamb of God, His death is accepted by God as full satisfaction for the sinner.

Thus Paul, by divine inspiration, declares that believers are "justified freely by His [God's] grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 3:24).

King James Version. Pure Word of God.

Another Gospel

In Galatians chapter one, Paul marvels that the Galatians are "so soon removed" to "another gospel." Then he goes on to say:

Galatians 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

Notice that he says "which IS not another," not "which WAS not another," nor "which WILL NOT BE another." The whole point being, that IN TIME PAST there was another gospel being preached which is not the same as Paul's gospel. The point being that IN THE FUTURE there will be another gospel preached which is not the same as Paul's gospel. Now you can clearly see that from the next verse:

Galatians 1:8 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.

All you have to do is compare Revelation 14:6-7 with 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and you can easily see that the angel from heaven in the book of Revelation is not preaching the same gospel that Paul preaches in 1 Corinthians 15. Paul preaches a salvation message but the angel in the book of Revelation preaches a message of judgment.

The issue that Paul is presenting is that some are perverting the gospel of Christ that he preached. How did they do that? By adding works to the grace message. In time past, when another gospel was being preached, works PLUS faith were required. Peter even said that men who feared God AND worked righteousness are accepted with him.

But Paul said Christ died for sinners, for the ungodly, and even for the enemies of God. Paul said that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, NOT imputing their trespasses unto them. Paul said "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, PLUS NOTHING, and thou shalt be saved."

The issue in Galatians is not a FALSE gospel as so many claim today, but rather a DIFFERENT gospel, which was a TIME PAST message. In Romans 11:6 Paul is clear that salvation is NO MORE of works. In the past men had to DO something to be saved, today they have to BELIEVE something.

Are Tongues For Today?


Opening Text: Acts 2:1-20

In this lesson we will learn 3 things:

Tongues were for Israel.
Tongues were temporary in nature.
Tongues would cease upon the completion of the word of God.
Introduction:

Before we look at the above 3 points let us ask the question "What are tongues?"

Some people think that tongue talking is speaking gibberish.
Some people believe that it is currently going on today and is one of the signs of salvation.
Some people think that God is speaking to them and giving them direct revelation apart from the word of God.
But what does the Bible say tongues are? The Bible clearly teaches that tongues were known languages.

"But what about 'unknown tongues' in 1 Corinthians 14?", you may ask.

If we apply what we already know from Acts 2, that tongues are known languages, then 1 Corinthians 14 is not a problem. Paul is simply bawling out the carnal Corinthians for misuse of the gift of tongues.

Verse by verse commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:

1 Cor 14:1Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

COMMENT: After telling the Corinthians in Chapter 13 that tongues would cease, Paul now directs them to follow after prophecy, or preaching.

1 Cor 14:2For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
1 Cor 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

COMMENT: Again, a logical argument arises. If there is no one who can understand you but God, then it would be better to speak so that man can be edified, or built up in the faith.

1 Cor 14:4He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

COMMENT: It is better to edify the church than just one member of it. Keep in mind here that no one in the assembly could understand this tongue that was being used. It is unknown only in the sense that no one there knew what was being said.

For example: If I were to walk into a German, French, or some such assembly and begin to speak to them in American (we speak American, not English), and no one there understood American, what good would it do them, though I gave them the whole counsel of God? The answer is none.

1 Cor 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

COMMENT: It is readily apparent that prophesying was more edifying than talking in tongues.

1 Cor 14:6Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

COMMENT: Again the great apostle to the Gentiles makes the same argument.

1 Cor 14:7And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
1 Cor 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
1 Cor 14:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

COMMENT: Yet another illustration of the frustration of tongues.

1 Cor 14:10There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
1 Cor 14:11Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

COMMENT: Rather than commend the misuse of this gift, which is how it is practiced today in America, Paul all but calls it barbaric: the opposite of civilized. In other words, Paul was saying only a bunch of barbarians would go around speaking things that no one in the speaker's vicinity could understand, and then brag about it!!!

1 Cor 14:12Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

COMMENT: This is the 3rd time now that Paul has returned to this theme. Again, he does not commend the use of tongues. He is commending edification which, apparently from this passage, was not being accomplished through tongues. If I tell even our young folks that it is better to do one thing than to do another, they understand perfectly well what is meant. So many today fight and wrangle with these verses trying to make them say what they do not say.

1 Cor 14:13Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
1 Cor 14:14For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
1 Cor 14:15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
1 Cor 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
1 Cor 14:17For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

COMMENT: The issue is the edification of the believer. Speaking in tongues in the Corinthian church was not edifying, and Paul recommends against it in favor of edification.

1 Cor 14:18I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

COMMENT: Many contend that this is a reference to Paul's personal, private prayer life and, therefore, it is ok to practice at home. This is a wild leap of imagination. The correct use of tongues was to reach the lost, as we shall see shortly.

1 Cor 14:19Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

COMMENT: This is the 5th time that Paul returns to this argument of edification. This time he makes it very plain that, "in the church", speaking with understanding is preferred above speaking in tongues.

By the way, do you know what 5 words Paul would rather speak, clearly and distinctly so everyone could hear? I am guessing, of course, but I think they might be, "Christ died FOR our sins".

1 Cor 14:20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

COMMENT: Paul now reasons with them not to be children. "Do not shoot out the lip because I am taking away your toy. Grow up and be men in understanding."

1 Cor 14:21In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
1 Cor 14:22Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

COMMENT: Paul now turns his attention to the purpose originally given for the use of the gift of tongues: the salvation of the nation of Israel. The Jews required a sign. They were sign-oriented people. The way they knew that God was working in their midst was through the use of signs. This principle holds true throughout the law. Signs were a part of their heritage and birthright. If God was speaking to them, signs would follow.

When lost Israel sees the Gentiles practicing their gifts, God uses this to provoke some to salvation. This is part of the "provoking ministry of Paul". This sign, talking in tongues, would be done away with for 2 very good reasons.

Israel would be set aside because of unbelief.
The completion of the canon of scripture.
Now this all begs a question, which Paul logically asks in verse 23.

1 Cor 14:23If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
1 Cor 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
1 Cor 14:25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

COMMENT: The question that must be asked is this: If tongues are for a sign to the unbelievers, why was it being practiced in the church? It needed to be practiced outside in the world where it could be used effectively. The same is true today. If you want to hear people "speak in tongues", you have to go to their worship services. I have had Mormons, Church of Christ, Baptists, and Russellites (or Jehovah's Witnesses) come to my door and talk to me, but I have never had a Pentecostal come to my door and speak to me in tongues. Why?

Today it is gibberish and means nothing.
It is of the flesh.
There is nothing spiritual about it, and this whole chapter proves that very point. The purpose of tongues was to reach lost Israel through the manifestation of the Spirit in the believer. The Corinthians were not using it that way.

1 Cor 14:26How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

COMMENT: This verse demonstrates the carnality evidenced in Corinth and across America today. No understanding. No edification. Just a flesh and emotion feast.

1 Cor 14:27If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
1 Cor 14:28But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

COMMENT: Terms and Conditions - Part 1: Notice again the problem here is with the unknown tongue, a language that no one in the congregation could recognize. Also notice that, under the decently and in order rule, one would not get up and start speaking in an unknown tongue without first making sure there was an interpreter present. If not, he (not she, because women were not allowed to speak, much less speak in tongues) was to keep silence.

1 Cor 14:29Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
1 Cor 14:30If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
1 Cor 14:31For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
1 Cor 14:32And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
1 Cor 14:33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

COMMENT: Terms and Conditions - Part 2: The prophets are to speak first, as many as 2 or 3, and another was to judge, or make sure he spoke according to sound doctrine. If someone got a revelation, that is they received some light that might help the others to understand, they were to wait their turn. Notice that there are no limits. All may prophesy, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. This is consistent with Pauline doctrine and the context of this passage. Verse 32 simply means to gauge what is being said, the role of the judge.

1 Cor 14:34Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
1 Cor 14:35And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

COMMENT: Terms and Conditions - Part 3: The speaking is tongues and prophesying. They are not to interrupt the flow of things with questions. The shame comes from not being under subjection, not for being a woman. The modern tongues movement would come to a screeching halt if this one verse were obeyed.

1 Cor 14:36What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

COMMENT: Now Paul completely deflates their ballooning pride by telling them that they are not the center of the universe. "Do you think you are the only ones in God's plan and purpose?"

1 Cor 14:37If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
1 Cor 14:38But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

COMMENT: Finally, the apostle to the Gentiles reminds them that if they really were spiritual, if they really were prophets, they would acknowledge him and his ministry. Such is the condition of the "professing church" today. They stumble in fettered flesh and emotionalism because they have not acknowledged the apostleship of Paul. In reference to verse 38, it is as if Paul were saying, "You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make him drink. We can only show you the door you will have to open it and go in".

1 Cor 14:39Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
1 Cor 14:40Let all things be done decently and in order.

COMMENT: Paul's closing remarks on this subject are clear and instructive. It is better to edify than not. Speaking in tongues is not to be forbidden (at that time), but clearly here, and according to the context, it was better to leave tongues out in the world where it could do the most good. "In the church" it only brings confusion.

Conclusion:

The Corinthians were not using tongues in the proper way and Paul commands them to put things in order. The church was to be a place of edification and education of the saints. Tongues were to be a sign to unbelievers. Paul recommends prophecy over tongues by a huge ratio. And by the way, women are not to do it.

Having said all that, let's continue to examine what the Bible teaches about speaking in tongues:

Tongues Were For Israel

The Twelve Apostles received the gift
Acts 1:26And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Peter quoted Joel, an Old Testament, Jewish prophet
Acts 2:14But 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:
Acts 2:15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
Acts 2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

NOTE: There is a dispensational line to be drawn here. The following events in the passage did not come to pass in Peter's day. They will happen after the catching away of the church, the body of Christ.

Acts 2:19And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
Acts 2:20The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:

The Jews require a sign. They always have.
1 Cor 1:22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

Examples: Moses and the burning bush, Gideon's fleece, the virgin birth, Hezekiah's 10 degrees, etc.

Christ's words to the scribes and the Pharisees:

Mat 12:38Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
Mat 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
Mat 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Mat 12:41The men of Ninevehshall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

Note that the Ninevites needed no sign, just preaching.

Tongues were prophesied.
Jer 5:15Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.

Deu 28:49The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand; To these people, to these Gentiles, were Israel's gifts given to provoke them to jealousy.

Rom 11:11I 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.

Tongues Were Temporary In Nature

Israel was going to be set aside as God's agency because of her rejection of the Messiah and the Holy Spirit. God had a secret plan to bring in the revelation of the mystery. This is made evident in the book of Romans:

Rom 11:25For 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.

Rom 11:28As concerning the gospel (i.e. the gospel of grace), they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
Rom 11:29For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. Rom 11:30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
Rom 11:31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.

Note: At the time of the writing of Romans, Israel could be called enemies of the gospel. Note also that in verse 31, Israel now must go through the body of Christ to be saved. The tables have been turned, so to speak. The middle wall of partition has been broken down.

Eph 2:14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Three times in the book of Acts, Paul pronounces judgment on unbelieving Israel.

Acts 13:46Then 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.
Acts 18:6And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
Acts 28:25And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
Acts 28:26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
Acts 28:27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Acts 28:28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
Conclusion: Tongues belong to Israel. When Israel is set aside, so are her signs.

Tongues would cease for the body of Christ upon the completion of the word of God

1 Cor 13:8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

COMMENT: What do prophecies, tongues and knowledge (supernatural knowledge, as with tongues and prophecy) have in common? They all have to do with the transmission of the word of God. When Paul, by the Holy Spirit, penned these words, the word of God was not complete. Therefore he says, "We know in part."

NOTE: The word "knowledge" used in this passage is the Greek word "gnosis", which means, "to have knowledge of." This in itself is not very significant until you turn to the book of Ephesians, where we find:

Eph 1:17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

This knowledge is the Greek word "epignosis" which means, "full knowledge!" When we get a completed book, we no longer need tongues, knowledge or prophecy.

1 Cor 13:9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
1 Cor 13:10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

COMMENT: The Pentecostals like to say thatthis verse is a reference to the coming of Christ. First of all, it does not fit the context of the passage in any way. Secondly, it says "that which is perfect", not "he who is perfect", and God is able to say what He means. When the word of God is completed, that which is in part shall be done away. And isn't that what we have with Paul completing the "revelation of the mystery"? We now, today in the year 2000, have God's complete plan for the heavens and the earth. For the body of Christ and the nation of Israel. For the mystery program and the prophesied program.

1 Cor 13:11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

COMMENT: Did you ever grow up? Were things different when you did? That is the difference between having part, but not all, of the word of God.

1 Cor 13:12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

COMMENT: Ever look into a dirty mirror then wipe it off. That is the difference between having part, but not all, of the word of God.

One last passage:

Col 1:24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
Col 1:25 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;
Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Col 1:27 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:
Col 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Col 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

To Paul was given the capstone of divine revelation. His epistles finish the book. And we have it in our hands today.

2 Tim 3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Tim 3:17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

This verse nullifies tongues for this age, the dispensation of the grace of God.

Tongues were for Israel
Tongues were temporary in nature
Tongues would cease upon the completion of the word of God

STANDING VS STATE

Standing vs. state
"8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
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." 2. Corinthians 5


February 24 2008 Bond Slave No 67-4
http://www.youtube.com/user/GraceAboundedMore#p/c/0008D73FF541B7C6/3/rQ37UYcMPGY

Curt Crist

www.welcometograce.com


Give Up Serving Self and that will be the best service to self you could ever give yourself. Why, because you will find true freedom and joy to be the ultimate result. Give up serving self and serve others.
We can learn one thing for sure. Overcoming Addiction does not come through the commitment to stop serving the addiction. The more effort you expend in that area the more over-whelming will become the desire for that to which you are addicted. Overcoming addition comes only through the commitment to be addicted to something different.

Paul found that something else. Did you ever think about Paul as being addicted? Paul was a tremendous addict. He had an over-whelming addiction. He was addicted to serving Christ. Therefore, to serving the body of Christ.

Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

"All" is an Extremely important word. Think how many times Paul uses the word "All" in this short little 4 chapter epistle.

Philippians 1:1 all the saints
Philippians 1:4 in every prayer of mine for you all
Philippians 1:7 it is meet for me to think this of you all
Philippians 1:8 I long after you all
Philippians 1:9 in all judgment
Philippians 1:13 all other places
Philippians 1:20 all boldness
Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
Philippians 2:17 I joy, and rejoice with you all.
Philippians 2:21 For all seek their own
Philippians 2:29 all gladness;
Philippians 3:8 count all things but loss... for whom I have suffered the loss of all things
Philippians 3:21 he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding
Philippians 4:12 being instructed in all things
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:18 I have all, and abound: I am full,
Philippians 4:22 All the saints salute you
Philippians 4:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

When Paul mentions the saints in Christ Jesus, there's an important point we need to make. Be careful to never confuse "Standing and State". Paul's giving up positional truth here in verse one.

Standing = how God views you 'in Christ'
perfect righteousness! Saints!
State = your experience through time on earth

Standing is what God's made you to be and what you can never cease to be in his eyes.
State has to do with how you're taking advantage or not taking advantage of that God given position that's everlastingly yours by God's decree.

Standing's your position in Christ wrought by God in grace for eternity.
State has to do with your experience in time on earth.
YOUR STANDING IN CHRIST IS NOTHING LESS THAN PERFECT. The very righteousness of God himself attributed to your account when you're joined to his perfectly righteous Son. So, you standing in Christ is nothing less than perfect. It will never be anything less than perfect.

Your state can be deplorable. An example would be the saints at Corinth. Sounds like an oxymoron when you understand that assembly. The Corinthians experience another wards their behavior their conduct was despicable. They were bond slaves to self, carnal or fleshy orientated. At the same time their standing couldn't of been better. Carnal was their state in Christ was their standing. In God's eyes these saints were being preserved blameless in their positional standing in Christ until The day of Christ.

Just be careful never to confuse standing with state. Scripture through Paul distinguishes between the two. So, we should be careful to make the distinction in our own thinking that God makes in his teaching.

God has given us a perfect standing in our union with his perfectly righteous Son. He's also made provision for us now to have an ever improving state or experience. It's called growth. It's called maturing. It's called growing up into him into all things unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (Eph 4:13) It's what our growth is all about.

There are people out there who believe they can lose their salvation because they've totally confused with their position in Christ with their state.

Philippians 1:2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.