In the book of Genesis, God gave Abraham a promise. When Abraham believed God’s promise, God forgave all of his sins and counted him as righteous. One aspect of God’s promise to Abraham was that all of the nations of the earth would be blessed through Abraham’s Seed.
In Galatians 3, Paul explained that the Seed of Abraham is Jesus Christ and concluded that the promise will not come to those who keep the Law but to those who have faith like Abraham. His argument is supported by the fact that Abraham received the promise by faith 430 years before the Law was given.
The promise of the Law was that, if Israel would keep the Law, God would give her physical blessings such as health and wealth. However, God never said that He would give Israel eternal life or the promised kingdom as a reward for keeping the Law.
In Galatians 3, Paul explained that God gave the Law to serve as a guardian over Israel until Christ came. Christ’s blood of atonement made it possible for Israel to be made righteous through faith and to receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The power of God’s indwelling Spirit made the purpose of the Law obsolete.
In Acts 15 we see Paul and Barnabas at the Jerusalem Council proclaiming that God was saving Gentiles who had never submitted to circumcision or the other rituals of the Law. When the Jewish leaders were reminded of the fact that Cornelius was saved by faith without circumcision, they concluded that the Gentiles did not need to comply with the legal requirements of the Law.
Given the truths expressed in Galatians, one has to wonder why the Jews continued to observe the Law. And since Paul wrote Galatians after the Jerusalem Council, one might wonder if Paul had come to the conclusion that even the Jews should stop observing the Law. After all, he said that Christ came to take Israel out from under the bondage of the Law.
On Paul’s final trip to Jerusalem, he was challenged about this very thing:
Acts 21:20-21
20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, "You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law;
21 "but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs.
Paul was asked to participate in some Jewish rituals to prove that, according to his doctrine, it was appropriate for the Jews to observe the Law. Since he did participate in the requested rituals, we can conclude that during the Acts period Paul considered it appropriate for the Jews to observe the Law but inappropriate for the Gentiles to do so.
Galatians is typical of Paul’s Acts-period epistles in that he emphasized the hope of the kingdom which had been promised to Abraham, and it would appear that the observance of the Law by the Jews was connected to that hope. However, even in these epistles Paul taught the Jewish believers that their acceptance in the sight of God was based solely on their faith in Christ. Therefore, they were, indeed, set free from the bondage of the Law.
Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians were written after the Acts period, and in these epistles Paul revealed our present dispensation of the Church which is the Body of Christ. In these epistles, he never mentioned Abraham or the kingdom promised to Abraham, and he vehemently condemned those who continued to observe the Law.
Phil 3:2-3
2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, (NKJ)
The book of Hebrews was written after Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians, and in this book Paul wrote words of comfort for the Jewish believers who will suffer great persecution in the tribulation period. In this epistle, his message was once again dominated by the promises given to Abraham. His words paint a beautiful picture of that promised kingdom which will come down out of heaven.
Obviously, the revelation of the Church which is the Body of Christ in Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians is surrounded by books, both before and after, whose dominant theme is the kingdom promised to Abraham. The fact that Paul did not mention Abraham’s hope in Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians indicates that our present age of the Church which is the Body of Christ is a parenthetical age between God’s offer of Israel’s hope in the Acts period and God’s offer of Israel’s hope in the tribulation period. We can also safely conclude that the Church has no specific hope concerning the promises given to Abraham.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
Thursday, June 03, 2004
In Galatians, Chapter 3, Paul reminded the believers that God had saved them simply as a result of their faith in Christ, and that He had done many miracles, wonders and signs to give evidence of their salvation. The works of the law had not contributed in the least to their salvation. To support this argument, he mentioned what had been a very overlooked detail of the Old Testament scriptures, that Abraham was saved by faith 430 years before the Law was ever given. Paul quoted from Genesis 15:
Gal 3:6-7
6 just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. (NKJ)
Gal 3:17-18
17 And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.
18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise. (NKJ)
Therefore, Abraham was saved by faith and received the promise of an earthly kingdom 430 years before the Law was given. With these facts in evidence, Paul asked this very pertinent question.
Gal 3:19
19 What purpose then does the law serve? . . .
His answer:
Gal 3:19
. . . It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; (NKJ)
Paul explained that God gave the law as a tutor or guardian to watch over the nation of Israel until the coming of Christ.
When Abraham left his home in the land of the Chaldeans, God had told Abraham that He would make a great nation out of his descendants, and then, several years after Isaac was born, God told Abraham that He would bless all of the nations of the world through his seed.
Gen 22:18
18 "In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice." (NKJ)
Paul revealed that the seed to which God referred was Jesus Christ.
Gal 3:16-18
16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ. (NKJ)
The nation of Israel was like a minor child who had a great inheritance but was too young to receive it. She had been promised this great earthly kingdom but was still an infant nation. Minor children are usually placed under a guardian until a time set by their father.
At a certain time, set by God the Father, Jesus Christ came into the world to bring Israel to maturity through faith. Paul explained that from that time there was no further need for the guardianship of the Law.
Gal 3:21-25
21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.
22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed.
24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Gal 3:6-7
6 just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. (NKJ)
Gal 3:17-18
17 And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.
18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise. (NKJ)
Therefore, Abraham was saved by faith and received the promise of an earthly kingdom 430 years before the Law was given. With these facts in evidence, Paul asked this very pertinent question.
Gal 3:19
19 What purpose then does the law serve? . . .
His answer:
Gal 3:19
. . . It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; (NKJ)
Paul explained that God gave the law as a tutor or guardian to watch over the nation of Israel until the coming of Christ.
When Abraham left his home in the land of the Chaldeans, God had told Abraham that He would make a great nation out of his descendants, and then, several years after Isaac was born, God told Abraham that He would bless all of the nations of the world through his seed.
Gen 22:18
18 "In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice." (NKJ)
Paul revealed that the seed to which God referred was Jesus Christ.
Gal 3:16-18
16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ. (NKJ)
The nation of Israel was like a minor child who had a great inheritance but was too young to receive it. She had been promised this great earthly kingdom but was still an infant nation. Minor children are usually placed under a guardian until a time set by their father.
At a certain time, set by God the Father, Jesus Christ came into the world to bring Israel to maturity through faith. Paul explained that from that time there was no further need for the guardianship of the Law.
Gal 3:21-25
21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.
22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed.
24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
The Apostle Paul said that God had called him to preach the gospel of the grace of God to the Gentiles. He also said that his message was not something he had learned from the leaders of the Christian Church in Jerusalem.
Gal 1:15-19
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace,
16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,
17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days.
19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother. (NKJ)
In Galatians, Chapter 2, Paul spoke of another trip he made to Jerusalem to meet with the leaders of the Jerusalem Church. That meeting is known as the Jerusalem Council, and its events are recorded in Acts 15. In that meeting it was decided that the Gentiles did not have to observe the rituals of the Mosaic Law to be saved.
When Peter mentioned that God had saved Cornelius (Acts 10) even though Cornelius was uncircumcised, Peter, James, and John agreed that Paul’s ministry among the uncircumcised believers was a legitimate ministry of God. Consequently, they agreed that even though the Jews would continue observing the rituals of the law, the Gentiles would not be required to do so.
Gal 2:9
9 and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. (NKJ)
After explaining these things in Galatians, Chapter 2, Paul revealed that real spiritual power can only come through a spiritual identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
Gal 2:20
20 "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (NKJ)
The Holy Spirit of God, living within him, had given him something that the Law of Moses never could: deliverance from the bondage of sin.
Gal 2:17-19
17 "But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? Certainly not!
18 "For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
19 "For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. (NKJ)
When Paul thought about the tremendous change that Jesus Christ had made in his heart and in his life, he declared that he would never frustrate the grace of God by giving up on the pure gospel of the grace of God.
Gal 2:21
21 "I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain." (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Gal 1:15-19
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace,
16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,
17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days.
19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother. (NKJ)
In Galatians, Chapter 2, Paul spoke of another trip he made to Jerusalem to meet with the leaders of the Jerusalem Church. That meeting is known as the Jerusalem Council, and its events are recorded in Acts 15. In that meeting it was decided that the Gentiles did not have to observe the rituals of the Mosaic Law to be saved.
When Peter mentioned that God had saved Cornelius (Acts 10) even though Cornelius was uncircumcised, Peter, James, and John agreed that Paul’s ministry among the uncircumcised believers was a legitimate ministry of God. Consequently, they agreed that even though the Jews would continue observing the rituals of the law, the Gentiles would not be required to do so.
Gal 2:9
9 and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. (NKJ)
After explaining these things in Galatians, Chapter 2, Paul revealed that real spiritual power can only come through a spiritual identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
Gal 2:20
20 "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (NKJ)
The Holy Spirit of God, living within him, had given him something that the Law of Moses never could: deliverance from the bondage of sin.
Gal 2:17-19
17 "But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? Certainly not!
18 "For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
19 "For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. (NKJ)
When Paul thought about the tremendous change that Jesus Christ had made in his heart and in his life, he declared that he would never frustrate the grace of God by giving up on the pure gospel of the grace of God.
Gal 2:21
21 "I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain." (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
Shortly after the Apostle Paul was saved on the road to Damascus, he went to Antioch of Syria where he ministered with Barnabas preaching the gospel of the grace of God. This message is succinctly expressed in I Corinthians 15.
1 Cor 15:3-4
3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, (NKJ)
Paul taught in Galatians 2 that people are saved by faith in Jesus Christ apart from the works of the law.
Gal 2:16
16 "knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. (NKJ)
However, Paul wrote this Epistle to the Galatians because some Jewish believers had come teaching that God requires compliance with the law of Moses for salvation. We see his stern warning to the people in chapter 1.
Gal 1:6-8
6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,
7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. (NKJ)
Paul said that his message of grace had been given to him as a direct revelation from God.
Gal 1:11-12
11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.
12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. (NKJ)
Paul had lived most of his life as a strict follower of the law of Moses.
Gal 1:13-14
13 For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it.
14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. (NKJ)
When Paul met Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, everything changed.
Gal 1:22-24
22 . . . I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ.
23 But they were hearing only, "He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy."
24 And they glorified God in me. (NKJ)
Paul had experienced the joy of salvation by faith apart from the works of the law, and he dedicated his life to sharing that joy with others.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
1 Cor 15:3-4
3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, (NKJ)
Paul taught in Galatians 2 that people are saved by faith in Jesus Christ apart from the works of the law.
Gal 2:16
16 "knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. (NKJ)
However, Paul wrote this Epistle to the Galatians because some Jewish believers had come teaching that God requires compliance with the law of Moses for salvation. We see his stern warning to the people in chapter 1.
Gal 1:6-8
6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,
7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. (NKJ)
Paul said that his message of grace had been given to him as a direct revelation from God.
Gal 1:11-12
11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.
12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. (NKJ)
Paul had lived most of his life as a strict follower of the law of Moses.
Gal 1:13-14
13 For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it.
14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. (NKJ)
When Paul met Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, everything changed.
Gal 1:22-24
22 . . . I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ.
23 But they were hearing only, "He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy."
24 And they glorified God in me. (NKJ)
Paul had experienced the joy of salvation by faith apart from the works of the law, and he dedicated his life to sharing that joy with others.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
During the tribulation period, the antichrist will establish the ultimate evil empire. When the Lord Jesus Christ returns to the earth at the end of the tribulation period, He will destroy the antichrist and create a perfect world through the nation of Israel. However, Jesus Christ is the cure for all that is antichrist today as well. The Apostle John said:
I Jn 4:3-4
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (KJV)
The devil and his demonic agents are very active in the world today. Paul said that believers are in a constant battle with them.
Eph 6:12-13
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (NIV)
We have power over these principalities and powers because the Lord Jesus disarmed them at the cross.
Col 2:15
15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (NIV)
Obviously, the spiritual armor God has provided for our battle is very effective.
Eph 6:14-18
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints– (NKJ)
One of the purposes of the Church which is the Body of Christ is to bring glory to God by putting on display the victory of the Church over the authorities and powers of the darkness of this world.
Eph 3:8-11
8 Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
James III’s link:
http://www.jeditime.blogspot.com
I Jn 4:3-4
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (KJV)
The devil and his demonic agents are very active in the world today. Paul said that believers are in a constant battle with them.
Eph 6:12-13
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (NIV)
We have power over these principalities and powers because the Lord Jesus disarmed them at the cross.
Col 2:15
15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (NIV)
Obviously, the spiritual armor God has provided for our battle is very effective.
Eph 6:14-18
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints– (NKJ)
One of the purposes of the Church which is the Body of Christ is to bring glory to God by putting on display the victory of the Church over the authorities and powers of the darkness of this world.
Eph 3:8-11
8 Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
James III’s link:
http://www.jeditime.blogspot.com
Monday, May 03, 2004
Daniel, the prophet, saw 70 weeks, or what we would call 490 years, between the return of the Jews to Jerusalem under Cyrus the Persian and the setting up of the New Covenant Kingdom. However, Daniel did not know about the present age in which we live. The Apostle Paul said God kept this age and the dispensation that relates to this age a secret until He revealed it through Paul.
Eph 3:1-5
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles--
2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,
3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery . . .
5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: (NKJ)
As a result, Paul often charged believers to follow his doctrine. To the Philippians, he wrote:
Phil 3:17
17 Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. (NIV)
Phil 4:9
9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (NIV)
To Timothy, Paul wrote:
1 Tim 1:3,11
3 . . . that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust. (NKJ)
2 Tim 2:2
2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (NKJ)
2 Tim 3:10,14
10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, . . .
14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, (NKJ)
Our present age of the Church, the Body of Christ, was a mystery, hidden from the prophets, until it was revealed through the Apostle Paul. Understanding this mystery and the fact that it was committed to Paul, helps believers to appropriately pattern their lives and their worship after the doctrine of the Apostle Paul. It also makes it possible for Bible students to appreciate all scripture as a consistent presentation of God’s dealings with different groups of people in different times.
2 Tim 3:16
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Eph 3:1-5
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles--
2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,
3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery . . .
5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: (NKJ)
As a result, Paul often charged believers to follow his doctrine. To the Philippians, he wrote:
Phil 3:17
17 Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. (NIV)
Phil 4:9
9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (NIV)
To Timothy, Paul wrote:
1 Tim 1:3,11
3 . . . that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust. (NKJ)
2 Tim 2:2
2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (NKJ)
2 Tim 3:10,14
10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, . . .
14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, (NKJ)
Our present age of the Church, the Body of Christ, was a mystery, hidden from the prophets, until it was revealed through the Apostle Paul. Understanding this mystery and the fact that it was committed to Paul, helps believers to appropriately pattern their lives and their worship after the doctrine of the Apostle Paul. It also makes it possible for Bible students to appreciate all scripture as a consistent presentation of God’s dealings with different groups of people in different times.
2 Tim 3:16
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Friday, April 30, 2004
After Daniel’s vision in Daniel, Chapter 8, an angel explained to him the meaning of the vision. The angel said that a great leader from Greece would overthrow the Medes and Persians and that his kingdom would then be divided among four of his generals. The angel said that the antichrist would come out of one of these four regions of the Greek Empire. The angel even gave a few details regarding the antichrist.
Dan 8:25
25 "Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; and he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without human means. (NKJ)
It strikes me that the antichrist will destroy many “in their prosperity”. For thousands of years, rulers have tried to maintain their grip over their subjects by stealing from them and oppressing them. I am reminded of the cruelty of a ruler like Saddam Hussein who kept his people in poverty and murdered those who did not pay homage to him. When the antichrist comes, he will be much more clever. He will first reward the masses with great prosperity, realizing that once people have experienced wealth, they will do anything to keep what they have. By this means, he can appear to be benevolent while exercising complete control over his subjects. However, his subjects will be destroyed in their prosperity.
My son, James, used to work for a charity group that does home repairs for needy people. One day, James told me about a man whose house was in desperate need of repair. James told the man that his group would be willing to make the needed repairs free of charge, and James was shocked when the man said, “The Lord has always been very good to me, and you might want to help someone who really needs it.”
This man knew the truth of I Timothy 6:6.
1 Tim 6:6
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. (KJV)
Such a person would not be a very easy target for the antichrist. He obviously had a moral compass which could not be swayed by a desire for the material things of this life. The Apostle Paul warned the believers at Philippi that many religious leaders actually have a greater desire for material success than they do for teaching the truth of God’s Word.
Phil 3:18-19
18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame-- who set their mind on earthly things. (NKJ)
Paul then warned Timothy about the pitfalls associated with greed.
1 Tim 6:8-10
8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Dan 8:25
25 "Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; and he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without human means. (NKJ)
It strikes me that the antichrist will destroy many “in their prosperity”. For thousands of years, rulers have tried to maintain their grip over their subjects by stealing from them and oppressing them. I am reminded of the cruelty of a ruler like Saddam Hussein who kept his people in poverty and murdered those who did not pay homage to him. When the antichrist comes, he will be much more clever. He will first reward the masses with great prosperity, realizing that once people have experienced wealth, they will do anything to keep what they have. By this means, he can appear to be benevolent while exercising complete control over his subjects. However, his subjects will be destroyed in their prosperity.
My son, James, used to work for a charity group that does home repairs for needy people. One day, James told me about a man whose house was in desperate need of repair. James told the man that his group would be willing to make the needed repairs free of charge, and James was shocked when the man said, “The Lord has always been very good to me, and you might want to help someone who really needs it.”
This man knew the truth of I Timothy 6:6.
1 Tim 6:6
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. (KJV)
Such a person would not be a very easy target for the antichrist. He obviously had a moral compass which could not be swayed by a desire for the material things of this life. The Apostle Paul warned the believers at Philippi that many religious leaders actually have a greater desire for material success than they do for teaching the truth of God’s Word.
Phil 3:18-19
18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame-- who set their mind on earthly things. (NKJ)
Paul then warned Timothy about the pitfalls associated with greed.
1 Tim 6:8-10
8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (NKJ)
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Thursday, April 29, 2004
In Daniel, Chapter 8, Daniel reveals his third vision. In this vision, Daniel saw a ram with two horns which was destroyed by a goat with one prominent horn.
Dan 8:3
3 Then I lifted my eyes and saw, and there, standing beside the river, was a ram which had two horns, and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher one came up last. (NKJ)
The ram represents the Medo-Persian Empire, and history reveals that while the Medes dominated the empire first, their influence and power was superseded by that of the Persians. The Medes and Persians were able to overthrow the Babylonian Empire when Cyrus the Persian entered the city through a pair of doors which were left unlocked in the city wall. This had been prophesied by Isaiah.
Isa 45:1
1 "Thus says the LORD to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held-- to subdue nations before him and loose the armor of kings, to open before him the double doors, so that the gates will not be shut: (NKJ)
The Medo-Persian Empire (the ram) was overthrown by Alexander the Great (the notable horn of the male goat in verse 5).
Dan 8:7
7 And I saw him confronting the ram; he was moved with rage against him, attacked the ram, and broke his two horns. There was no power in the ram to withstand him, but he cast him down to the ground and trampled him; and there was no one that could deliver the ram from his hand. (NKJ)
Alexander the Great died at a relatively young age and left his empire to be divided among his four commanding generals.
Dan 8:8
8 The goat became very great, but at the height of his power his large horn was broken off, and in its place four prominent horns grew up toward the four winds of heaven. (NIV)
Daniel went on the say that one of these four remnants of the Greek Empire will ultimately produce the antichrist.
Dan 8:9-11
9 Out of one of them came another horn, which started small but grew in power to the south and to the east and toward the Beautiful Land.
10 It grew until it reached the host of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them.
11 It set itself up to be as great as the Prince of the host; it took away the daily sacrifice from him, and the place of his sanctuary was brought low. (NIV)
This vision is very interesting in that it narrows down the roots from which the antichrist will rise. Daniel’s previous visions show 10 nations that rise up out of the Roman Empire and yield their power to the antichrist, but this vision reveals that the antichrist, himself, will rise up out of the vestiges of the Greek Empire.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Dan 8:3
3 Then I lifted my eyes and saw, and there, standing beside the river, was a ram which had two horns, and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher one came up last. (NKJ)
The ram represents the Medo-Persian Empire, and history reveals that while the Medes dominated the empire first, their influence and power was superseded by that of the Persians. The Medes and Persians were able to overthrow the Babylonian Empire when Cyrus the Persian entered the city through a pair of doors which were left unlocked in the city wall. This had been prophesied by Isaiah.
Isa 45:1
1 "Thus says the LORD to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held-- to subdue nations before him and loose the armor of kings, to open before him the double doors, so that the gates will not be shut: (NKJ)
The Medo-Persian Empire (the ram) was overthrown by Alexander the Great (the notable horn of the male goat in verse 5).
Dan 8:7
7 And I saw him confronting the ram; he was moved with rage against him, attacked the ram, and broke his two horns. There was no power in the ram to withstand him, but he cast him down to the ground and trampled him; and there was no one that could deliver the ram from his hand. (NKJ)
Alexander the Great died at a relatively young age and left his empire to be divided among his four commanding generals.
Dan 8:8
8 The goat became very great, but at the height of his power his large horn was broken off, and in its place four prominent horns grew up toward the four winds of heaven. (NIV)
Daniel went on the say that one of these four remnants of the Greek Empire will ultimately produce the antichrist.
Dan 8:9-11
9 Out of one of them came another horn, which started small but grew in power to the south and to the east and toward the Beautiful Land.
10 It grew until it reached the host of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them.
11 It set itself up to be as great as the Prince of the host; it took away the daily sacrifice from him, and the place of his sanctuary was brought low. (NIV)
This vision is very interesting in that it narrows down the roots from which the antichrist will rise. Daniel’s previous visions show 10 nations that rise up out of the Roman Empire and yield their power to the antichrist, but this vision reveals that the antichrist, himself, will rise up out of the vestiges of the Greek Empire.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
One of the many interesting parallels between God’s earthly kingdom and the kingdom of Satan is that God’s earthly kingdom has its capital city in the land of Palestine, while the empire of the devil has always had its capital city in the plain of Shinar of present day Iraq. Jerusalem is God’s capital city in the land of Palestine, and its roots go back to the city of Salem where Melchizedek was priest and king. Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek after defeating the armies which had looted Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 14). Jerusalem later became the capital city of the Old Covenant Kingdom under King David and will be the capital city of the New Covenant Kingdom when Christ rules the earth for 1,000 years.
Satan’s capital city of Babylon goes back to the tower of Babel in the land of Shinar and the apostate religion of Nimrod (Genesis 10:9,10). Later, the city of Babylon was established in the plain of Shinar and became the capital city of the Babylonian Empire. Babylon will also become the capital city of the empire of the antichrist in the tribulation period (Zechariah 5:5-11). It is interesting to note that one of the kings who looted Sodom and Gomorrah and was defeated by Abraham in Genesis 14 was the King of Shinar. This gives further evidence of the continuous rivalry that has existed throughout history between God’s power in Jerusalem and the Satan’s power in Babylon.
Another parallel between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of the devil is seen in the trinity of the leadership. The Bible clearly teaches that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit dwell together as one. Satan will imitate that pattern during the tribulation period with the antichrist, the false prophet, and the dragon (who is Satan, himself).
Furthermore, this parallel is seen in the fact that Jesus Christ was killed by the religious leaders of His day. He was buried, and He rose again the third day. As the great impostor, Satan will manipulate the hearts of certain people during the tribulation period who will cause the antichrist to suffer a mortal wound. After this mortal wound the antichrist will appear to come back to life.
Finally, Jesus Christ was God in human form. He was born of a virgin and, therefore, had no human father. Satan, being the great imitator, will rise from the bottomless pit (Revelation 17: 8) to dwell within the body of the antichrist after the antichrist receives his mortal wound.
Regardless of Satan’s attempts to imitate God’s earthly kingdom, his empire of evil will be no match for the power of God. Satan’s empire of lies will crumble before the truth of Jesus Christ. At the end of the tribulation period, Jesus Christ will return to earth with the hosts of heaven to defeat the antichrist. Christ will cast the antichrist and the false prophet into the lake of fire and will cast Satan into the bottomless pit for a thousand years. At the end of the thousand years, Satan will be loosed for one final rebellion. His rebellion will be crushed, and he will be cast into the lake of fire with the antichrist and the false prophet.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Satan’s capital city of Babylon goes back to the tower of Babel in the land of Shinar and the apostate religion of Nimrod (Genesis 10:9,10). Later, the city of Babylon was established in the plain of Shinar and became the capital city of the Babylonian Empire. Babylon will also become the capital city of the empire of the antichrist in the tribulation period (Zechariah 5:5-11). It is interesting to note that one of the kings who looted Sodom and Gomorrah and was defeated by Abraham in Genesis 14 was the King of Shinar. This gives further evidence of the continuous rivalry that has existed throughout history between God’s power in Jerusalem and the Satan’s power in Babylon.
Another parallel between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of the devil is seen in the trinity of the leadership. The Bible clearly teaches that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit dwell together as one. Satan will imitate that pattern during the tribulation period with the antichrist, the false prophet, and the dragon (who is Satan, himself).
Furthermore, this parallel is seen in the fact that Jesus Christ was killed by the religious leaders of His day. He was buried, and He rose again the third day. As the great impostor, Satan will manipulate the hearts of certain people during the tribulation period who will cause the antichrist to suffer a mortal wound. After this mortal wound the antichrist will appear to come back to life.
Finally, Jesus Christ was God in human form. He was born of a virgin and, therefore, had no human father. Satan, being the great imitator, will rise from the bottomless pit (Revelation 17: 8) to dwell within the body of the antichrist after the antichrist receives his mortal wound.
Regardless of Satan’s attempts to imitate God’s earthly kingdom, his empire of evil will be no match for the power of God. Satan’s empire of lies will crumble before the truth of Jesus Christ. At the end of the tribulation period, Jesus Christ will return to earth with the hosts of heaven to defeat the antichrist. Christ will cast the antichrist and the false prophet into the lake of fire and will cast Satan into the bottomless pit for a thousand years. At the end of the thousand years, Satan will be loosed for one final rebellion. His rebellion will be crushed, and he will be cast into the lake of fire with the antichrist and the false prophet.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
The antichrist of the tribulation period and his false prophet will support a powerful Satanic religion. The false prophet will do great miracles to deceive the people, but murder will be in his heart.
Rev 13:13-15
13 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.
14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.
15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. (NKJ)
He will make every person worship the image of the antichrist and receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead to buy or sell. The false prophet and the antichrist will be cast into the lake of fire when Christ returns to establish the New Covenant Kingdom.
Rev 19:20
20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. (NKJ)
The religion of the antichrist and false prophet will be a blood thirsty religion which is centered in the city of Babylon.
Rev 17:3-6
3 So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication.
5 And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
6 I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement. (NKJ)
It is interesting that the 10 nations who align themselves with the antichrist will hate his religion.
Rev 17:16-18
16 "And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire.
17 "For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.
18 "And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth." (NKJ)
Apparently, their loyalty to the antichrist will be based solely upon political convenience.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
Rev 13:13-15
13 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.
14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.
15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. (NKJ)
He will make every person worship the image of the antichrist and receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead to buy or sell. The false prophet and the antichrist will be cast into the lake of fire when Christ returns to establish the New Covenant Kingdom.
Rev 19:20
20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. (NKJ)
The religion of the antichrist and false prophet will be a blood thirsty religion which is centered in the city of Babylon.
Rev 17:3-6
3 So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication.
5 And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
6 I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement. (NKJ)
It is interesting that the 10 nations who align themselves with the antichrist will hate his religion.
Rev 17:16-18
16 "And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire.
17 "For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.
18 "And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth." (NKJ)
Apparently, their loyalty to the antichrist will be based solely upon political convenience.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/
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