Table of Content
Title PageThe Angel Of The Lord 65Creation, And Not The Evolutionary Theory 69Israel, The Seed Of Abraham 71The Ten Commandments 76The Letter Killeth But The Spirit Giveth Life 79The Blessed Holy Ghost (The Third Person Of The Godhead) 81Speaking With Other Tongues 85The One Baptism 90Tribulation And Anguish Upon Every Soul That Sinneth 92The Great Tribulation 94The Works By The Law And The Work Of Faith 96Predestination 98
THE ANGEL OF THE LORD September 4, 2003Page 65I believe the angel of the LORD and the Spirit of the Lord are one and the same, and that it was a matter of choice as to whether of the two the writers of the Holy Scriptures would use.
The writer of Judges wrote: "An angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware to your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you." Judges 2:1
Although the writer said that He was an angel of the Lord, I ask, who but the Lord God could make such a profound statement as to say to Israel: “I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware to your fathers?”
Its obvious that the author could have said that God said, but he chose to say: "An angel of the LORD said.”
Then, "The Angel of The LORD” called out of heaven (to Abraham) the second time; And said, By myself have I sworn saith The LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven and as the sand which is upon the sea shore:” Genesis 22:15-17
After such a profound claim (by that angel) I doubt that even an irresponsible skeptic would credit him as being any other than the God of Heaven.
Jacob’s redeemer was an angel. When he numbered Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Mannaseph with his own ten biological sons He said: "The Angel which redeemed me from all evil bless the lads." Genesis 48:16
Surely the Angel that redeemed Jacob, redeemed you and me also. That angel of the Lord was/is, The LORD Jesus Christ, For there is only one redeemer and His name is Jesus Christ the Righteous, Amen! And Amen!
In agreement, Isaiah quoted the Lord as saying: "Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour. In all their affliction he was Page 66afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old." Isaiah 63:8-9
Then after King Nebuchadnezzar had the three Hebrews cast into the furnace of fire he proclaimed: "Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God." Daniel 3:25
Then in reverence to their deliver, whom he concluded was the Son of God; In another statement he said: "Blessed be The GOD of Shadrach, Mechrach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel and delivered his servants that trusted in him." Daniel 3:28 In other words, whereas King Nebuchadnezzar first said that the fourth man was like the Son of God, he later said that The GOD of Shadrach, Mechrach, and Abednego hath sent his angel and delivered his servants that trusted in him.
The sweet Psalmist testimony was that his redeemer was an angel. He wrote: "This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles, The Angel of The LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them" Psalms 34:6 & 7 Some interpret what David said as the LORD assigning each of us a guardian angel, I agree that that might be the case, as long as they allow that He is The LORD Jesus Christ.
When we were lost, Jesus was our guardian angel from without, then after He saved us He became our guardian angel from within and without as well. Angels are also called men. That is obvious from what the women said of those men/angels that they saw at the tomb of Jesus.
Matthew wrote: "And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified." Matthew 28:5
Mark said: "And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment." Mark 16:5
Matthew said that the women that went to the tomb of Jesus saw an angel, whereas Mark said they saw a young man. Page 67John’s output was: "But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white." John 20:11-12
Luke described the same event as: "And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments." Luke 24:4
John reported that the women saw two angels in white, while Luke said that they saw two men in shining garments.
"Jesus was created a little lower than the angels." Hebrews 2:6 I believe the way wherein, "Jesus was created a little lower than the angels," was that, He was made of a woman, made under the law. Whereas the angels Mary and Joseph (and all others) who were given charge over him was created under Grace.
(For those that are living under the law were created lower than those that were created by Grace.) The writer of Hebrews said of the Grace Covenant, BETTER, BETTER and BEST.
JESUS said that hell was created for the Devil and his angels. Matthew 25:41
However, Jesus didn't say that hell wasn't created for man. Those who make such statements imply that Hell was an after thought of God.
But nay, Hell was created for the Devil and those who reject Jesus Christ, for those who reject Jesus, continue to be the Devil’s angels.
"And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth." Revelation 14:3
"And no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth."
Yea, John's doctrine serves to eliminate sinners and not the angels. For sinners can not in truth sing redemption songs. Though such words can be uttered and
Page 68they often do proceed from the mouths of sinners; yet sinners cannot sing from the heart a song that they know nothing about. The saints (of God) sing the redemption song while they are here on earth. David said in his testimony: "He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And hath put a new song in my mouth even praise unto our GOD." Psalms 40:2 &3 (Doesn’t that leave the sinner out?)
John said, after an angel showed him around the kingdom: "I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God." Revelation 22:8-9
Since the angel that talked to John was one of GOD'S prophets, of necessity the blood of The Lamb of GOD redeemed him, and thus making him a candidate for singing redemption songs such as "I'm redeemed by His Blood." Amen! Revelation 22:8 & 9
Concerning the angels the writer asked: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Hebrews 1:14 The angels that come to mind are those whom Jesus charged. "Go ye into the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." Mark 16:16
The spirits of God’s ministers are the angels that He sends forth to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. (A bit of the foreknowledge of God if you will.) That statement was likened to where the writer said: “As many as were ordained to eternal life believed.” Both are based on the foreknowledge of God for only is aware who will believe before the message is even preached. May the God of Abraham and his spiritual children be blessed forever. Amen!
CREATION AND NOT THE EVOLUTIONARY THEORY April 19, 2010Page 69Moses wrote: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
Why did God create the heaven and the earth? John reasoned: “… For thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Revelation 4:11
“And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.” Genesis 1:16
Notice, Moses wasn’t long winded he only used five words to describe the vastness of space and its indwelling hosts. He said; “He made the stars also.”How did God create them? The Psalmist said: “Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created.” Psalms 104:30
When the Psalmist assured: “Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created.” That Spirit was His Son, and the Holy Spirit of God. It is understood that both the Son of God and The Holy Ghost are co-creators of Heaven and earth from what saith the scripture.
Christ Jesus was God’s Word and it was the Holy Spirit that moved upon the face of the waters and divided the waters from the waters. Genesis 1:2
The Hebrew writer said of the Son of God; “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;” Hebrews 1:1-3
The King of Israel sums it up, by saying; “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.” Psalms 33:6
Jesus Christ is His Word, and the breath of God is the Holy Ghost. Page 70Remember? On the day of His Resurrection Jesus breathed the Holy Ghost upon His Apostles? John commented by saying: “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:” John 20:21-22 Therefore, the breath of God is The Holy Ghost.
Listen to this you foolish that believe in the Evolution theory. The wise man Solomon, the King of Israel, said: “God hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11Again saith the preacher: “I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.” Ecclesiastes 8:17
David was right on target when he said: “The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.” Psalm 33:10 Paul told the Romans: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.” Romans 1:18-23The sweet Psalmist insisted: “Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD standeth forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.” Psalms 33:8-11
---ISRAEL, THE SEED OF ABRAHAM---
Page 71 From Abraham to Jesus Christ the children of Abraham issued forth from Abraham through Isaac, Jacob, Judah, David and a whole host of others. However since the New Testament has been in force, the seed of Abraham are gathered to Abraham through Jesus Christ.
Paul said as much. He wrote: “If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:29
Jacob prophesied something to that effect. In blessing Judah he blessed him with: "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be." Genesis 49:10 (Shiloh is Messiah)
During the Old Testament, the seed of Abraham was generally referred to as the children of Israel. They served to make up the natural or the law kingdom. According to Paul, when the Lord brought the redeemed Gentiles into the Kingdom, that made Abraham the heir of the world to the fulfillment of the promise God made to Abraham millennia earlier.
He wrote: "For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith." Romans 4:13 The Lord told Israel that the land wherein He was taking them was defiled. He said: "Therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants." Leviticus 18:25
In that same chapter Moses warned: "That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you." Leviticus 18:28
Page 72As the children of Israel were in route to Canaan, Moses mediated the law covenant between the Lord God and Israel. That covenant put Israel in the good land, both naturally and spiritually. Moses commenced his mediating by saying: "Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them that ye may prosper in all that ye do.” “Ye stand this day all of you before the Lord your God; your captains of your tribes, your elders, and your officers, with all the men of Israel, Your little ones, your wives, and thy stranger that is in thy camp, from the hewer of thy wood unto the drawer of thy water: That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the Lord thy God, and into his oath, which the Lord thy God maketh with thee this day: That he may establish thee to day for a people unto himself, and that he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath; But with him that standeth here with us this day before the Lord our God, and also with him that is not here with us this day:(For ye know how we have dwelt in the land of Egypt; and how we came through the nations which ye passed by; And ye have seen their abominations, and their idols, wood and stone, silver and gold, which were among them:) Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the Lord our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations." Deuteronomy 29:9-18Moses had not much more than finished mediating the Covenant until he prophesied of Israel's demise. He warned: "For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands." Deuteronomy 31:29 God’s anger was kindled hot against Israel when their spies, all save Caleb and Joshua, came back with an evil report. Their report was: “And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” Numbers 13:33 Since the spies saw people in Canaan that makes us know that their spewing out was of a spiritual nature rather than being a physical ousting.
Page 73When Israel killed the Son of God, The good land spewed them out in the same manner, spiritually.
The Covenant Moses mediated between God and Israel applied to both saint and sinner alike. The young and the old, with those that were present that day and those that were not there that day, for that Covenant was far-reaching because it applied to future generations also.
God’s Covenant with Israel was for most part about His ministry. It came with strict guidelines. It’s first imposition was that if a man was to minister in the office of a priest, he had to be of the lineage of Aaron. But if he was to minister in the office of the high priest, age was a factor, for he had to be at least thirty years old, but not older than fifty.That ordinance did not forbid sinners from ministering in the office of priest. Though Israel had some High priests that were men of faith, they had others that were not so faithful. Case in point, it was the unsaved, blaspheming High Priest Ciaiphas that conducted the mob that crucified Jesus. Another requirement that came with the package; God said that no stranger uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, was to minister in his sanctuary. Ezekiel 44:7 That ordinance forbade even the saved Gentiles from minister in God’s sanctuary, regardless of their salvation status. The crucifying of God’s Son, Jesus Christ was to the fulfillment of Moses’ prophecy where he said: “For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.”That prophecy, as it were, turned out to be the crucifying of the Son of God. Jesus spoke a parable to Israel’s priests and elders. His parable went like this: [33] ‘There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: [34] And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. [35] And the husbandmen took his servants, and Page 74beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. [36] Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. [37] But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.[38] But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. [39] And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. Matthew 21:33-39Yea, Israel of old lost the kingdom and all of its privileges on the day they killed their Messiah, Jesus Christ. Both the righteous and the wicked were expelled from the Kingdom. The Lord bade Ezekiel: "Say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked. Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of his sheath against all flesh from the south to the north." Ezekiel 21:3-4Since God knew the outcome of future events, He gave the kingdom of Israel to the small-redeemed remnant sometime during Jesus’ ministry. Jesus told that minority group; “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32
They were reinstated in their kingdom on the Day of Pentecost. On the day of Pentecost, Jesus came back with the kingdom as He prophesied by telling His disciples: “Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.” Matthew 16:28
After Pentecost the kingdom became known as the body of Christ and/or The Church. Paul even called her: “The Israel of God.” Galatians 6:16
John the Revelator said of the Grace Kingdom: "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." Rev. 21:23(However because the Kingdom was formally made up of natural people the sun and moon was indeed a must) Page 75Whereas the body of the righteous was called Zion during the Old Testament, during the New Testament she is called Sion. Here is what the author of Hebrews told her occupants.
“For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, [19] And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: [20] (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: [21] And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)”
“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.” Hebrews 12:18-24
May the Good Lord be blessed forever. Amen!
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
February 29, 2008Page 76 In this document we are going to be looking at the Ten Commandments.’ God’s commandments are often referred to as the moral law. Moses received the commandments from God on two tablets of stone. He also gave Moses the sacrificial Law. The combination of the two were said to be the law, during the Old Testament. Then after Jesus fulfilled and displaced the sacrificial law by the sacrifice of Himself, the New Testament writers refer to the ten Commandments, as being the Law.
At any given time, all that are alive upon the earth are under the scrutiny of the Ten Commandments..(The commandments of God apply to sinners in a much different way than they do the Christians.)
*** This is so important that you don’t want to miss it.To the sinner, the Ten Commandments is the law. After the Lord saves a sinner, the law no longer has jurisdiction over them.For then, and henceforth the commandments become their guideline for righteous livin.
Paul addressed the sinner by saying: “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:20Then he said of his own people Israel: ''They being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God." Romans 10:3
Sinners are carnal minded and have a desire to take part in the things of God, but they have no God given right to participate.Paul said: “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Romans 8:7 He also taught that as sinners: “Before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.” Galatians 3:23 Page 77When the sinner use the commandments to be a goody, goody it is their own righteousness, or self-righteousness, and it is a stench in the pure nostrils of God, and it is “The letter that killeth.” The Apostle taught that the law of commandments offers to be the schoolmaster to a sinner and bring them to Christ. Then he added: “Now we know that what things whatsoever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law.” Romans 3:19a (Meaning the sinner)
The Apostle also said: “… No man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. Galatians 3:11
And he wrote: “When we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.” Romans 7:5
The Bible says it like this: “But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” Galatians 3:24-25
In their season, the commandments are the schoolmaster and the goodness of God that leadeth to repentance. Romans 2:4 (Their season is when they are drawing a sinner to Christ, through conviction of sin.)
One of my third cousins asked: ‘If a child should die before it was offered a chance to be saved would it go to Heaven?’ I believe that David answered that question. After his baby boy became gravely ill, as long as the child was alive David fasted and prayed to God that He would spare its life. But after the child died, David asks: “…can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” 2 Samuel 12:23
When a child is born into this present world, upon their arrival, God breathes the breath of life into him/her and it becomes a living soul. No, not the whacks on his back end, but it is the breath of God that makes him a living soul.
Page 78This means that inwardly the child is born with the essence of the spirit of life, whereas the flesh is accompanied by the original sin.
King David said in Psalm 51:5, “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.”
The life God breathes into their soul prevents them from being a child of His wrath until the law comes on the scene. Then and there he/she becomes an accountable sinner. When a child is conceived the original sin accompanies their body of flesh. “For as in Adam all die,” 1 Corinthians 15:22
Paul reckons the original sin to be dead until the law revives it. Then said he, after that awakening it sets in motion a series of lusts that makes a person a full-blown sinner and a child of wrath. Such lusts take over the life of that person.
He quizzed the Romans: “Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.” Romans 7:7-13
Isaiah said it for the entire human race when he wrote: “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6
In conclusion Solomon says: ''Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear GOD and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.'' Ecclesiastes 12:13 Amen!!!
THE LETTER KILLETH BUT THE SPIRIT GIVETH LIFE
Page 79I drew the title from where Paul said of our Lord God: "Who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." 2 Corinthians 3:6
In that passage, Paul’s reference was to the Ten Commandments and the way they relate to mankind and/or vice versa.
The letter killeth when men/women decide (within themselves) that they will be righteous through abstinence or working the works of righteous by keeping the law of Commandments. However, such righteousness is by the law and not by Grace, and it is a stench in the pure (and undefiled) nostrils of God; and said He, their righteousness is as filthy rags.
Paul plainly identifies the Ten Commandments as being the law and the ministration of death. He said that they were written on two tables of stone. 2 Corinthians 3:7
The Apostle also said of those that leave out the life giving Spirit, ''They being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God." Romans 10:3
The letter killeth when a sinner’s decision is to become righteous through doing good, through not stealing, swearing, nor lying, neither committing adultery etc.
The Commandments, by design, bring a sinner to Christ when he/she doesn’t resist them. When allowed, the law of commandments will draw a sinner to Christ through conviction of sin. Therefore, I say, that the sinner is committing spiritual suicide when he/she determines to be righteous by abstaining from evil. For that is when the law becomes, "The Letter that Killeth.'' The Ten commandments can lead to life. This is borne out where Jesus told the rich young man, If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
Page 80Keeping the commandments is none other than repentance for it is had by doing a hundred and eighty-degree turn about from committing sin to doing what is right; However to keep the Commandments is done through the heart and not the flesh.
Listen to how Paul defines that turn around. He wrote: “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.”Ephesians 4:25-28
***Again that turn about is heart felt and not a fleshly action.
Paul also said: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” That is true repentance my friend and He/She that endureth unto the end shall be saved.
“By the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 2:4
When we became accountable sinners it was the Ten Commandments ,operating as the law that let us know that we were sinners. That is when we were incarcerated and the law placed us behind bars and we were kept shut up until God issued our measure of faith. At that time, the law, as a schoolmaster, offered to bring us to the judgment of Christ who frees from the the penelty of sin, Amen. Then the ball was in our court.
May God Bless. Amen!
THE BLESSED HOLY GHOST
(THE THIRD PERSON OF THE GODHEAD)
Page 81The Holy Scriptures teach that there is but one God, and that He is three persons, namely the Heavenly Father, His Blessed Son, Jesus Christ and The Holy Ghost. And that these three are one.
Jesus make mention of three persons in the following statement: He said; “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.” John 14:16
Then Paul told us that the Heavenly Father is “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:6
And that His Son, Jesus Christ, is the Savior of the world and the author of eternal life. And, “… if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Romans 8:9
Both the Son and the Holy Ghost are subordinate to the Father. Proof of this is the Father sent both the Son and the Holy Ghost. Jesus said, “I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.” John 4:28b
The Holy Ghost is subordinate to both the Father and the Son of God. Both, Father and Son sent the Holy Spirit. The Blessed Holy Ghost is the Comforter, and it is He that seals the saints until the day of redemption. The Holy Ghost is not the Savior of the world, nor does the scriptures make such claim. But He testifies that Jesus is the Savior that suffered and died for us all.
Joel prophesied of the coming of the Holy Ghost. Not once in his prophecy does he say that the Holy Ghost is coming to save men’s souls, but when Joel prophesied of His coming, He wrote: “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:” Joel 2:28
After that, as it were turned out to be that Jesus came, via the virgin birth, died for the sins of the world and arose again, ascended back on high and set down at the right hand of God, Amen!
Page 82That prophecy also read:“Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.”
We see that prophecy fulfilled in the book of Acts. The writer said: “…We entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.” Acts 21:8b-9
The Lord also said, “Your old men shall dream dreams,”
At the house of Simon, the tanner: [9] “Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: [10] And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance.” Acts 10:9-10
A man appeared to Paul in a vision by night. He said: “There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, come over into Macedonia, and help us.” Acts 16:9
Jesus said of the Holy Ghost. I will send Him, [8] “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: [9] Of sin, because they believe not on me;” John 16:8-9
The Holy Ghost convicts of sin then if the sinner repents, God sends the Spirit of His Son Jesus Christ into their heart and saves them.
Again Jesus said: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13
In the above, neither God or His Son Jesus Christ prophesied that when the Holy Ghost comes that he will save people from their sins. He left the saving souls to Jesus.
The angel of the Lord told Mary that: “She shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21
Those whom awaited the Holy Ghost in the upper room were already saved. When the Holy Ghost was poured out on them they received the gifts of the Holy
Page 83Ghost and not saving salvation. That was also true in the case of Cornelius and the guests of his house. I’ve wondered if, perhaps Cornelius isn’t the same centurion that Jesus said of him: “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” Luke 7:2
Both Cornelius and the centurion were of the Roman military. Since the writer said of Cornelius, “A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.” Acts 10:2
It sounds as though Cornelius was a super Christian for the writers of the Scriptures did not refer to a sinner’s with such pedigree.
What’s more, when Cornelius and the guests of his house were baptized by the Holy Ghost they were united with the saved Israelites and together they became one body in Christ. Luke 12:32
Those Gentiles replaced the unsaved Jews that were cast out of the kingdom.Paul referred to the non believing Jews as being broken off from the Good olive tree, and the saved Gentiles being grafted in, in their stead.
Remember? The Lord prophesied of the new Grace Kingdom. He said: “Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.” Isaiah 60:21
Paul picks up on that prophecy by saying; “And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:” Romans 11:26
Now Paul wasn’t saying that Jesus would save all of Israel for Jesus came to His own and His own received Him not. But as many that did gave He power to become the sons of God.
What Paul said in essence was that only the saved would be brought into the newer Grace kingdom, The Church.
Paul described the Gifts of the Holy Ghost. He wrote: [11] “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; some, pastors and teachers; [12] for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” Ephesians 4:11-12Page 84He also gave us a lesson on the administration of the Holy Spirit. He said: [4] “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. [5] And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. [6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God, which worketh all in all.[7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. [8] For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
[9] To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
[10] To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; etc. 1 Corinthians 12: 4-10
In case I haven’t made my self clear, here is God’s plan for Salvation. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38
According to Paul, to be baptized in the name of Jesus is salvation to the soul. He said: “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Galatians 3:27
May the God of Heaven be blessed forever. Amen!
SPEAKING WITH OTHER TONGUES(AND MORE)
December 31, 2007
Page 85The man that penned the book of Acts wrote: “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4
I don’t intend to comment on those scriptures, they are self-explaining.
As the writer continued, He said: “And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. Notice every one present were Jews
And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medusa, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.” Acts 2:5-11
When the Lord gave utterance, those Galleons spoke in a language that was not necessarily their native tongue neither had they learned it. I believe God gave utterance to those Galaleeians to speak the language of those sixteen nations represented at Jerusalem that day for the purpose of equipping them with the means whereby they were to carry the Gospel to their own native country.
Thus, every man heard the disciples speak in their native tongue or language wherein they were born.
And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.” Acts 2:12 and 13 Page 86“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: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 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: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:” Acts 2:14-18
When the Holy Ghost came, He brought with Him all the gifts that were needed to carry out ‘the great Commission’ that Jesus had assigned to His disciples.
That commission was: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:15-16
Just before Jesus ascended back into Heaven, He laid down the ground rules for His disciples to follow as they published His good news.
He said: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8.
Didn’t they preach the gospel to every creature under heaven? Yea, during that generation, the apostles, the devout men, along with Jesus’ other disciples carried out His charge to the letter. The Apostle Paul agreed by saying: “Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.” Romans 10:18b
After being thrust out of the kingdom with the rest of Israel, The Apostles and the small remnant were baptized back into the Kingdom on the day of Pentecost while Israel’s sinners were left outside.
Yet there were other of the elect to be instated or in some cases reinstated into the kingdom, for on the Day of Pentecost the kingdom was void of its occupants. to the fulfillment of where the Lord prophesied:
Page 87“Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop thy word toward the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel, [3] And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked. [4] Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of his sheath against all flesh from the south to the north:” Ezekiel 21:2-4
The Lord had also prophesied: “And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Matthew 24:3 (The trumpet they sounded was the Gospel.)
Lest anyone should assume that Jesus was referring to the gathering of the elect at the end of the world. He added, “Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” Mark 13:30-31
The Lord told His disciples: “After that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and in Samaria…”
After that Peter preached his sermon at Jerusalem. The writer said: “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:41
Next on the agenda to be evangelized was Samaria. The writer penned: “Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John. Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)”
Now don’t assume that such baptism was of water, for the baptism in the name of Jesus ministered salvation to their soul. Then they laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. Acts 8:14-17
Through that process the apostles, Peter and John gathered the Samaritan newborn into the kingdom of God. Page 88Next, Peter preached to Cornelius and his house by saying: To Jesus give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them, which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 10:43-45
Preaching was the means whereby Peter used to gather the Gentiles into the kingdom. The writer said: “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them.”
Sometime later the Writer caught up with the great apostle. He wrote: ”Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (I believe the writer is saying that these had an ear to hear and that they heard, believed, repented to the salvation of their soul.) And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve.” Acts 19:1-7
The writer said: “When Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.” Paul gathered those twelve into the kingdom through his teaching and lying on of his hands. (This was the last biblical recorded event, where speaking in tongues and prophesying was witnessed after receiving the Holy Ghost.)
He also told those at Corinth; “Wherefore 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.” 1 Corinthians 14:22
The supernatural of speaking with tongues and prophesying was a sign that the elect had been baptized into the kingdom. The kingdom at that time was the Church.
Page 89Now while the Church was in its infancy, the language barrier was forbidding and it presented quiet a problem, especially among those that neither spoke nor understood the language of a specific local gatherings. However, that was a natural obstacle rather than being a supernatural one.
Paul devoted the entire fourteenth chapter of First Corinthians to explain how a church services should be conducted when there was a language bearer; especially when minorities wished to take part in the service.
Here is what he said: “For 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. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 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.” 1 Corinthians 14:2-5
My interpretation of what Paul said is that if one is singing, preaching or praying in the language that the majority of the congregation understands, then he is prophesying; which is to say, promoting growth in the body. On the other hand if He doesn’t speaking the language of the majority of that present gathering, then he is to refrain from speaking unless there is another present to interpret. Otherwise he is to speak to himself and to God.
Paul also wrote: “If 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. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.” 1 Corinthians 14:27-29
Then he said: “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:4-6
Amen!!
THE ONE BAPTISM
Page 90The Great Apostle said: “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; [5] One Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:4-6
The doctrine on the One Baptism is what I wish to comment on with this document.
The one Baptism might be compared to the triune God, in that He is one God in three persons, even so the one baptism is executed in three different segments.
The first baptismal of the three part series of one baptism is the baptizing in the name of Jesus. The second is the Holy Ghost baptism, then the third and last is the water baptism.
I have listed them in their respective order wherein the redeemed were submerged.
Since the Baptism in Jesus is the least understood of the three, I will spend more time on it.
The baptism in, or into the name of Jesus saves the soul.
That baptism is a Spiritual baptism, and it is achieved through faith in the work of God’s Son, Jesus Christ and repentance.
After those two commandments are met God sends forth the Spirit of his Son into their hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Galatians 4:6 Paul also said: "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Romans 8:9
When Paul came in contact with about twelve that had been baptized by John the Baptist, he ask; “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
Page 91[3] And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. [4] Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. [5] When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 19:1-5
Hearing, biblically speaking is like where Jesus said: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24
That was the case with those whom Paul challenged with; :have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?”
When one of God’s redeemed is baptized with the Holy Ghost, that places them into the body of Christ, while at the same time the Spiritual gifts are added to them. Such gifts are needed to carry out the vocation wherein God has called them. In our case such gifts were added when the Lord saved us; for it was then and there that we were baptized in the name of Jesus and with the Holy Ghost and fire. (A double portion of God’s spirit, if you will.)
Then to complete the circuit the water baptism was in order.
The baptism by water is a natural baptism and among other things, it is an outward expression of what has taken place on the inside of God’s redeemed. The water baptism is performed by one of God’s ordained ministers of the Church.I like what one of God’s ministers said about the water baptism.Is statement was that if God had had his way that we were baptized by a minister that was baptized by a minister that was baptized by a minister all the way back to where they were baptized by John the Baptist.
Since the apostolic age, our Heavenly Father sends both the Spirit of His Son and the Holy Ghost into our heart at the instant He saves us. A double portion of His Spirit.
May God Bless. Amen!
Tribulation and Anguish, upon every soul that Sinneth(And more) Page 92The Apostle Paul wrote: “Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;” Romans 2:9
When Paul said to the Jew first and also to the Gentile that pointed directly to the Gospel. When Jesus sent His apostles out to preach the Gospel He commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: [6] But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 10:5-6
Why did Jesus make difference between the Jews and the Gentiles?
Paul told us why. He said: “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:” Romans 15:8
Of necessity it was Jesus and His Gospel that brought tribulation and anguish to the souls of the Jews first, then to the Gentiles, because the Jews were the first to hear the gospel of Christ. And therefore the untainted Gospel brings, conviction or as Paul said, tribulation and anguish to the soul of its hearer.
Yea, the Gospel, by design, brings tribulation and anguish to the soul of a sinner. Such tribulation is none other than good old fashion conviction of sin.
Many are the orators of our day that errors by saying that such tribulation is a future event that will take place some times in the near future.
Woe unto them; such doctrine gives way to the doctrine of easy belief; while at the same time it gives false hope to the sinner.
Such doctrine is a sinner’s worst enemy, and at the same time it is an abomination to God. I believe that we are all familiar with that dogma, therefore I won’t comment on it further at this time.
Page 93Joel prophesied: “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.” Joel 3:14
That prophecy was fulfilled when our LORD commenced His ministry in several of the providence’s in and around Israel, Matthew 4:23-25 The Gospel that Jesus preached thrust it hearers into the valley of decision. Or as the apostle would have it, it brought tribulation and anguish to the souls of those who heard it.
“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13
Anything less than enduring to the end of tribulation or conviction is not salvation, for those who fail to repent to the satisfaction of God, they remain in their sins. For to endure unto the end, means that you have held nothing back from God.
John the Revelator was shown those that had come out of great tribulation, He said; “And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Revelation 7:13-14
Jesus sent forth his ministers saying “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8
Though that commission was quiet a task, The Apostles and the other disciples got the job done, for Paul wrote: “But I say, have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. Romans 10:18
Amen and Amen
The Great Tribulation
June 24, 2010
Page 94 In the former document, Paul’s reference was to the tribulation of the soul when it is convicted of sin.
Whereas, this document deals with where Jesus prophesied: “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” Matthew 24-21
In our day too many entwine the two doctrines and create a mess. I have to confess that I was one of them. Beware of doctrines when the teacher read a verse or two from the Scripture then make unrelentingly long speeches without quoting another scripture.
Jesus put to rest the idea that He was speaking of the end time, for He said; “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” Matthew 24:34
I believe the tribulation that Jesus spoke of was the trauma that awaited Him and His Apostles, just a few hours from the time He made that statement.
Matthew continued: “And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, Ye know that after two days is the feast of the Passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.” Matthew 26:1-2
Luke recorded the beginning of our Lord’s trauma. He said: “And Jesus came out, and went, as he was wont, to the Mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:39-42
That gut-wrenching trauma started soon after Jesus and His disciples ate “The Passover and drink the Cup.” Luke continued with Jesus “...being in agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. ” Luke 22:39-44
Page 95Next, Jesus warned His disciples of the stressful hours that lie ahead. Mark said: “And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.” Mark 14:50 As we are aware, fear and terror overcame Peter and he caved in to it. When the Jews took Jesus into custody, all His disciples forsook Him and fled as the Scripture had prophesied. I suppose that just before he died Jesus was distressed beyond all measure. Just before He gave up the Ghost, “…He cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? Which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Mark 15:34
Yea, I believe that The Father forsook Him because Jesus became sin for us. Paul said of the sin factor: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
Habakkuk explained why God forsook His beloved Son.
He said of God: “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity.” Habakkuk 1:13-a
Jesus’ disciples were still under great stress on the day of His resurrection. John wrote: “Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.” John 20:19
I suspect their trauma ended when Jesus showed Himself.
Amen!
THE WORKS BY THE LAW AND THE WORK OF FAITH
Page 96Both, the work of the Law and the work of Faith are accomplished through the Ten Commandments. The former is self-righteousness while the later is the work of Faith. The Ten Commandments are tools whereby the works of the law and the work of faith are accomplished. The difference between the two is Heaven and Hell.
Paul gave an instruction on how the Commandments relate to both saint and sinner. He wrote; “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Galatians 2:16
*** Now, do not, (I repeat) do not miss this.The Ten Commandments are (God given) tools that He commends to each and every sinner for the purpose of bringing them to Christ through repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Then after He saves them, the commandments of God are still tools were by we work the work of righteousness and that by doing what the commandments tell us to do .
James addressed the responsibilities of those who are already saved. " He said; “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him?” James 2:14
Some have suggested that Paul's statement is contrary to what James taught. But I say, not in the least, for whereas Paul said that no sinner can be justified by the works of the law.
James’ reference was to those who are already saved, and he concluded that if a person has faith and not works their faith is dead because it hasn’t provoked good works. In other words, James doubted their salvation expirence.
The salvation of God brings with it His compelling love along with responsibility. Such love promotes the labor of love. Faith in the following implies that James was speaking of us who are already saved. He wrote: "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man
Page 97may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”
Paul observed some whom professed to be Christians, but denied Christ through their works. He wrote: "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." Titus 1:16
Work, coupled with faith is charity saith Paul. He wrote: "Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned." 1Timothy 1:5
I say, along with James: "Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?" James 2:22
Paul said that: "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." Galatians 3:24 (The law in that case is the Ten Commandments.)
Then after the Lord saves the sinner the commandments are the means whereby they are to work the work of charity; and they work the work of charity by dividing their goods with those who are less fortunate than they are.
Sinners are under the curse of the law. And the Law Covenant is the Devil's habitat. More often than not, he tricks his contacts into believing they can obtain righteousness through their good works. Such righteousness is self-righteous and it is a stanch in the nostrils of God.
Isaiah said of such righteousness: “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Isaiah 64:6 May God Be Blessed, Forever. Amen!
PREDESTINATION March 5, 2001Page 98
Predestination is one of God’s attributes. It has for its basis the wisdom and foreknowledge of God.Some fight the doctrine of predestination with the proverbial tooth and nail.
When it is properly divided and understood the doctrine on predestination is not contrary to “who so ever will.” “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, [12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Titus 2:11-12
Such understanding is had when the two doctrines are reconciled.
There are some wimpy dingoes, that limit our God by saying that there is no way that Jesus could have been born of a virgin.But I like where the Inspirations singers, sang; “He created the womb that has given Him birth.”
Yea, because of His foresight and foreknowledge God knew how each and every person would react when they heard His word, and those whom He foresaw receiving His Word gladly; He wrote their names in The Lamb’s Book Of Life, slain before the foundation of the world. Then even as God saw it; in the fullness’ of time, they gave their lives to God. (Now is that hard to fathom?)
Paul said it a bit different but with the same meaning.He wrote: “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” Ephesians 1:4 Here is the doctrine on predestination at its best. After Paul had preached to the Gentiles, some believed and some believed not. However the writer said: “… As many as were ordained to eternal life believed.” Acts 13:48. (That could and is the case with every sinner that repents.)
Page 99Why wouldn’t and all knowing, and see all God write their names in His book before the foundation of the world?
Here is something else that Paul said. He wrote; “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called them he also justified: and whom he justified them he also glorified.” Romans 8:29-30
He also told the Ephesians: “Accordingly as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will." Ephesians 1:4 and 5a
Perhaps the best example of all is where the GREAT I AM said of himself: "I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly and they came to pass." Isaiah 48:3 Wow!
On the same line of thought, God reminded Israel: "Remember the former things of old: for I am GOD and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me. Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times that are not yet done' saying, my counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” Isaiah 46:9 & 10
Peter assured that the responsibility of our being predestinated before the world was lies with us as sinner. He wrote, "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure…” 2 Peter 1:10
However, when a sinner believes the Gospel, repents and the Lord saves him. Let neither him that the Lord saved, nor the one that led him to Jesus Christ claim credit for their being saved for it was Christ that died and yea, rose again that we might believe and be saved; therefore Christ deserves and receives all the credit and glory that is due Him. On the other hand if the sinner fails to believe and repent to the salvation of his/her soul, they must assume full responsibility because they did not heed the call to flee from the wrath to come when the Spirit and the Bride said come.
Page 100God's foreknowledge is seen as well as understood from where Paul wrote: "God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things that, be not, as though they were." Romans 4:17
His reasoning came from where God called Abraham the father of all nations, even though the results would not be seen for several Millennia later. God’s promise was fulfilled when the Gentiles became the spiritual seed of Abraham.
God always has an outstretched hand to sinners, instead of the sinner reaching for Him. Jesus said something to that effect, He said: “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him…” John 6:44-a He also assured: ”Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you…” John 15:16
God ordained the destruction of the wicked, He could have made that known at that the same time He predestinated the saints to be saved, but He didn’t.
Jude tells us of that ordaining: He wrote; "There are certain men crept in unawares, who were before ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of God into lasciviousness and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ."
There are two schools of thought, on the doctrine of salvation, the so-called Armenian, and the Calvinist. The Armenian is the mother of the easy belief doctrine.
And the Calvinist goes into great depth to show the part that God has in the process of redemption and contends that if God predestinated a person to be saved they would believe the Gospel and repent.
I can go along with that as long as he doesn’t disallow where Peter said: "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure.”
May God Be Blessed forever.
Table of Content
Title Page
The Angel Of The Lord 65
Creation, And Not The Evolutionary Theory 69
Israel, The Seed Of Abraham 71
The Ten Commandments 76
The Letter Killeth But The Spirit
Giveth Life 79
The Blessed Holy Ghost
(The Third Person Of The Godhead) 81
Speaking With Other Tongues 85
The One Baptism 90
Tribulation And Anguish Upon Every
Soul That Sinneth 92
The Great Tribulation 94
The Works By The Law And The Work Of Faith 96
Predestination 98
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