Category: God’s truth

Peter and Dispensationalism #5

Thursday, August 6, 2015

“And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:15,16 KJV).

What can the Apostle Peter teach us about dispensational Bible study?

Dear friend, to understand your Bible, the Holy Ghost wrote through Peter that you need to consult Paul’s epistles, the Bible books of Romans through Philemon. Paul was just a man, please understand, but he had a very special ministry. If you sincerely desire to exalt Jesus Christ, you will exalt Paul’s apostleship/office.

The Lord Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me” (John 13:20). The Bible says Paul is “the apostle of the Gentiles” and that the Holy Ghost “magnifies” Paul’s office (Romans 11:13). Jesus Christ sent Paul to you and me, so if we honor Jesus Christ, we will accept Paul as his messenger to us! “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 14:37).

Many people in Christendom today greatly dislike—yea, hate—the Apostle Paul. As our emails indicate, they call him a “false teacher” and want his epistles ripped from our Bibles! If Paul was a false teacher and he did not belong in the Bible, then today’s Scripture says Peter was a false teacher also and Peter does not belong in the Bible either! (To get around this, some deny Peter wrote the epistle of 2 Peter. Those who admit Peter wrote 2 Peter then claim he was wrong in calling Paul “our beloved brother.”) See, dear readers, nothing is changed. People are still “wresting” (distorting) the Bible, especially the Pauline books, just as in Peter’s day!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “How could Peter interpret Scripture in Acts 1:16-20?”

Ancient False Witnesses and Modern-Day Doubters

Monday, July 20, 2015

“Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,…” (Matthew 26:59,60 KJV).

As two false witnesses challenged the living Word of God, so two false manuscript witnesses attack the written Word of God!

The following question was asked on “Christian” television: “I’m afraid to believe what the Bible says because of all the changes that people have made to it over the years. Is it really God’s Word? The Bible says, ‘Blessed are those who believe and don’t see,’ but what if that’s not even true? … How can I strengthen my faith to believe in God’s Word?” [How to strengthen your faith in God’s Word? Doubt the “Bible scholars” and believe your King James Bible!]

Unlike most church leaders, the preacher answering the question admitted that there are differences in Bible translations because there are varying readings in Bible manuscripts. Yet, like most church leaders, he encouraged the questioner to use various Bible study tools, to track those translation changes, and then “make her own judgment.” Imagine! He said she could decide what words and verses were inspired of God and which were not. Reminiscent of cults, she could be her own authority. If she did not believe a certain part of the Bible was “really Scripture,” she had the preacher’s permission to omit it!

When lost people—those who lack the indwelling Holy Spirit—dictate to us Christians how to handle Bible manuscripts, and to embrace two error-filled Roman Catholic manuscripts (Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus) as having closer readings to the original autographs, we adopt a lost person’s mindset about the Bible. This poor lady doubted her Bible because people who doubted the Bible taught her. Her questioning the Bible as God’s Word demonstrates that Satan has extensively damaged her soul. The on-air preacher who provided little helpful insight into the matter, many like him lead our churches, Bible colleges, and seminaries the world over. No wonder no one believes the Bible! They are encouraged not to! Beware, dear friends, of “unbelieving Bible scholarship!”

The Christ of God

Sunday, July 19, 2015

“He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God” (Luke 9:20 KJV).

The King James Bible’s “New Testament” contains expressions such as, “The Christ of God,” “The Lord’s Christ,” and “His Christ.” Why is qualification needed? Why not simply read “Christ?”

Peter the Apostle declared in today’s Scripture, “[Thou art] The Christ of God.” The Holy Ghost told elderly Simeon that he would not physically die until “he had seen [Baby Jesus] the Lord’s Christ” (Luke 2:26). Israel and Rome conspired against the LORD (Father God) and “His Christ” (Acts 4:26)—that described Jesus’ crucifixion on Calvary. One day, this world’s kingdoms will become “the kingdoms of our Lord [Heavenly Father], and of his Christ [Jesus]” (Revelation 11:15). A voice in heaven will one day utter, “Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ” (Revelation 12:10).

To better understand the language of “God’s Christ” and “the Lord’s Christ,” we need Ezekiel chapter 28, the passage that describes Lucifer (Satan) before his fall into sin/pride. Lucifer was the “anointed cherub that covereth” (verse 14). “Anointed” in Hebrew is Mishiach (Messiah) and in Greek it is Christos (Christ). Now, please note the following. Psalm 2, verse 2, foretold in Hebrew: “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed [Jesus], saying….” Acts 4:26, written in Greek, quotes it as, “The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.”

Every Berean Bible student knows Satan is the master counterfeiter. The Devil uses false prophets, false apostles, false teachers, and false brethren to counter God’s prophets, God’s apostles, God’s teachers, and God’s brethren. Satan causes us to concentrate on him (the false Messiah) and his policy of evil so we ignore Jesus Christ (the true Messiah) and God’s plan of glory! When our program concludes and Israel’s program resumes, Satan will come in the person of Antichrist, the epitome of prideful imitation (to be destroyed, thankfully). In the end, what Satan failed to do (lead creation in worship of the one true God), Jesus Christ, the Christ of God, will do!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Why did Jesus forbid others from preaching that He was Christ?”

333’s 1500th – Renewed Minds

Thursday, July 9, 2015

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1,2 KJV).

Praise our Lord Jesus Christ! We have reached yet another ministry milestone!

For 1500 consecutive days now, God’s Word has renewed our minds daily. (Today’s Scripture was the text for our 100th study. Since then, we have had 1400 Bible studies.) It has been quite a learning experience, has it not? The Holy Spirit Himself has taught us His Holy Word. Scholarship, denominational doctrines, and all the rest were not the issue. Hence, we have had God’s Word work in our lives for His glory. Remember, there is no power of God apart from the rightly divided Word of God. We cannot make God do something He is not doing today, but we can learn and rejoice in what He is doing today.

These past 1500 days, faithful Father God has saved us from a wide range of doctrinal errors. We allowed Him to teach us through the Apostle Paul what He wants us to do. Also, we allowed Him to use the rest of the Bible to teach us how He has used the nation Israel and will use Israel yet future.

Dear readers, it has been our privilege to share with you what “little” we have learned, that you may share with others what you have learned. As we are witnessing great social changes and an unprecedented moral deterioration, we need to remember that we are not here to change the culture. This world is headed toward the seven-year Tribulation. It will not get better until Jesus Christ returns. Until He does, we need to be faithful in teaching and preaching these precious truths to others, that they may be rescued from this evil culture as well.

Now, to the glory of God’s grace, we open our fourth 500-study unit…. 🙂

The Truth Triumphant to Timelessness

Sunday, July 5, 2015

“The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations” (Psalm 33:11 KJV).

Thankfully, the truth to truly triumph to timelessness!

Regarding the legalization of homosexual unions, it is said, “Love has triumphed!” Yes, love for self has triumphed, but not love for the Bible of the living God and certainly not love for the living God of the Bible. Yea, rather, hatred for the Bible of the living God and hatred for the living God of the Bible, have triumphed… for now. As today’s Scripture says, in the end, God Almighty, not “love,” will win!

Oh, dear friends, be not angry at the world for acting like the world. That is the only lifestyle they know. Before we came to faith in Jesus Christ, we were and did likewise: “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another” (Titus 3:3). Let us tell the lost world we were once exactly where they were—going our own merry way to hell. Let us tell them that we came, by simple faith, to Jesus Christ and Him alone, that they too may receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life in heaven.

What has JEHOVAH determined to do no matter what mankind does (cf. today’s Scripture)? Ephesians 1:8-10 says: “[8] Wherein [the riches of His grace] he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; [9] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: [10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him;”

In the end, God’s government will prevail. Jesus Christ will sit on His rightful throne. He will reign over all the Earth and the Heavens in His own time. Unbelievers will be consigned to an eternal lake of fire. God’s Word will prevail. God’s design in marriage and childbearing will prevail. JEHOVAH God will prevail and the eternal victory will be His. Let us patiently watch Him bring it to pass! 🙂

Christ’s Calvary Crucifixion Covers Christians

Monday, June 29, 2015

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7 KJV).

Certainly, Christ’s Calvary crucifixion covers Christians!

In and of ourselves, there is nothing special about us Christians. Who we are in Jesus Christ, now there is something special!! We have the privilege of standing before Father God in the manner Adam did before the Fall! In Christ, we have the same standing before Father God as Jesus Christ Himself! A very exciting truth, one that precious, precious, precious few believers are ever taught (sadly).

Denominations always instruct them to strain and strive to have a right standing before God. They fail to realize that God places them in Christ at the very top of the ladder. Instead, they become busy in religion, desperately trying to reach the top rung Jesus Christ already gave to them! When you consider it, it makes your head spin how far off religious tradition brings one from the Holy Bible rightly divided.

What Israel has to wait for at Jesus Christ’s Second Coming (Acts 3:19-21), we have now received the atonement (Romans 5:11). When we trust the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished crosswork, the Holy Spirit places us into the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). We then share Jesus Christ’s identity (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are just as close to Father God as Jesus Christ is—unconditional acceptance (grace).

It is when we come to the Apostle Paul in the Bible that we learn that God’s salvation is available as a free gift to all men (1 Timothy 2:3-7; Titus 1:1-3). What was once reserved for Israel is now being offered to every person in every nation under heaven today. Rich or poor, black or white, male or female, Jesus Christ’s merits are available to all. Jesus Christ is “the Saviour of all men, specially those that believe” (1 Timothy 4:10). While it is unto all, salvation is only upon all them who believe (Romans 3:21-28). Lost people can come to Calvary’s cross by faith, and Father God will welcome them with open arms, no matter what they have done. There is nothing that Jesus Christ’s blood cannot cover.

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Is there ‘healing in the Atonement?’”

Sinners Should Stop Snubbing Salvation

Saturday, June 27, 2015

“Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them” (Romans 1:32 KJV).

Such sinners should stop snubbing soul salvation!

When the nation once known for leading worldwide Christian missions becomes the leader in the legalization of homosexual unions, the world’s spirituality has reached its lowest point in centuries. When its president can sing hymns about “grace” after applauding such perversion, and not see God’s consuming fire come down from heaven, God’s grace is thus evidenced to be greater than any and all of man’s sin (Romans 5:20).

We read in Philippians 2:15,16: “[15] That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; [16] Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”

Hold forth the word of life, dear brethren, to this lost and dying world. The “word of reconciliation” has been committed to our trust. We are to share with all the world the good news that God is not imputing their trespasses unto them today (2 Corinthians 5:18-21). They can be right with Him today by simple faith in Calvary’s finished crosswork. They have God’s grace, His friendly attitude, and His love now, but that will instantly change at the Rapture.

As we Christians leave for heaven, unbelievers will remain on earth to experience the undiluted wrath of a holy God. Sin will be dealt with either at Calvary or in eternal hellfire. People can rely exclusively on the Lord Jesus Christ’s shed blood, having Him suffer for their sins, or they can ignore Christ’s sacrifice and go to hell to pay for their sins forever and ever and ever and ever. Remember, God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). He does not want people to go to hell. He sent His only begotten Son to die for those sins. May they delay no longer trusting Him and Him alone!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Should women serve in the ministry?”

Persistence of Resistance for Maintenance of Coexistence

Thursday, June 25, 2015

“Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel” (Amos 4:12b KJV).

As divine judgment found rebellious Israel, mankind today will not escape either!

Genesis documents the four divine institutions that govern man’s existence. In chapters 1 and 2, we read about free will, marriage, and family/parenting. Chapters 9-11 discuss nationalism (human government). Satan, the sneaky Devil, has attacked all four. May we not wonder why society is in such pitiful shape today.

God designed FREE WILL to be the means whereby man could exercise faith or doubt, believing or rejecting God’s Word. Today, Calvinists (in pagan circles, “Fatalists”) deny man’s free will by saying that God has already determined every little detail beforehand—who does what, what they do, who goes to heaven and who goes to hell, et cetera. Instead of blaming sinners, just blame God! MARRIAGE, the most intimate human relationship, was designed by God for the bearing of children. Homosexual activity in no way produces children. Period. Even if we knew not a single Bible verse, nature teaches us that humans were never created to be homosexuals. Heterosexual marriages are necessary, lest the human race die out. FAMILY/CHILDBEARING was intended by God to be the means whereby society would expand and mankind would multiply worldwide. Abortion attacks this intention of God. Even if we were, like most, Bible ignorant, nature teaches us that no species will survive if it kills its offspring. God created NATIONALISM as a means to convey order and justice. Due to political corruption, God’s purpose in governments is not being fulfilled today. Hence, Jesus Christ will have to come back one day, and straighten it out!

Despite the constant plea/demand today for “tolerance” of others’ beliefs, hypocritically, not one of these “coexisters” is “tolerant” of the Creator God’s designs! Everyone is entitled to “free speech” but the God of the universe! Let them enjoy God’s grace today. Let them blame God today. Let them laugh and mock Jesus Christ today. Let them act however, marry whomever, kill whomever, oppress whomever today. Jesus Christ may just return tomorrow in wrath, finding them doing “however and “whatever!” Friends, God will not allow such “intolerance” of His will, to go unpunished forever (Romans 2:1-11; Ephesians 5:3-6).

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What is the difference between ‘the Kingdom of God’ and ‘the Kingdom of Heaven?’”

When Reality Catches Up

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body” (Romans 8:22,23 KJV).

Paul reaffirms that the Christian is not promised good health in this the Dispensation of Grace!

Scanning a newspaper sometime ago, I read the “obituaries” page and noticed a rather peculiar item—the death notice of the wife of a local “faith healing” pastor! (Her cause of death unknown.) Or, consider the well-known “faith healer” who was recently suffering cardiopulmonary issues and had to be hospitalized. More lately, a “faith healer” preaching on the internet recounted the time when he experienced influenza (and there was no instant healing for him!). All the “healing” claims aside, even the “faith healers” purchase medical insurance, grow sick, seek medical help, and, yes, they eventually die, too.

Dearly beloved, we can deceive ourselves into believing “healing” testimonies and attending “healing” crusades, or we can just believe today’s Scripture. As long as our Dispensation of Grace is operating, there can be no divine intervention regarding physical healing: “The whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” Someone may object and say that this verse does not apply to us Christians. The next verse of today’s Scripture answers them: “And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.”

Our physical bodies have not yet been redeemed. They are still subject to sin, sickness, and death (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Thankfully, by God’s grace, we have immune systems, medical professionals, and prescription drugs. Even when these are not enough, and we must succumb to physical death, in Christ, we could not be headed to a better place! Above all, no matter what type of sickness or trouble, God’s grace is truly sufficient, surely enough, for us to bear it, that it not destroy us spiritually (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Spiritual fortitude—may we have it when we have bodily illness, that misery not have us (Romans 5:1-5)! 🙂

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Was Saul a pastor, a prophet, or an evangelist?”

Father: A Godly Man

Sunday, June 21, 2015

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4 KJV).

Since today is Father’s Day, we dedicate today’s devotional to the godly (Christian) fathers.

What is a godly father? Oftentimes, fathers are either too authoritative (very strict) or too carefree (little to no concern for their children). According to the Bible (today’s Scripture in particular), fathers must have a balance between setting boundaries and enforcing them, and refraining from being a heartless tyrant.

  • On one hand, the Christian father is to “bring [his children] up in the nurture of the Lord.” “Nurture” is simply defined as “caring for and encouraging their growth or development.” All too often, fathers (sadly) ignore this, usually being too rough, or even, apathetic (unconcerned).
  • On the other hand, the Christian father is to “bring [his children] up in the admonition of the Lord.” “Admonition” is simply defined as “authoritative counsel or warning.” He is to lovingly guide them in life, instructing them from God’s Word rightly divided.

A father is not simply one who procreates. God’s Word makes it very clear that they should serve a lifelong, active role in their children’s lives. A Christian man, especially a father, should be a godly man in beliefs as well as in deed. He needs to set an example for his children (especially his sons): it is his duty as an older Christian man to set an example for younger men.

He should be a hard worker, he should meditate on the things of God (the Bible), his speech should conform to sound Bible doctrine, he should be hospitable and caring, kind and loving, he should respect and love his wife, he should love his children, and he should be reserved and cautious in his actions.

Are you a Christian man or Christian father who desires to be the man God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest! Then, you will become the godly man described on the pages of Scripture.

*Adapted from a larger Bible study with the same name. The Bible study can be read here or watched here.