Category: God’s wisdom

Satan and Dispensationalism #13

Sunday, October 18, 2015

“For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:” (Ephesians 3:1,2 KJV).

Satan knows that Dispensational Bible Study is the key to understanding God’s Word. Thus, he denies it and corrupts it every chance he gets!

There are various “dispensations” in the Word of God, different instructions God gives to a people group in history to believe and obey. The “Dispensation of the Grace of God” is the one that affects us Gentiles today. Paul says in today’s Scripture that the risen, ascended, and glorified Jesus Christ gave him this dispensation so that he could give it to us. That dispensational boundary and change is of critical importance. It involves these last 2,000 years—one-third of human history! It affects the formation and function of the Church the Body of Christ. If Satan can introduce the least amount of uncertainty regarding this dispensation, he confuses the Body of Christ and disrupts two millennia of God’s working in the world.

The most confusion concerning dispensational Bible study is exactly when the Dispensation of Grace began and when our Church the Body of Christ began. Some say Acts chapter 2, others say chapter 9, still others chapter 13, and still others chapter 18, still others chapter 20, or even chapter 28, or even beyond. Confusion! Confusion! Confusion! Some start the Body of Christ in one part of Acts and start the Dispensation of Grace in another part of Acts. We have those who say, “Grace began at the cross but the Body of Christ did not begin until Acts 2.” We have those who say the Body of Christ began in Acts 9 but the Dispensation of Grace did not begin until late Acts or post Acts. We have one group that says the Dispensation of Grace and the Church the Body of Christ both began in late Acts or post Acts. Confusion! Confusion! Confusion!

When did the Dispensation of Grace begin? When did our Church the Body of Christ begin? Unless we have a denominational or “traditional grace” system to promote, we will just agree with the Bible. Let us see what God’s Word says.

Satan and Dispensationalism #7

Sunday, October 11, 2015

“Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles” (Romans 1:13 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is one of the six key areas that Satan has found to be advantageous regarding confusing God’s people in this Dispensation of Grace, the Church the Body of Christ!

Satan wants ignorant Christians. After all, he can only rule over people who are unaware of what really matters. As one dear brother often says, “Ignorant brethren are the world’s largest denomination!” To add insult to injury, the exact six instances where Paul says not to be ignorant of some doctrine, they are the very doctrines of which Christendom is totally ignorant today! Awful! Shameful! Awful!

The first exhortation not to be ignorant is in today’s Scripture. Satan is physically hindering Paul’s apostleship from impacting Gentile believers in Rome. While details are lacking, consider what Paul wrote to the Thessalonian believers, “Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us” (1 Thessalonians 2:18). Satan hindered Paul from visiting Thessalonica by using a corrupt local government that legally banned him and Silas from entering the city (Acts 17:1-9). A similar event may have repeatedly impeded Paul from reaching Rome in today’s Scripture. What we do know is Satan used hindrances to restrain the Apostle’s ministry. (Interestingly, Satan’s plan backfired! God had Paul write Rome instead, thus giving us a Bible book to learn from—that epistle to the Romans!!!!)

There is still a satanic agenda today to keep Christians from listening to the Apostle Paul. Friends, let us ever be mindful of it. Paul is not physically here to be physically hindered, but Satan has alternative schemes. There are plenty of ways to hide Jesus Christ’s heavenly ministry through Paul. How? The Devil’s religious system keeps people in the Old Testament, the Four Gospels, early Acts, and Hebrews through Revelation. They are so busy reading mail that is not to or about them, they have no time or energy to read what is written to and about them. Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, are largely ignored… thus, Christendom is largely ignorant!

The Carpenter from Nazareth (and Heaven) #10

Monday, September 28, 2015

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:1-4 KJV).

Have you ever stopped to consider why Jesus’ earthly trade was carpentry?

A very fascinating portrait has formed. The Lord Jesus’ foster father, Joseph, was a carpenter, and He followed him in the trade. His Heavenly Father, God, was also a Carpenter, and He followed Him in the “family business” also. Today’s Scripture declares Father God was building a house in His creation. Jesus was thrilled to work with His Heavenly Father!

Jesus had studied the “Old Testament” Scriptures to learn that Father God was forming a nation who would learn His Word and then take it to the nations. He also learned, however, that Israel had gotten lost along the way. A vain and corrupt religious system had ensnared her and drawn her away from God’s pure words. The Lord Jesus knew that He had to reteach Israel verses she should have learned and later shared with the nations. As it turned out, they were willing to hear Jesus as much as they were willing to hear Moses. As the years passed, Jesus came to understand that that house Father God was building also involved three iron spikes, a wooden cross, and His sinless shed blood. Israel had to be redeemed from her sinful nature and forgiven of behaviors.

After Jesus taught Israel advanced doctrine built on the “Old Testament” Scriptures, those words were recorded in Matthew through John. This teaching was further developed in early Acts and Hebrews through Revelation. Once our Dispensation of Grace ends, believing Israel is to remain faithful to that doctrine, that the Antichrist not deceive her during those last seven years (verses 5,6). And so, the Carpenter from heaven is there today, to one day come back and finish building His nation Israel! 🙂

The Carpenter from Nazareth (and Heaven) #9

Sunday, September 27, 2015

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:1-4 KJV).

Have you ever stopped to consider why Jesus’ earthly trade was carpentry?

According to the Law of Moses, Israel’s high priest had to first be washed with water, and then anointed with oil, before he could function in that office (see Exodus 29:1-7; cf. Leviticus 8:1-13). That high priest could then offer animals’ blood for the atonement of Israel’s sins (Leviticus chapter 16). In order to function as Israel’s “High Priest” (today’s Scripture), Jesus Christ was water baptized and then anointed with the Holy Ghost (Matthew 3:13-17). Then, His sinless blood was shed on Calvary, for Israel’s sins (Isaiah 53:8; Daniel 9:24).

Now, when our dispensation ends, Israel’s New Covenant can be established (Jeremiah 31:31-34). As the Old Covenant of Law was ratified with animal blood (Exodus chapter 24), so the New Covenant will be ratified by Jesus Christ’s shed blood (Hebrews 8:8-13; Hebrews 10:1-39). That New Covenant will redeem national Israel (Acts 3:19), her believing remnant, and enable them to become a house, Jesus Christ’s “house” (today’s Scripture). Verses 5 and 6 continue, “And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house we are, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.”

So, today’s Scripture contrasts Moses leading Israel under the Old Covenant with Jesus Christ leading Israel under the New Covenant. During the seven-year Tribulation, which will be operate once our dispensation ends, the book of Hebrews urges believing Jews to stay doctrinally pure, until Jesus Christ returns at His Second Coming to begin that New Covenant (cf. Romans 11:26-29).

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Should we pray for sick people?”

The Carpenter from Nazareth (and Heaven) #8

Saturday, September 26, 2015

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:1-4 KJV).

Have you ever stopped to consider why Jesus’ earthly trade was carpentry?

Christ Jesus, the night before dying, spoke a very long prayer, John chapter 17. Some of the words He uttered to His Father, God, were: “[4] I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. [8] For I have given them the words which thou gavest me… [14] I have given them thy word….” Three years of sermons and validating miracles had concluded.

Faithful Jesus Christ had formed a believing remnant in Israel, who could now carry on without Him, ministering to the rest of Israel. He would be crucified shortly, and go back Home to Heaven. They, however, had the doctrine He had taught them, the edifice of sound doctrine in their inner man. The Holy Spirit would come later and teach them additional revelation (John 16:12-14).

And so, Jesus Christ had one more thing to do. In perfect accordance with the Old Testament Scriptures, He let them arrest Him and He laid down His life at Calvary. “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8). Paul writes in Philippians chapter 2: “[5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: [8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Israel’s Apostle could now faithfully function as her High Priest as well!

The Carpenter from Nazareth (and Heaven) #7

Friday, September 25, 2015

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:1-4 KJV).

Have you ever stopped to consider why Jesus’ earthly trade was carpentry?

Today’s Scripture conveys two comparisons—Christ Jesus and Moses, and a “house” associated with each. Both Moses and Christ Jesus were “faithful” to Father God who had appointed them. The best way to understand this is in light of John 1:17: “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

As today’s Scripture teaches, JEHOVAH God gave Moses some revelation, the Mosaic Law, and Moses faithfully communicated it to Israel. Moses said in Deuteronomy chapter 4: “[1] Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. [2] Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”

Moreover, as today’s Scripture teaches, some 1,500 years after Moses, Christ Jesus was faithful in relaying to Israel Father God’s revelation. John 8:28,29: “[28] Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. [29] And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.”

For three years, Jesus Christ loyally taught God’s Word to Israel, forming a little believing remnant. Now, it was time to be “obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).

The Carpenter from Nazareth (and Heaven) #6

Thursday, September 24, 2015

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:1-4 KJV).

Have you ever stopped to consider why Jesus’ earthly trade was carpentry?

God’s purpose in creation (cf. today’s Scripture) was not simply a physical heaven and a physical earth. What He was also doing was using His spoken word to form a spiritual structure, an edifice of sound doctrine. Daily He taught Adam about what He was doing and Adam’s purpose in that plan. Then, Adam willfully abandoned that doctrine and fell into sin. God created the nation Israel to do what Adam failed to do—reign over Earth for His glory. God gave Israel His Law through Moses, but, alas, Israel willfully abandoned it in favor of sin.

Why did Jesus come to Earth? He said, “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24). He was “sent” to Israel, yea, He was Israel’s “Apostle” (today’s Scripture). Jesus Christ came to guide lost Israel back to Father God. She had so strayed from the path of righteousness and had become trapped in the mire of self-righteousness. God’s Son came to live a sinless life in her midst, to be the embodiment of the Law system she never even closely resembled. As JESUS, JEHOVAH-SAVIOUR, He came “to save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

What Adam had miserably failed to do, what Israel had miserably failed to do, Jesus succeeded in doing. As the perfect Man, He had so filled His heart with Father God’s Word! Now, He could teach Israel that word and thus lead her back to God! The edifice of sound doctrine Jesus Christ had built in Himself, He could now work with His Father God, building that structure of sound doctrine in the hearts of His wayward people, Israel.

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Should we use the book of John in evangelism?”

The Carpenter from Nazareth (and Heaven) #5

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:1-4 KJV).

Have you ever stopped to consider why Jesus’ earthly trade was carpentry?

Young Jesus “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Passing from childhood to adulthood, Jesus (as the God-Man) became more aware of His purpose. His physical body grew stronger, His mental faculties strengthened, and His soul became increasingly enlightened as He feasted on His Heavenly Father’s Word (the “Old Testament” Scriptures). “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart” (Psalm 40:8; cf. Hebrews 10:5-7).

One day, Jesus as a Man read or heard the scroll of Daniel chapter 9. He learned of verse 26 about Messiah being “cut off” (killed) 483 years after Nehemiah’s rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. From that day forward, Jesus knew the age at which He would die. He knew the time of year He would die—Passover. Those three years of ministry would pass quickly, and He had to be about His Father’s business. There was no time to waste!

“My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work” (John 4:34). “Jesus said…. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of the Father, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel” (John 5:19,20). “…But as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things” (John 8:28).

Yes, by the time of His earthly ministry, Jesus Christ was fully prepared to work with His Heavenly Father in the “family business” of “carpentry.”

The Carpenter from Nazareth (and Heaven) #4

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:1-4 KJV).

Have you ever stopped to consider why Jesus’ earthly trade was carpentry?

Reading from Isaiah chapter 50: “[4] The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. [5] The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.”

After accidentally leaving 12-year-old Jesus, Joseph and Mary return to Jerusalem and find Him at the Temple, “sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers” (Luke 2:46,47) Verses 48 and 49: “And when [Joseph and Mary] saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”

At age 12, the Lord Jesus was very knowledgeable in Jewish religion, for He had studied the “Old Testament” scrolls by faith. He knew exactly what His Heavenly Father was doing. Did those senior-citizen rabbis? We can only wonder what kinds of questions He was asking those elderly “learned” (?) Jewish doctors of theology! (Sort of like today, when 10-year-old children can quote a clear Gospel of Grace while most “veteran” preachers cannot.) If at age 12 Jesus was so skilled in the word of righteousness, just imagine the spiritual GIANT He was at age 30 when He began His ministry!!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Can you explain Matthew 21:43?”

The Carpenter from Nazareth (and Heaven) #3

Monday, September 21, 2015

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:1-4 KJV).

Have you ever stopped to consider why Jesus’ earthly trade was carpentry?

The Lord Jesus had a reputation among the people of Israel for being “the carpenter’s son” (Matthew 13:55) and “the carpenter” (Mark 6:3). They knew He had grown up under the tutelage of Joseph (“as was supposed” His father; Luke 3:23). Joseph was a carpenter, a very creative man, and had instructed Jesus well concerning the craft.

By the way, what happened to Joseph is not recorded in Scripture. There is Scriptural evidence that he was deceased before Christ’s crucifixion (see John 19:27). Joseph may in fact have died before Christ even began His earthly ministry, perhaps during Jesus’ latter teenage years?

What we can be sure of is that Joseph and Jesus had worked on many carpentry projects. They had designed many edifices together. They had raised many structures together. Together, they had made many houses for people. As a Man, the Lord Jesus had learned quite a bit about wood. Wood was the primary material than His stepfather used to accomplish his goals. As a Man, the Lord Jesus also studied the “Old Testament” Scriptures to learn quite a bit about another a wooden structure. “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52).

As the years passed, it became clearer and clearer what His Heavenly Father was doing. Like His stepfather Joseph, Jesus’ Heavenly Father was building something. As He had so obediently helped His stepfather, the Lord Jesus was now entering the public ministry, ready to raise the structure His Heavenly Father had planned from eternity past….