Category: King James Bible Authority

Riches and the Ages to Come #2

Saturday, August 9, 2014

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).

If Israel’s believing remnant is to endure the seven-year Tribulation’s economic depression, she must remember that faithful JEHOVAH is with her, and that He will bless her in due time.

Had God not interrupted Israel’s prophetic program by saving Saul of Tarsus and commissioning him as the Apostle Paul in Acts chapter 9 (and starting our program, the Dispensation of Grace), Israel’s seven-year Tribulation would have begun in late Acts chapter 7 (the Holy Ghost speaking through the Apostle Peter in Acts 2:16-21 [cf. Joel 2:28-32] taught the seven-year Tribulation would follow the day of Pentecost of Acts chapter 2).

From Acts chapter 9 onward to the end of Acts, we read about God’s transition from Israel’s prophetic program to our mystery program. The books that come after Acts—Paul’s epistles of Romans through Philemon—focus on our program. The book of Hebrews, which comes after Philemon, is the transitional book from our program back to Israel’s prophetic program. Hebrews through Revelation focus on the resumption and conclusion of Israel’s program (Hebrews was written sometime during Acts in the event that Israel’s program would not be delayed 2,000 years like it has been up until now). Thus, the books of Hebrews through Revelation are an advancement of the kingdom doctrine first taught to Israel in the Four Gospels and early Acts (note John 14:26 and John 16:12,13).

Observe Hebrews 2:3-5: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord [Matthew through John], and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost [early Acts], according to his own will? For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.”

Today’s Scripture is God’s Word to Israel regarding “the world to come…,” the recommencement of her program after our program concludes….

Twenty-Six

Thursday, August 7, 2014

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16 KJV).

By God’s grace, I celebrate my birthday today!

In this sin-cursed world, life is ever so fragile—it can be gone in an instant. In this sin-cursed world, life is ever so brief—it will be gone in an instant. With every passing year, I recall an aged Christian’s words to me some years ago: “Life goes by even quicker when you reach my age!” (Our older readers probably heartily agree with her.) Whether young or old(er), every Christian needs to be mindful that this earthly life is just one grain of sand compared to the “beach” of eternity future. This truly sobering thought will certainly cleanse our minds of the limited, deceptive, polluted “here-and-now” attitude.

As a dear brother and friend in the ministry often says, “All the healing claims aside, the death rate is still one a piece!” Thankfully, there is life beyond this earthly one, but we can enjoy that eternal life today. By simple faith alone in Jesus Christ’s death, bloodshed, burial, and resurrection, we can approach God the Father, and have Him deal with our sins in full forever. In Christ, we can enjoy the very life of God Himself right now. We can enjoy fellowship with Him right now when we take His written and preserved Word, the King James Bible, and study and believe it rightly divided. His Word will cause us to look beyond these things that are seen to see (by faith; Hebrews 11:1) the things that are not seen, not the temporal things of this world but the eternal things of the next (2 Corinthians 4:18).

As today’s Scripture affirms, with each passing year, our outer man grows older, weaker, and slower, but with each passing year, our inward man—provided that we daily study and believe God’s Word rightly divided—is growing stronger and stronger in God’s grace. Beloved, may we never take this earthly life for granted, and we who are in Jesus Christ, may we never take our eternal life for granted either! 🙂

Riches and the Four Gospels #6

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

“And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:24,25 KJV).

Understandably, “health-and-wealth” preachers and teachers never quote Jesus’ words in today’s Scripture!

While some teach that Jesus did not literally mean “sell that ye have, and give alms” (Luke 12:33), that His language was figurative (“sell out for Me”), His audience took Him literally. They actually sold their possessions and had all things common in Acts 2:44-47 and Acts 4:32-37. Peter declared to the lame beggar, “Silver and gold have I none!” (Acts 3:6; cf. Matthew 10:9). The Jerusalem saints pooled all their wealth together and lived for each other’s benefit, just as Jesus instructed, while those Jews who did not have their heart in heaven simply ignored Jesus. Ananias and his wife Sapphira lied to the Holy Ghost and did not relinquish all of their wealth—it was so serious that God actually struck them dead (Acts 5:1-11)!

Later, when a great famine troubled the whole then-known world (Acts 11:28), and because there was no interest associated with the common account, the Jerusalem Messianic Jews grew poorer. Moreover, their kingdom program and their kingdom prosperity were delayed (since God had just instated our Dispensation of Grace). Thus, Paul’s Gentile converts repeatedly sent financial relief to these poor Jerusalem saints (Acts 11:28-30; Romans 15:25-28; 1 Corinthians 16:1-3; Galatians 2:10).

Therefore, dispensational Bible study is important. God’s Word to us—Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon—never instructs us to sell all our possessions and share one bank account. We are expected to work in order to eat (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; cf. Ephesians 4:28). Still, Paul also warned about loving and worshipping material goods, for “the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:3-19). While it is not a sin to be materially rich or poor in this the Dispensation of Grace, let us remember that we in Christ are—and always will be—spiritually rich in Christ (Romans 8:32; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Ephesians 1:3; Philippians 4:19). 🙂

Riches and the Four Gospels #2

Saturday, August 2, 2014

“And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:24,25 KJV).

Understandably, “health-and-wealth” preachers and teachers never quote Jesus’ words in today’s Scripture!

The context of today’s Scripture (Luke 18:18-30; cf. Matthew 19:16-30) is a “certain ruler” asked Jesus Christ, “Good Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (verse 18). “[19] And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. [Jesus was asking him, “Are you calling Me ‘God?’” Modern versions water down this verse for obvious reasons.] [20] Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. [21] And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up” (Luke 18:19-21). (Note how law-keeping is related to soul salvation in Israel’s program, just as James 2:17-26 says.)

We proceed to read today’s Scripture within its immediate context: “[22] Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. [23] And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. [24] And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! [25] For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”

Our Lord Jesus commanded this wealthy ruler to sell all of his possessions and give (alms) to the poor. Why? And why did Jesus speak so negatively of being wealthy, warning His audience not to be rich (and instructing them to sell their possessions, too)?

The answers may surprise you….

Delight in the Light

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

“Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors” (Psalm 119:24 KJV).

Let us delight in the Holy Bible’s spiritual light!

While shopping at a store recently, I could hear a young child pitching a fit in the distance but who was drawing closer to me. Then I saw him. In tears, this three- or four-year-old boy was walking around and repeatedly exclaiming, “I want a toy!” No matter what his parents were telling him, he would not be dissuaded. He still remembered what he wanted and he continued to whine for it. He had such delight and such determination. He wanted a toy!

If only everyone in the world were so fervent in seeking soul salvation unto eternal life through Jesus Christ, rather than focusing so much on this temporary world about us! If only all Christians would be so desirous of Bible understanding, rather than dedicating so much time and effort on concentrating on that which will pass away! To think that a child would value a temporary item so much when the average adult gives far less thought concerning things of eternal value.

Think of the many people who take lightly the topics of soul salvation from eternal hellfire unto eternal life and soul salvation from false teaching unto spiritual maturity. They have no idea that they are lost and they have no hint that they are not where they need to be in their spiritual understanding. We have to tell them God’s truth!

I am reminded of a Christian brother who has since “relocated to heaven,” how he used to be so eager to learn God’s truth. He would repetitively utter about spiritual matters, “Give me nothing but the truth. I want to hear the truth.” In this day of “itching ears,” such a plea is rarely heard (2 Timothy 4:3,4). The Psalmist of today’s Scripture desired, recognized, and delighted in the truth. He took great pleasure in the solemn declarations of JEHOVAH God, utilizing His written words as his advisers. Beloved, may we desire, seek, find, and enjoy the preserved words of God in English, the King James Bible, and may we share it with others so they can delight in it, too! 🙂

You At the Finish Line

Monday, July 28, 2014

“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:12 KJV).

When you reach “the finish line,” your brief earthly life now done, your life in eternity has just begun, so you had better have God’s Son!

Some obituary columns are a few sentences long; others feature several paragraphs delineating many lifetime achievements. The deceased were professionals, lifelong members of and servants in local churches, dedicated their time and resources to various clubs and/or organizations, enjoyed certain hobbies, had families, and so on. We read of those who travelled the world as philanthropists, who died as celebrities, who received many prestigious awards, et cetera.

Yet, beyond all of that, we can only wonder what they did with God’s Son. They did a lot with their lives, but what did they do with Jesus Christ’s life? Did they accept it by faith? Was there ever a point when they believed that all of their good works did not measure up before God? Was it ever Jesus Christ living in them, or was it all done for nought (“in the flesh”)? Save Jesus Christ, there is nothing we can take from this world upon death.

Dear readers, God Almighty looks beyond social statuses, material possessions, romantic lives, humanitarian awards, religious affiliations, education, and the like. The Bible is as plain as 19 one-syllable words can be: “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:12). Think of all the things that people often stick into that verse that are not there—there is no reference to church membership, good works, believing God exists, emotional experiences, and so on. We have either trusted God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as our personal Saviour, or we have not. We either have Him or we do not. There is no in-between.

No matter who you are or what you have done, God will accept you in His Son. Come by simple faith in Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection for the complete payment for your sins, and enjoy the everlasting victory He has secured for you!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Can you please explain Paul’s ‘Acts’ ministry?”

Something Better Than Works

Sunday, July 27, 2014

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21-23 KJV).

Today’s Scripture says that there is something better than “good” works. What is it?

Religious people often contend, “If that good person did not go to heaven, no one is going to heaven.” Indeed, there are many kind, honest, law-abiding citizens in religion; yet, even the best of them are imperfect (that is what sin is!). When we read about “all liars” having their part in the lake of fire and brimstone (Revelation 21:8), we realize that condemnation covers everyone. No matter how much “good” we do, there are plenty of lies we can never rescind.

Moreover, the Lord Jesus declared in today’s Scripture that “good” works can actually be “iniquity:” people known for doing “good” works may in fact be those “that work iniquity [wickedness].” He pointed out that good works—even if done supposedly “in His name”—are not the issue. Anyone can do good works, and everyone does good works, so God is looking for something beyond external activity. God is interested in the heart—trust in Him. The Lord Jesus told His audience that they were to do the will of His Father in heaven. What was His Father’s will? “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40). Everyone does “good” works, but precious few will do God’s will by trusting Jesus Christ!

Something better than our works—which are always imperfect—is our faith in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ at Calvary to put away our sins so He can produce in us the good works He alone can generate (Philippians 1:11)!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What is ‘the Dispensation of Grace?’”

Until Seventy Times Seven

Friday, July 25, 2014

“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21,22 KJV).

What is Jesus Christ really communicating in today’s Scripture when He says, “Until seventy times seven?”

The Bible student should always be mindful of every word in the King James Bible; when God’s Word is specific, it is for a reason. Today’s Scripture is such an instance where Bible specifics, not just “general fundamentals,” are important. When the Apostle Peter came to Jesus and asked Him how often he was to forgive his brother (any Jew) who sinned against him, Peter inquired, “Till seven times?” In Scripture, seven is the number of perfection or completion (the creation week, for example, is the first time Scripture mentions the number seven; cf. Genesis 2:1-3). Nevertheless, Jesus answered, “Until seventy times seven.” It is our firm conviction that Jesus did not randomly select this number; He was teaching a doctrine about a special completion.

In Daniel 9:24, the angel Gabriel explained to the Prophet: “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.” It would take seventy weeks of years—or 490 years—to cleanse the nation Israel. For 490 years, God would patiently deal with Israel’s sins and purge her of all wickedness (to be followed by Jesus Christ’s earthly kingdom, the latter part of the verse). Verses 25 and 26 explain that 69 weeks of years (or 483 years) were fulfilled before Calvary, and the final seven years (verse 27) are still awaiting fulfillment (the future seven-year Tribulation).

What Jesus was saying in today’s Scripture was (paraphrased), “Peter, you are to forgive your Jewish neighbor to the extent I forgive your Jewish nation.” According to the foregoing verses, the schedule of Daniel 9:24 was operating when Jesus spoke those words to Peter! Amazing! 🙂

Planting and Watering in God’s Garden

Thursday, July 24, 2014

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6 KJV).

God is growing the plants; we are here to simply plant and water them!

The other day I talked with a Christian brother in the ministry who expressed his desire to see an immediate conversion in the life of one particular lost person steeped in a cult. He wanted to see that person saved the very next day!

Let us read today’s Scripture within its context: “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (verses 6-9).

The Apostle Paul first visited Corinth in Acts chapter 18; here, some pagans had heard Paul preach the Gospel of God’s Grace, and they trusted Jesus Christ unto justification and eternal life. In late Acts chapter 18 and early chapter 19, Apollos, a new Christian and Bible teacher, came to Corinth and taught these newly-saved Corinthians. In today’s Scripture, Paul refers to these events. He had “planted” (soul salvation unto eternal life, God giving the believing sinner, Christ’s life) and Apollos had “watered” (soul salvation unto sound doctrine, the saint allowing Christ’s life to manifest in his or her own life). Whether it was passing from death to life, or learning about the life we have in Christ, it was ultimately God Almighty’s task to generate the results—it is NOT our responsibility to force people to be saved or spiritually mature.

Many people never trust Jesus Christ; many Christians never study their Bibles and mature spiritually. Yet, it takes some people many years before they trust Jesus Christ; it takes some Christians many years before they study the Bible for themselves. Beloved, people prayed for us without ever seeing results in their lifetime. Let us not be so self-willed as to think that God must satisfy us by rushing His work in people to whom we minister. 🙂

Beyond Our Comfort Zone

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12 KJV).

Our Christian lives are really not our own, so may we remove ourselves from our “comfort zone!”

The “comfort zone” is “a situation where one feels safe or at ease.” How many professing Christians, yea how many true Christians, are “too comfortable” to be “bothered” with witnessing and Gospel-tract distribution? Beloved, let us not be selfish! “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:7,8; cf. 1 Corinthians 6:19,20).

From the time He began His ministry near age 30, to when He laid down His life at Calvary three short years later, Jesus Christ accomplished every single work that His Heavenly Father required of Him (John 17:4,8; John 19:30). However, His fellow man hated Him beyond words. Most all of Israel’s apostles are assumed to have died martyrs’ deaths. Right up until his execution, the Apostle Paul labored fervently for the sake of the Gospel of Grace (2 Timothy 4:6-8). As a dear friend in the ministry quips, Paul first inspected the jail whenever he entered a city because he knew he would probably be “checking-in” there that night! The Lord Jesus and His saints stepped out of their comfort zone, risking and losing their lives for Father God’s will. Intense opposition and persecution did not deter them.

Rather than just sitting around condemning the lost world for behaving like the sinners they are, Christianity needs to study their Bibles rightly divided and learn God’s truth so they can tell it to others. We have Jesus Christ, the only key to mankind’s sin problem. As people who have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ alone as our personal Saviour, it is our privilege and responsibility to share Him with others. Absolutely, this means jeopardizing our social status, friendships, acceptance in the family, and yes, our lives. Sure, they will dismiss as crazy, shun us, perhaps imprison or kill us, but at least we cared enough about them that we told them the truth! 🙂